The question to ask is does a Vios owner likes to see that the Vios comes with 5 speed automatic and a more quiet and powerful engine rather than just an exterior changes and maintain very dated 4 speed transmission and no improvement to the engine as well as deteriorated interior quality with higher selling price?

January 12, 2009 @ 9:04 pm

“…simple to maintain “

Second that.

they love it actually…”simple to maintain” is the hottest phrase here. other cars ( especially european ) are too complex n expensive to maintain.

thats why toyota can engage reverse gear and keep “Moving backwards”

However, given UMW Toyota’s style with its most current facelift to the models, it looks like they’re shifting into reverse gear going towards Proton’s trick, ie. creating one edition and called it “S” which stands for…well… you guess it and add on all the plastic you can find in the local accessories shop with no changes to whatever that matters. As well purposely holding back a passenger’s airbag and then add it when facelift is a kid’s trick.

I dont know what get into UMW Toyota’s mind to think that adding a few plastics while charging premium to improve the profitability is the way to go while offering OUT OF DATE engines and conservative design is the trend but it certainly does give me a different “oh…what a feeling” impression on Toyotas these days.

For example, if a customer wants to get a Toyota Vios with black trim, he/she can only have the J/S to consider. One is too basic while the other is loaded with unuseful plastics. One who doesnt want those plastics but in full equipment has to opt for the G variant with Beige Trim. No doubt the targetted main buyers of these segment are young chap who like sportiness hence the S variants fit them (sporty looks, black interior and also most pricey as younger chap follow their heart to buy without too concerned of the budget)while for those who looks for a reliable car can opt for the E/G variants which doesnt have the body kits installed and warmth interior to suit them but what abou those in between? Those who want the full equipment in black trim with a budget in mind? They’re stucked in between.

The intention of a family car is to carry ppl around and certainly a beige interior isnt as practical as black. A family car has to serve its purpose with the right ingridient, ie. practicality. For that, a telescopic steering wheel is NOT a luxury item that only the more expensive cars should have. A proper driving position help to keep the driver in good shape and condition. As for now, Malaysia car manufacturers have moved from inflexible to rigid model variants and who knows what’s coming next? We have to thank our government for their major contribution to this as well and for making many more “genius” planning in the years to come (just look at the rational of proposing to increase the movie ticket price for foreign movies and it wont be hard to see how many genius are at work!!).

Paul, wasn’t it suppose to be called 2.5 SE?

Well, Toyotas, I know you have Lexus to take care of hence launching all the hybrid application to the Lexus 1st is the way to create its market niche but that doesnt give you any excuse of delaying environmental friendly application to the rest of your range. Not to forget in the beginning it’s the Toyota that created the Lexus instead the other way round. Now, shouldnt you be looking serioulsy at some new design teams, Mr Toyota?