Finally! 2023 Toyota Vios gets telescopic steering (and more), closes gap with Honda City

Now that the dust has settled following the launch of the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios, let’s dive into the new features that the new generation model introduces.

First things first, we have to establish the fact that we’re taking the Thai-spec car for comparison and may not be 100 percent representative of the upcoming Malaysian-spec model.

Comfort and convenience features - Now with tilt and telescopic steering adjustment

Perhaps the most important improvement done to the Toyota Vios is the inclusion of a steering column that can be adjusted for reach and rake (in other words, tilt and telescopic adjustments), putting it in line with its core rivals, the Honda City and Nissan Almera.

The lack of tilt and telescopic steering adjustment was one gripe we had with the outgoing model and it’s good to see that Toyota has addressed one of its shortcomings.

Also Read: Pros and Cons: 2020 Toyota Vios 1.5G – Great value but there’s one potential deal-breaker

Another new addition is the addition of rear air-conditioning vents – a feature that’s currently unique to the Honda City.

Also Read: Like the Alza and Ativa, the D92A 2023 Toyota Vios will offer more features per RM

Speaking of air-conditioning, it’s also refreshing to see that the all-new Vios adds a PM2.5 air filtration system into its automatic climate control system.

Elsewhere, the cabin of the all-new Toyota Vios also gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, electric parking brake, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

Also Read: D92A 2023 Toyota Vios: Designed by Daihatsu? Let's spot the similarities with a DNGA Ativa

Safety – Two steps forward, one step back

Keeping in line with Toyota’s trend of continuously improving their vehicles’ safety, the all-new Vios is no exception.

New addition to its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite includes stuff like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Front Departure Alert (FDA), and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC).

For the first time ever, Thailand’s Vios / Yaris Ativ gets Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). These two features are currently found on the Malaysian-spec Vios.

That said, however, the step backwards is the removal of the driver knee airbag as this is a Daihatsu-developed model and not a Toyota-developed one. All variants of Thailand market the all-new 2023 Vios come with 6 airbags.

Also Read: The Perodua-Daihatsu developed DNGA-based 2023 Toyota Vios makes you want to buy the current one

What about Malaysia?

Upon the arrival of the 2023 Toyota Vios in Malaysia some time next year, there are some features that we think could find its way here.

For example, there is a chance for the Malaysian-spec 2023 Vios to feature Lane Keeping Control (LKC) – something the Thai-spec car lacks. This is because the next-gen Vios’ feature set will likely build upon its stablemates, like the soon-to-be-launched Toyota Veloz, which already has LKC.

Apart from LKC, there is a possibility for our Malaysian-spec Vios to feature 60:40 split folding rear seats and a spare wheel, both which are not available on the Thai-spec car but are available on the outgoing model.

Keep in mind that these changes are only referring to the Thai market Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios to us) and all the new features won't necessarily be reflected here. Our upcoming Malaysian-spec Vios may have more (or less?) features.