There used to be a time when a great family sedan simply needed to be practical, comfortable and reliable. Not anymore, today customers want style, performance, safety, connectivity and overall value for money. None more so than in the highly competitive B-Segment category.

Thus, beyond the nuts and bolts, today's B-Segment sedan is an expression of your aspirations and individuality. One car that ticks all the boxes, and then some, is the new 2023 Toyota Vios (AC 100).

Launched in March of this year, the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios took the market by storm, overtaking the Honda City and Proton Persona to become the new segment leader.

More than just a new design, the 2023 Vios highlights an entirely new approach for the model, adopting a fastback-like silhoutte, thus elevating it from just being a practical sedan to an aspirational vehicle that incorporates premium style, technology, safety and comfort for a widely more discerning audience.

Also read: Priced from RM 89.6k, all-new 2023 Toyota Vios (AC100) launched in Malaysia

Locally assembled (CKD) at the Toyota plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, two variants of the 2023 Vios are offered in Malaysia:

• 1.5 E – RM 89,600
• 1.5 G – RM 95,500

Even the entry 1.5 E packs more than enough goodies to satisfy a majority of the buyers. You don't need to pay more for safety. All the essential safety features including six airbags is standard, a long list of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driving aids ensure that you and your loved ones are adequately protected.

Fitted as standard are Pre-Collision System (PCS), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), 3-D 360-degree parking camera (3D PVM), and a built-in dash cam.

The higher range 1.5 G adds Lane Keeping Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), thus making it a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving-capable car.

Further complementing the long list of safety features are the full-LED headlamps and sequential LED turn signals on the tailights - the latter an uncommon feature for cars in this segment. Along the flanks, the 2023 Vios is the only car in its segment that features 17-inch alloy wheels (1.5G variant), finished in a sophisticated dual-tone finish.

Powering the two variants of the 2023 Vios is the proven (2NR-VE) 1.5-litre Dual-VVT-i engine that produces 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque. Paired with a new CVT transmission with 7-virtual ratios, the 2023 Vios now delivers quicker acceleration and linear throttle response without sacrificing fuel economy.

Also read: Review: 2023 Toyota Vios (AC100) - It came, it saw, it conquered? Almost...

In WapCar's internal testing, the 2023 Vios completed the 0-100 km/h dash in 12.3 seconds, a vast improvement over its predecessor, whilst delivering an average fuel economy of just 6.1 litres/100 km.

Its closest rival, the Honda City V variant completes the 0-100 km/h century sprint in 11.4 seconds but offers less fuel efficiency at 6.3 litres/100 km (in WapCar's test).

Yes, the Honda City has a slightly faster sprint time but we suspect it is the Vios' will appreciate its superior fuel economy just as much.

Power is nothing without control; built on the new generation platform, co-developed with Toyota's compact car subsidiary Daihatsu to deliver best-in-class handling and comfort.

The Daihatsu input has been criticized by some, due to the D-brand's lower perceived value (versus Toyota) but all you need to do is take a drive (or ride) in the new 2023 Vios to experience how good the end result is. The proof is in the pudding, and in this case, we ate pudding.

Also read: The 4th generation Toyota Vios AC100 race car for the Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge still has a CVT but not for long

Additionally, benefitting from greater body rigidity, enhanced lightness (110 kg lighter than predecessor) and Toyota's learnings in the Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, the 2023 Vios has been tuned to offer more grip and overall chassis balance that is poised and dynamic, without losing out on overall comfort and compliance on bumpy roads.

All these translate into a car that handles both the day-to-day grind of urban driving and weekend jaunts outside the city with aplomb.

However, to be delighted behind the wheel, you first have to be comfortable. In this regard, the 2023 Vios offers vastly improved driver and passenger seat comfort, and premium soft-touch materials (not unlike more expensive cars) throughout the cabin space, that are stylish and built to last.

Find your perfect driving position, with the new tilt and telescopic steering adjustment (1.5G variant) which puts you in easy reach of important controls and the crisp 9-inch Display Audio infotainment system. Replete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the system allows you to stay connected whilst on the move.

Other notable creature comforts on the inside of the 2023 Vios also include the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and rear AC vents.

Experience the new benchmark of style, safety and driving performance in the B-Segment sedan category with the 2023 Vios.

For a limited period, Toyota Malaysia is offering discounts of RM 5,000 and special financing packages which allow you to own the 2023 Vios with instalments as low as RM 688 per month.

You don't have to believe everything we say. Just go experience the Vios for yourself, and make your own conclusion.