In Brief: Toyota Vios 2019 – Adding More Value

(Toyota Vios 2019 Model | Gallery)

The Vios is Toyota’s bread-and-butter model, as the Vios (and the Yaris) are Toyota’s most affordable models on sale right now. The Toyota Vios was recently updated with a host of safety equipment, making it an excellent choice for many.

What Is the Toyota Vios 2019 price?

Three variants are available, with prices starting from RM 77,200 for the 1.5J variant, while the mid spec 1.5E costs RM 81,200. The range-topping 1.5G costs RM 87,300.

All variants of the Toyota Vios 2019 share a 2NR-FE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i petrol engine mated to a CVT-type automatic that sends all 107 PS and 140 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Our pick of the range is the 1.5G, as it includes a host of segment-first safety features like Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Toyota Vios 2019 1.5G also gets a built-in front digital video recorder (DVR) and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM).

However, if you think that these features are unnecessary, then the Toyota Vios 2019 1.5J or 1.5E would be a better option as these two variants still receive 7 airbags, stability and traction control.

Toyota Vios 2019 Pros and Cons

For those looking for a fuss-free purchase, the Toyota Vios 2019 is a good choice, as it has a reputation for being relatively cheap to run, easy to fix, and durable enough for our driving conditions.

As mentioned earlier, the Toyota Vios 2019 is packed to the brim with safety equipment, addressing one of the biggest complains its predecessors had. With the introduction of this model, Toyota has made safety equipment like the 7 airbags, stability and traction control standard across the range, effectively making the Vios more attractive to buyers.

Apart from its generous safety equipment, the Toyota Vios's cabin quietness and refinement levels are segment-leading, beating even the City. 

Despite that, the Toyota Vios’ interior is a bit of a let-down, as there are limited storage spaces within the cabin. The steering column cover also has a nasty tendency of reflecting onto the meter cluster, making it hard to read the meter cluster.

What Are The Alternatives of Toyota Vios 2019?

The Toyota Vios’ biggest rival in the segment is the Honda City (RM 73,496 – RM 91,832). However, other rivals such as the Mazda 2 Sedan (RM 76,670 – RM 94,670), and Volkswagen Vento (RM 84,690 – RM 98,490).

Since its introduction back in 2014, the Honda City went on to become Malaysia’s best-selling non-national B-segment sedan, toppling the Toyota Vios 2019. Honda Malaysia updated the City in 2017, giving its little sedan an updated exterior design. However, the biggest let-down is the infotainment system, as it lacks a clock. Cabin refinement and quietness of the City also falls behind the Toyota Vios 2019.

Another alternative to the Toyota Vios 2019 is the Mazda 2 Sedan. Unlike the uber practical Honda City, the Mazda 2 Sedan takes a completely different approach, as the Mazda 2 Sedan’s cabin quality is unrivalled in its segment. Touch points and build quality is top notch in the Mazda 2 Sedan. Further adding to the Mazda’s highpoint is its driving dynamics, which beats every other segment rival.

Sitting in the European corner is the Volkswagen Vento. Several variants of the Vento exist, but the one you would want to get is the Vento Highline, fitted with the turbocharged 1.2-litre engine. Performance sedan it may not be, but the Vento Highline offers sufficient grunt for day-to-day commute. However, maintenance cost for the Vento is on the high side. The Vento also lacks curtain airbags which other segment rivals offer.

If you’re willing to look past the usual candidates, the Proton Persona is also a worthy option. Like the Toyota Vios 2019, the Proton Persona is also a B-segment sedan, but with a more palatable price tag.  However, keep in mind that the Persona, like the Iriz, is part of Proton’s legacy range of models. The facelift that Proton introduced earlier this year improved the Persona marginally, but overall refinement still falls behind the competition.