Yes, it was time the game moved on. All automakers know that it’s a bad idea to lose the buying public’s interest – to have them saying that all cars look the same. So we’ve seen some gentle bumps and bulges in the norm-defying envelope as a bit of self-expression tries to break out. The Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic, to name but two.
But the trick is to be really bold and really mainstream simultaneously; to be truly outrageous with your biggest-volume product. It takes someone as big as Toyota to do that. And Toyota, after the turn of the Millenium, is not quite known to be forward-looking or edge-designing. But it’s confident now that it has done exactly that.
Recently, it was goodbye the well-loved executive-like XV40 Camry and hello the edgier, younger-looking XV50 Camry. Oh dear, the public isn’t quite ready yet, as the declining sales figures would suggest. Now it’s goodbye tedious and boring Vios, hello new, third-generation 2013 Toyota Vios. Are our streetscapes really going to look like that?
There’s no danger of mistaking the new Vios for anything else. It pushes this edge business as far as it’s safe to go. Further than Toyota did with the Camry softening-up exercise, but not quite as far as with the contrived and slightly overdone Lexus IS. It’s a largely successful redesign, avoiding many of the old Vios’ numerous stylistic downfalls.
From the outgoing Vios, it inherits enough of the rounded face not to look totally alien, but its profile and high-strutting stance are all-new for a mainstream B-segment family sedan. The cabin is just as full of lines and sweeps, and there’s the newfound bump in refinement and comfort to think about, too.
The 2013 Toyota Vios has just been launched in Malaysia, and as expected, there’s already a long queue at every Toyota dealership in the country. Should you join the line, though? That’s what we’re about to find out.
Undoubtedly the biggest car launch of the year, bar Malaysia’s own Proton Suprima S, the new Vios sports a new look that is light-years ahead of its predecessor. That’s important, because Toyota, beyond anything else, makes much of the new car’s athletic looks rather than its actual athleticism.
Automotive enthusiasts, including those that are reading this, incline towards the fast and entertaining, but don’t be encouraged by the sporty bodykit fitted to the car here. This is a top-level Vios 1.5 G automatic, the most rounded variant UMW Toyota sells. Above it is the TRD Sportivo model, which is the Vios’ optimum let’s-play guise, but adds little to the drive.
Thankfully, the extensive body add-ons are optional on all but the TRD Sportivo model. Let’s look at it as an attempt to make the Vios look less like a retiree-targeted sedan to begin with, but by the looks of it, UMW Toyota shouldn’t even have bothered. Like the Camry before it, the bodykit detracts rather than enhances the car’s basic shape, appearing more like an aftermarket project than an in-house design.
It really doesn’t look much like the old Vios that everyone loves to hate, does it? There’s no more thick-set rear three quarters, and those sleek lamps, both front and rear, really does visually lengthen the vehicle. The new car is actually longer than before, of course, by 110 mm, but it looks much larger than that.
Big, bold, quasi-rectangular headlights, similarly-elongated taillights hoisted high on the rear quarters, a waistline that starts high and gets higher without being awkwardly so, little chrome signatures all over… Clearly, a good time has been had at the design studios. It’s not what we’d call naturally beautiful, and you may call it something else, but it’s intriguing. As it’s a Vios. And it looks like that!
There’s function to the form, too. It certainly looks sleeker, that’s obvious enough, but it cheats the wind more efficiently too. It’s a lot more aerodynamic now, to the improvement of both fuel economy and cabin refinement. You’d expect a Toyota to excel in both departments, and this one truly does.
The new Vios is taller than the one it replaces, though it hardly appears so. It’s a good deal roomier inside, particularly in rear legroom. That’s a good achievement, considering the wheelbase has not changed. But you’re more likely to notice the dashboard, with its instrument panel back where it belongs rather than smack in the middle, as in the past two models.
There are a lot more fine detail changes than there is room here to describe. Lines, angles and sweeps, that’s the new idea, with a black and cream (or Ivory, as Toyota insists) combination that’s all too pleasing to the eyes. It’s a big departure from the basic just-all-you-needed approach in the last Vios.
It’s a fair bit more modern, then. Hard plastics pervade, but you do get a more refined finish on every surface that’s visible. The new steering wheel design is as good to hold as it is to see, with thick rims covered in soft leather. Pity that the plastics on the steering boss looks to have the worst finish in the entire cabin, ruining what is otherwise a fine interior for this class.
There’s an emphasis on perceived quality here. Everything looks premium. It’s straight-laced but high-class, right down to the leather “stitching” across the dashboard trim pieces. The illusion falls apart when you examine closely, knocking on each panel as you would in showrooms. The plastics used are all hard, but at least they’re nicely textured and good to the sight.
Toyota has gotten it right yet again, securing a huge improvement in the desired look and feel department. Well, maybe not the feel part. Yet, as far as showpieces go, this one nails it. If it looks premium, it is premium, as they say. Just don’t touch the fake stitching too much.
Let’s get a move on then, shall we? First thing you notice is the engine, because it’s remarkably quiet. That used not to be a strong point of the Vios, but fine detail updates to the engine mountings and sound insulation has almost silenced the motor. It has made a big difference. It spins up with barely a quiver, and delivers its power in an easy, evenly spread way.
Say all you want about it, but the 1NZ-FE 1.5 litre VVT-i engine is as reliable as they come, and it’s not that far down on power either. Its 109 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm are class-competitive, and Toyota claims a 5% improvement in fuel economy on what is already an efficient car.
The gearbox – yes, that old four-speed automatic transmission – is just fine in this application. The Vios’ target audience wouldn’t care if it had any more gears, so changing it would have been wasteful. It’s the same story with the engine. The tried-and-tested combination sells more than a technologically-advanced, yet unproven machine fitted with all new features known to man would. Just ask the Ford Focus.
It may not look pretty on the spec sheet, but it still works well within its limits and crucially, will continue to do so until the world ends, or when you chose to end it. Ten, twenty years down the road, a perfectly working car, any car, will look far prettier than those parked by the side of the road, halted, with angry-looking owners.
What is less known but is in fact undeniable, is that a four-speed transmission, if done right, is all you need. Nothing more, of course, but no less either. In the new Vios, the antiquated gearbox works better than before, fitted with updated software settings. The throttle uptake is far less rubbery, giving the engine better response and measured-by-the-seat-of-your-pants performance.
Shifts remain ultra smooth, unless you have the throttle pedal mashed on the floor, where you’d feel the large gaps of power surge between the slow gear changes. Drive it like you actually own the car (and put money on it) though, and it performs just as a well-executed comfort-oriented family sedan should: well-mannered, smooth, quiet and comfortable.
The new Vios is faithfully built on its hugely successful predecessor’s rock-solid identity. Much has changed in terms of looks, but underneath the fancy new metalwork lies the same old Vios running gear that thousands have loved and cherished. Remember the adage, “if it ain’t broke?” There’s simply no reason for Toyota to recreate what it has already established to be an immensely successful formula.
Next, the steering. Toyota has made much of its EPS advances over the past few years, but it hasn’t always given the last word in steering feel, despite their undoubted good manners. The new Vios’ helm, though, is the best expression yet of the technology.
It feels devoid of rubber interface, crisp and linear and exactly proportional in cause versus effect. You can’t feel what’s going on underfoot, but the point is that the steering is always faithful, whatever you do. You don’t react to it, because there’s nothing to react to.
The Vios is a car you’d least likely take for a back road blast, just for the hell of it. It’s just not that kind of car, nor would its owners have penchant for such inclinations. Though better than before, the Vios is neither incisive nor interactive enough through the bends, as reflected by its soft-edged but adequate power delivery.
You just don’t buy a Toyota Vios to go hard through every corner. If you did, then you’ve bought the wrong car. Driven as it should, there’s not much to comment on the car’s handling other than that it’s perfectly livable with. And to Vios owners, that’s just perfect.
The revamped suspension (still torsion beams in the back) is good at filtering out road noise too, and low friction moving parts help towards a ride which, despite having a firmer set-up compared to the old car, is as good as the squidgier-handling Nissan Almera.
It’s by no means sporty, this car, with a lot of elasticity in its handling and lots of suppleness in its ride. The latter is one of the Vios’ biggest strengths, as it does ride with a more confident, more accomplished serenity than its predecessor. Gone is the clunky, slightly crashy ride, replaced with a surprisingly sophisticated quality never before associated with an entry-level Toyota.
You’ve probably guessed the verdict. It goes well, handles predictably enough, rides fluidly, makes little noise and feels good to sit in and, most importantly, makes a big visual statement. The new Toyota Vios does all that, especially the last one. You can’t not have an opinion about this car, that’s how big of an achievement this is.
If there’s any doubt, the prices should clinch it. Yes, others may offer faster, cheaper, safer and better equipped alternatives (in some cases, all of them together), but the fact remains that the previous Vios was by far and away the leader of its class in terms of sales, and this new one is better in every possible way, without being any more expensive to buy.
It’s great to look at, or at the very least better than before, holds up to customer expectations to touch and is delightful to own and live with. On a visceral level, it’s not really in the running, but we know that already. Look at it this way: if it had a brand new engine and a six-speed gearbox, would a car enthusiast really want a Toyota Vios?
The 2013 Toyota Vios is, at the end of the day, a perfectly suitable choice for a large majority of motorists. It may not appeal to you or me, but to others, the Vios remains the obvious choice. With its grand new looks and improved road manners, rightly so too.
For full prices specifications, read our comprehensive 2013 Toyota Vios launch report here.
The best ever launch car this year… Can beat city in every aspects
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Suprimau. I think Real Real man don’t drive, they walk or run.
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Agree, those hypocrite proton fanboys don’t sound a word when Saga also don’t have the 3 letter word VSC. Worst, they try to tipu the rakyat that Saga has 3 stars safety rating but the truth is it got only 1 star. Boo to proton and it’s brainless supporter…
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If VSC is so important, why same segment Saga don’t have VSC? So according to Proton Salesman theory above, Saga = Death Machine juga. Haha.
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The price is due to your beloved G lah. You don’t know? Can if remove protection tax but who buys Saga then?
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Malaysian kimchis come standard with VHL
Very HaiLat
very stupid comment.
Finally, the new legend has arrived.
Hafriz, can i know the estimated fuel consumption for this car?
I need this data so that i can outsell this car to meet UMW Toyota target.
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That is not the real Sam
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you do not know anything called as crumple zones?
let me help – all modern cars have this designed crumple zones to divert impact energy away from passenger cabin. that is how good it is.
and in your wife’s case – the boot is empty while the cruze has an engine as part of its structure.
you need to read more.
K5 and Cerato is known as the 21st Century kamikaze.
After these rotten cabbages gets valuated, the owners will by default have the suicidal instint
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Actually, you have to read the fine prints.
Kimchi gives you VHL instead of VSC.
VHL = Very HaiLat
Sam is rite. All Koreans have VHL as standard.
VHL-Very HaiLat
VSC for sushi
VHL for kimchis
Its stands for Very HaiLat
If Hyundai/Kia are Very HaiLat, then you are SHL, Super Hai Lat to think that Hilux and Vios are the best car because they can have so good RV that make you become SHL. What a nerd. And Sorry, i Don’t drive Toyota or Hyundai/Kia. I am driving BMW
Agree – sick with mostly youngster those i met driving vios on the road are act like riding the safest car in the world. To be honest, i think Preve are safest than this car…although am not fan of this two cars.
OMG…Better buy the facelift H.City full spec with vsc with 8k rebate than buying this crap without vsc.
8k rebate? really??
only desperate businessmen gives huge discounts to move stocks. clearly honda city is not selling well.
Actually, as an ex-kumchi owner, I have to say that all Korean Cars come with VHL instead of VSC
VHL-Very HaiLat
Have you ever seen a CT used as a Taxi? No right… because CT got class, next year new model will tapau this “ikan keli”os.
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I Guess u are too old mr suprimau… ur comment looks so traditional.. go and buy old toyota KE20 then..no VSC,, suited so called real driver like u
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Lol what a joke. So the ultimate Driving machine has vsc ferrari has vsc so those car are not drivers car only this ugly dugong is the car that hardcore drivers drive right suprimau. What a fanboyism.
I’d be more afraid of cars with too much electronics. You’ll never know when that VSC is gonna go haywire on a straight line.
Probably 20 years ago, people were afraid of airbags too, because they thought those things would pop out suddenly while driving!
If its Japanese electronic, then your worries are over.
If its Euro or Kimchi, stay away at all cost
Hafiz, your review is unmistakably pro-Toyota. Long winded intro like Clarkson and long discussion on the design but only two lines on the engine.You are trying to minimize the negative aspect of the car.
YOU SHOULD BE FAIR.You were very critical of the Suprima. Your review of Vios is also devoid of passion as when narrating the Mazda 6.The car is just not as good but imbued with positive account TO SATISFY THE CAR CO.
I agree, I don’t know how to disagree you. Just I hope it’s compared with other cars in same segment like city, saga or kia rio.
agree with you bro
I personally think its a fair review.
To compare with Suprima, I suggest a comprehensive head-to-head test drive comparison. Drive, technology, quality, everything.
You want me to review your Suprima? You won’t like it though.
yep, sounds like it….
just say “ITS OK TO USE THE OLD 4AT AND ENGINE SINCE ITS A TOYOTA” la…. thats the message he wanted to deliver actually
So, kimchi owner should be proud that they have VHL in their cars by default
VHL-Very HaiLat
Please equip with VSC to beat the City. For sale..yes vios can beat bcos of the J specs.
Yeah, and it makes my used kimchi yard stocked with near new kimchis at record low prices
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D and C Segment kimchi owners are threatened by a B-Segment Vios.
This is very interesting, but K5/Forte owners being shown at least 2 Hilux is inevitable
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This car can beat City in every aspects? With its dated engine and gearbox? Or its seat wrapped with TRD badge? You sure or not?
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Can see many vios fanboy here that doesn’t like it when vios kena critic. Hahaha. They really think driving a vios means they made it in life. . Ka pui! Wake up u chow ah Beng. Gong kia drives vios, understand u Si beh knn gong kia!
It’s really bad that Toyota claimed better fuel efficiency in this new model when it’s NOT! No complaints abt the comfort, style n nice drive from this car but the fuel efficiency is worst than the earlier version.
Finally this beauty is up in the market. I wouldn’t say its the best car in the market, but its bang for the buck car. Lets see what this car has to offer (alternative Paul Tan review that would never be published)
1/ Sleek exterior styling – in some ways reminds me of the new Aventador on how the lower bonnet and side profile connects with each other. 5 star job by Toyota, a kick to the face of the ‘supposed’ best designer Peter from KIA, what a shambles the k3 is compared to the beautiful Vios.
2/ Reliable tech – the decision to use the old technology is a strange one but makes sense. Why fix something that is reliable and works brilliantly? I’ve not come across any Toyota that breaks down in my life, and theres a simple explanation to this. Reliable Tech. Unlike KIA who churns out technology which I doubt they understand or knows how to utlize, I see a broken KIA as much as I see an obese person on Malaysian streets.
3/ Interior – One of the most innovating in its class, and one would be proud to be sitting in all day before the health and safety officers come pulling you out in fear of the driver committing suicide. A bucket loads of high technology only found in German Marques like GPS, push start button, soft plastics etc. Toyota has done this well. Compare to the more expensive k3 which doesn’t even come with GPS and a puny screen, this is basically a ‘fck you’ sign to Peter’s KIA by the ever brilliant and innovative Toyota engineers
4/ Safety – many has bragged about how the Korean has more safety features. But does it really matter? Its a chicken an egg story basically. If you are a lousy driver and relies solely on the car’s safety system, you are basically fighting fire, instead of preventing it and hence you are better off the road from dangering other users. A good driver doesn’t need these fancy ESP or whatever jargon the automotive industry has been throwing to us, all you need is airbags, and 2 is more than enough. It’s a fact in the past that the rate of accident is much much lower than we have now, and the reason is the drivers are too dependent on the car, instead of the skills. So this car is a true drivers car, without needed much interference or false security by the many techs being thrown into a beautiful piece of engineering marvel called the Vios.
5/ Price – a contender with the k5 and yet half the price, what more can I say? the Koreans have been short changing the Malaysian market for so long and its time to put a stop into this. Get the vios or other similarly priced Japanese car for a better ride, comfort and safety for you and your family.
I could go on and on, but out of respect to the brilliant reviews posted in this article, I would stop here.
One final word. Avoid smelly Kimchi, stick to delicious and healthy Sushi
Brace yourselves,
Pro-Kimchi/Nasi lemak and Anti-Sushi comments are coming !
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My modus operandi is only to make profit from sorhai owners that buys kimchis brand new.
And I always encourage more people to buy new Hyundai’s, not Kia’s. Reason is simple.
Sonata and Elantra has better turnover rates with a much healthier margin.
K5 and Forte/Cerato owners are always shown at least 2 Hilux. 2nd hand market has very little demand for them
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this is macai toyota vios
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Only people without money but wanna “face” will take loan up to 9 years.
Yes meh? So you look down on poor chap la ?? U sure u earn ur money honestly ?
not really. there are some with money who deliberately take a 9 yr loan. they may be using part of their income for other things. i know one who took a 9 yr loan for an Almera who will probably become a millionaires by the time she’s forty. her colleagues and friends don’t know it but her personal bankers and family members and relatives do.in fact her debt service ratio is among the lowest i’ve seen for someone with her background (professional,high savings and investment,no dependants etc).
people are quick to judge a person by the car that they drive, not realising that although the car is ‘mediocre’, he/she could’ve afforded something better but chose to use his/her money for something else.
believe me when I tell you, not all blokes with a 9 year car loan have little money and not all blokes driving expensive cars have money. ask AKPK!
Gud luck being a slave of bank for another 9 years…
This car is “high class luxury car”? Seriously?
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Just admit that Sam just showed you the Hilux
Short term pain, long term gain.
Get rid of that carcinogenic kimchi once and for all
Walao A how can your imagination even connect an Aventador to this junk?!The outgoing Vios is still better looking than this.
agree on the aventador part, he has gone too far. but there’s no way the previous gen vios is better looking than the current one. sorry, 1000% NO WAY!!
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If you do, always consider a used unit. Very dai mai.
Someone else has been shown the Hilux :)
Bro.. From your post keep bashing Korean cars and make Toyota like god car. Different manufacturer have different strategy. If its all same, what choice would we have left? Vios will serve very well as a reliable economical car. Yes why economical? Because RV is higher (than proton, no doubt) hence the statement.
Sam does not bash kimchi. He just trades them for a living.
I might join him soon, as kimchis are traded in at very low prices and sold with a healthy margin, with the exception of Kia
I’m a Maserati fan. Your views are so not Maserati..”official” some more..Please change your name to Mercedes or whatever..but well, I can’t control you..so I guess I’ll just have to accept a Maserati poser is in the house..appreciate your opinions..but from someone named Maserati (official)? haihh…
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Bang for bucks?? Come on~~u must be joking~~
Interior most innovating of its class??!!!?!?!?! oh my god~~please save him~~
Contender to K5?? What?? and where??? Can u actually read and process info correctly?
Wow, K5 owner so desperate?
K5 is D-Segment, and he is afraid that a B-Segment Vios can swing buyers away from the D-Segment kimchi
All I can say is that Kia comes with DVHL as standard
Agreed that vios provide better ride and comfort especially in term of reliability. But safety, seriously ??
“A good driver doesn’t need these fancy ESP, all you need is airbags, and 2 is more than enough.”
Now I guess even UMW remove the rear sensors or whatever blablabla, some toyota fanboys will still say
“A good driver doesn’t need these fancy crap sensor, all you need is side mirrors, and 2 is more than enough” ??
Just ask the Ford Focus?
Lets see, the second gen uses a 2.0 and paired with a 4 speed auto. The current one uses the same engine but in comes the GDI and the transmission is a 6 speed DCT.
Now, that is a change. The Vios still sports the same drive-train after years. So what gives here?
I think what he is trying to say is, Ford Focus is far more advanced than the previous Focus, but that doesn’t guarantee good sales.
The tried and tested combination: that sells more than a technologically advanced, yet unproven machine fitted with all new features known to man would.
The tried and tested (Vios)
The technologically advanced blablabla (Focus)
Obviously Vios outsold Focus. That’s what the author meant.
Ah noted. But either way, tried and tested TOO long I should say? On the topic of the Focus, it never sell as much as the Fiesta or the Vios since we are in the topic here but do note that I have seen many 3rd gen running around than the second gen, though the latter sales increased with the introduction of the TDCi
Not much of the technological advancement which leads to sales here. Its just whether you want to be safe or different.
WHY change something that is even better than those junk KOREAN 6 speed gearboxes?
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The Ford focus is a nicer car to drive for sure but buyers that Toyota target are totally different. They want a no fuss car that is reliable and comes from a brand they trust. In this respect they have done well.
Ford’s dual clutch gearbox are very touch and go, and I don’t think they are everyone’s cup of tea. Plenty of complaints about jerkiness at low speeds etc. Its nice if you understand the underlying technology and drive it the way it should be driven, but general car consumers don’t care.
Focus is C-Segment
why compare focus with vios…the former is global car which is available in every corner of the world so the specs are standard accross the board no matter which geographical locations. the latter is targeting south east asia so the specs are tailored made for the region. so don’t compare the 2 models side by side as they are targeting different market altogether!
You guys just doesn’t get it isn’t it?
Our dear Hafriz Shah is not comparing car specs, he just meant a technologically advanced car (like the Focus) is not getting sales as much as a normal average one like the Vios lah.
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no more “dugong” look, looks more civilised.
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As long as you don’t get a new kimchi, you will not have the Hailat look when Sam points you at the Hilux
katy perry front,selena gomez end,demi lovato in but auntie rosmah guts…wat da fish…sigh….
Please kindly write the article in normal human English language. The car though, lain kali lah.
Sorry, can you explain what this mean: “So we’ve seen some gentle bumps and bulges in the norm-defying envelope as a bit of self-expression tries to break out. “?
The vios update finally here……interior i dun like the instrument panel and steering design is a bit off, the old steering look much better….. exterior is stylish and aggressive..
New camry is here…….new Vios is here……when is the new Altis….that will be my next car……….
Real winner drives Vios. A symbol of success, hard work able to pay 10% deposit minimum RM7K. Much easier to get wife too.
Only losers buy syok sendiri crap car at zero down payment 9 yrs loan. Normally ladies rejected these losers too.
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like!!!!
like!!!
Aiyo real winner drives Vios ka?I also have a Vios in my garage and that’s mean I’m driving it,but I still have time to trolling with you in Paultan,am I consider as a winner?Don’t make joke la pal
Real winners @ Real Driver got driver to drive for him bcos he only fly Gulfstream on weekend hahaha!
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It’s OK you can keep your old Saga.
And you cannot afford Vios anyway so why bother.
Go for a new kimchi, your face will be HaiLat ugly when Sam shows you his Hilux
*grabs popcorn*
got it!
*nom*
*nom nom nom*
Anyone have peanut?
guess would it hit 300 reply?
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I never take a look or test drive a vios since the inception of Vios from 2003 onward because I am more attacted to the Honda City DSI during year 2003 with beige colour interior.
But this one really caught me by surprise with the good proportion external design (not big and not too small) and the internal dashboard look great if compared to other B segment car but not outstanding.
I prefer those gear/brake divider console to be higher than the front seat to look more luxury.
I will test drive it and compared with the Honda Jazz. Hope this new design with bullet proof engine can convince me to change car.
nice review hafriz, u did your best to avoid argument between japs fan vs full spec korean fan.
Broheim, personally I felt that this… is a well-worded review. Fair, just and and oh-so-diplomatic ;) Kudos man!
Overall, the new Vios looks good, apart from the DRLs, which look too much like an after-thought, just like to Camry. Luckily, cheaper variants don’t have it.
Gerenti Toyota become top 2 sales this year or next year!
Syabas in advance to UMW Toyota! Keep up the good work OK!
There was a saying in the international forums on Toyota sedans: picture yourself finding your toaster or microwave oven broken, you go into the store and get a new one, you don’t look at brand , you just see that it is familiar and you just get it, that can be said with Toyota’s customer, it’s just a natural way to get a appliance that can fetch you from A to B as fuss-free and un-emotionally as possible. It’s a natural, fuss free choice.
Same can be said with this, The power plant thou old is still bloody reliable and, do buyer care weather it performs? Chances are no, it conserve fuel and it moves the car, that’s all matter. The brakes slows the car, the radio plays the music the ride is comfortable. Basically as a product, it’s a step up from the old, the interior looks better(it has dashboard stitching, thou nothing much it does bring and upmarket feel) there is a step up in refinement and at least there’s standardize safety set up across the range(thou they are all dismal but it beats the ‘poorer you are, the riskier your life’ option the others are giving). It’s not a bad car, it’s just that there are better ones out there, overall I kinda like the change in attitude UMW is giving(how little of it). It’s an improvement, it’s still playing catch up in the pack, but at least there’s some catch up.
And thank you for putting the meter at the right place now.
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I too do not like to live boring life (some say I maybe even genetically incapable). But that dosen’t mean we can shunt those who does. There is a huge majority of the population that view cars as no different to how most view our Fridge or Microwave oven, its nothing more than an appliance, and a Vios fills that duty nicely, a reliable, trusty little appliance that does its job, nothing more. Problem with the Vios is this, theres the ALmera and that does the same job as the Vios but it is cheaper and maybe even bigger.
Good idea. Buy a new kimchi now.
Your life will be full of undesirable exitement until the day you get rid of it.
The last round of exitement would be Sam showing you the Hilux
“You don’t buy a Toyota Vios to go hard through every corner. If you did, then you’ve bought the wrong car. ”
Look like they are many people bought the wrong car ! saw many Vios owner tackle corner like Type R
Yeap. But you gotta hand it to the 1NZ-FE though, it’s pretty punchy in city driving.
Note: against its similar priced competitors
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As a vios owner.. I must say.. Vios is a good product.. Very reliable, economy & fast enough. I am proud to own a 2006 Vios that equipped with Override button.. Which I think no longer available with the new models.. But this one look nice.. & finally.. The back seats can fold.
J spec still can’t fold the seat laa
Proton… your Persona life is end it is time for you to show ur power to take down this Vios… ngek ngek ngek!
however, to be fair, this vios interior does look nice and premium feel… so proton gambateh!
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design of this model is better than city and almera
i give 5 star on this model
Seriously , this is the car I want . Thanks Paul .
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Consider the alternative.
Used kimchis are high spec and low priced
And I was a kimchi victim.
Now I can safely say that Sam will never show me the Hilux again
Do you have any pictures without that hideous tumour-looking bodykits? All the pictures I’ve seen so far has bodykits on it.
the car like the writer of this article is rather muted. why doesnt he jst say what he really needs to say instead of trying not to offend Toyota?
not bad at all but still 2003 engine & gear box, so this sushi or nasi lemak (preve)? myb its not fair to compare with inspira but from the spec and price given, i think inspira (sushi+nasi lemak) is better buy rather than preve and this vios.
As much as other keyboard warriors like to bash this car, its gonna sell like hotcakes.
Not that buyers who are loyal to Toyota does not wanna change, but Toyota is still living up to its name by providing satisfactory owner experience to them.
Until a day comes when a shitty new Vios joins the scene, this Vios will still climb the charts and dominate our roads.
I am a bit concerned for City though. It used to sell by “looking better” than the Vios previously. I don’t think it will now. To be honest i think it looks too dated and a bit too ah-beng-ish with the full bodykit-spoiler offer as well.
Vios > City/Almera.
hopefully city will give a discount… then i can buy this 1 instead of vios… :)
Gamers will understand this.
The Vios is pretty much Call of Duty in a nutshell. Used to be awesome back in the day (CoD4 2007), everyone praised the online multiplayer like God. But after some time, Call of Duty got crappier (MW2 2009) and just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, in came MW3 2011. The previous gen Vios is MW2/3. This new Vios is BO2 2012, it’s still not good enough, but not nearly as bad as MW3.
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It definitely shines… to make my car to look better.
nice and fair review..it may not be the best handling car,the best spec car but it is the right car for majority of people..thats vios for you
Seriously, this car look more cool without the body kit. the body kits make the car looks like ikan keli.
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nowadays when i read paultan review, i just skip straight to the comments part, coz i really cannot understand what the writter want to expressed.
the sentence just complicated and long winding until i finish reading, i just dont know this vios is good or bad.
or it meant to be like that?can just use simple language that is understand by human.
Thumbs up for this comment
I understood most of it just fine. He’s trying to be unbiased in the review (which is good. he’s not trying not to offend Toyota) and said that the new Vios is an improvement over the old Vios. Also goes on to justify why Toyota decides not to research and change the engine and the gearbox. Towards the end, he also acknowledges that there are people who desire more from their car for the price they pay but for the VAST MAJORITY OF MALAYSIAN CAR BUYERS, the Vios is all they need.
If your eyes are sharp, Paul’s message in all his articles will have a subliminal message as below :-
“Kimchis have no RV”
Mana Mazda3 baru?
can you do a review/test drive on the J Manual variant? the reason i am considering this car is because i like to drive Non-local & affordable vehicle with manual transmission.
No doubt, the new vios is beautiful. Most of Malaysian will still buy this because of economical and reliability aspects. Only pure car enthusiast will not fall into this trap ;)
Its flattering when so many people are trying to use my nick probably to garner alot of likes .
Anyway,back to the story,this VIOS looks superb! I had a go in it recently,and its such a nice car to drive!
Yes,people like those KOREAN fanboys will hate this car ,but I can tell you that it is so much nicer to drive compared to the Elantras,Fortes,Ceratos and whatever Korean JUNK that is available in the market now.
Its such a smooth operator and the moment u step on the gas,it just goes without any hesitation.
Yeah,the Koreans will come fully loaded with kit but whats the point when the car drives worst than a 20 year old Honda Civic?
This VIOS is so going to destroy the HYundais and the KIAS out there! Its going to destroy them so badly that they probably will stop selling junk korean cars anymore .
As a conclusion,this Vios trumps its competitor in every way. To put it simply, its a great all rounder which is even nicer to drive than a HONDA CITY.
So Korean fanboys out there,just face it. Your cars are not good enough! You may think they are good,but they are in fact utter rubbish.
TQ
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Many K5 and Cerato owners were comparing their D and C segment cars with a B Segment sushi.
That immediately tells you how inferior kimchis are.
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After Sam showed me the 2 Hilux, I am now no longer gonna be a sorhai that buys new kimchis.
Its either used kimchis or sushi.
I got one technical question though, I notice most cars nowadays (doesn’t matter which brand) with transverse engine has their intake manifold in the front and exhaust one on the rear…I wonder why, since this beloved country has tropical climate, does it more suitable if it other way round for efficient cooling..
No body want to answer ? I thought got many engineer here
Hafriz, can I know what kind ICE system does the car use? What kind of maps? Easy to update or not?
Also, how much does this weight (KG) compared to the outgoing model? Having peak PS at 6k RPM and Nm at 4.2k RPM is kind of useless as you want peak power at lower RPMs
Yeah I was about to ask same qustion when I read this. Hafriz please answer. Preve/Suprima has high/flat torque at lowish RPM. How’s it fair against lighter car like Vios?
Em kinda tasteless review here. I do agree vios is the best selling car out there, but why not showing that we want some improvement, instead of taking it as it is?4 speed auto, no matter how reliable it is, is damn old. People whine when iphone 5s does not bring much improvement, and here we, and a professional car reviewer gladly accept what is basically the same damn car in nicer clothing.
J Spec and TRD Spec. 20k price difference. What???
It is just plain rip off. The same engine and safety kit but huge price difference. Furthermore no VSC with that as VSC is beyond skill.
The bodykit itself makes this car looks VERY UGLY!!!
The best thing about the 2014 Vios is that it doesn’t makes my 2008 Vios S totally obsolete.
You got a point. People buy Toyota over other brand just like getting iPhone over any other options. I’m surprise how tolerable toyota fans are to the skin changing upgrade. I don see they pardon other car review who use the same platform for more than a decade … touted as ’why chg the already perfect 4-speed’!?
How does toyota claim 5% more efficient on fuel consumption better than previosu gen. ? Same engine, same gearbox, same technology !! o0o
Refining and tuning on the engine.
Read carefully. Lower car weight. That 60kg might not seem like much but you try carrying 6 sacks of 10kg rice.
Also, as above, engine and transmission refinement and tuning.
seperti mana yang aku pernah katakan.. kutuk la hapa pon.. menatang ni tetap akan laku jugak….
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You really sounded like me when I was driving a cabbage.
Its OK, just get rid of the cancerous kimchi once and for all and get on with life
Writer is toyota butt-licker or maybe macai vios? So much perfect here n there for a kosong car..
Currently , I feel like the review of a car is quite lengthy and slightly frustrating to read . Especially this review is very lengthy with less info . I hope future reviews to be straight forward with less words to describe something..The review should focus on driving characteristics and mainly fuel consumption .Currently paultan reviews comes mostly without info on fuel consumption . I hope that my comments is considered. tq. think..
I feel like the writer write and read by himself. A bit too shiok sendiri.
keluar kilang dah ahbeng car.. belum masuk workshop ahbeng lagi.
Don’t play-play. With TRD sticker it adds 20hp, goal post spoiler adds 30hp, 18″ tyres and rims adds 20hp etc etc etc. The total is 400hp, wow can beat Golf R anytime anyday. But the best thing is : IT CAN FLY!!! LOL
Change looks, minimise cost, maximise profit…smart UMW Toyota!
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Some ABeng ASeng out there just don’t appreciate the importance of ESC though, claiming good driving skill alone can save their ass in the accidents.
I guess they are just expecting every driver out there in Malaysia are having superb driving skill.
Just get a new kimchi.
It comes standard with VHL
My mighty Nissan almera better than this 100x
both vios and city actually don’t need VSC loh.. even many 90’s cars are much more powerful LOL
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Fair critic indeed, couldn’t have agreed more coz I was also a Vios owner, now a Mazda’s.
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Spot on. From its inception, (Soluna to vios), this product has always been a low-cost Toyota for the SEA market. It caters to people who aspires to own a Toyota at a affordable price at the expense of some quality/features. The engine and transmission is used in the first gen hipporolla and personally, it is fine for everyday driving even though it is old tech. Thing is, the price is not exactly affordable now.
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I will be handing out a lot more to my team for pushing down the trade in prices of 1 year old kimchis and selling them at great margin.
Thats because you get Asean Toyotas not the real JDM or Europe Toyotas,Quality is way apart although engine is so called bulletproof.To be frank customers aint ignorant nowadays and in fact theyre smart,They got something call google and even an old timer know whats traction control,Edb let alone abs,They expect 2 airbags even for base model
It only lacks a VSC. Other than that, for a Vios, it is nice enough for the target market.
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But Koreans have VHL as a standard feature in all their cars
Very HaiLat
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I have been shown the Hilux before.
If you wish to follow the humiliation I have encountered owning a kimchi, please go ahead and get a new unit
But if you are a smarter sorhai, get Hyundai instead of Kia
i agree with you, Vios will remains the obvious choice. anyway, good luck to toyota malaysia.
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2013 Vios..NO VSC, 2 airbags only, old engine and gearbox,NO camera… around Rm80k++ ! worth ?? sor hai OFFICIAL Maserati sure say worth ei…coz he only know eat sushi only…diu !!
As expected, still using old techs and not provide safety feature VSC which is becoming the norm, at least to the highest spec. It is funny to think that their motto is ‘moving ahead’.
With 20K between base and high end variant, it is outrageous, should get bigger engine with that amount. Just compare with any D segment , 2.0 and 2.4,it is just about that much money but with more features/extras. It is not just a rip off but an insult.
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Your face will look so hailat that mama won’t even recognize when Sam shows you the Hilux
People will still choose vios because they want to show their richness.. Not making any sense buying this kind of car.. The price is not reasonable
No money you go buy Saga SV lah. Bising-bising here for what? Pathetic loser you ha ha ha
I like the design
toyota, can you upgrade the drivetrain too?
Otherwise, I do not know whether i should trade my preve for this.
Too much comments….lets face it realistically, Malaysians majority can only afford medium cars like vios city
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I really can’t accept the bumper design, sticking pieces here and there. It didn’t look any good design as from now compare with other maker. If they make it full pieces bumper design then it will look nicer. It have many model since Altis & Camry launch, but Toyota still never realize it is out dated design. Sound to me, they thought their sell still strong, and reluctant for the change.
Wow…… Just wow
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Why never turn on LED/DRL?
So shame, engine only puny 1.5l also want to put DRL, lol. This is joke of the year.
WAH, SO MANY PPL HATE IT, BUT…..WHAT EVER YOU SAY, LOVE IT OR HATE IT, IT WILL STILL SELLLLLL LIKEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAAA HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT CAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
AND IN COMING YEARS, VOIS STILL SELL WELL, DON’T HOPE FOR ANY UBAH. LAIN KALI TUNGGU LAMA LAMA LAH.
I went to book this new vios , the SA said his quota of cars was fully taken , if i really wanted it , i might have to wait for the January 2014 shipment . After discussing with Abang Ipar , I decided to book it .But SA said ,” if you really don’t mind , I can secure a 1.5G spec for you from February shipment .” I was misled by bad hats that this car would not sell and tend to take my sweet time looking for a bargain.Now sales figure proves everything .Facts speak louder than words.BAD HATS, just get LOST ,will you ?
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What shipment? Unless your are from Sabah or Sarawak, there will be no shipment as Vios is locally assemble. Obviously the SA is either lack of knowledge or he is trying to cheat by saying Vios is an imported car.
Was torn between vios and attrage but now we have fiesta sedan. hmm.. vios is popular(who cares abt the specs, it will still sell well).. fiesta is bigger than the 3 and it think has the best technology.. attrage is cheaper and very economical but 1.2l engine. I never considered almera coz its just too unattractive.
Tough choice. What would you go for? help me out here.
Suprima S, loaded with gadgets plus 1.6l turbocharged engine and CVT gearbox, leaves all others behind, hahahahah
As long as its not a kimchi, Sam will not show you the Hilux
We need keep complain ahhaha, later toyota will give VIOS VSA with rm17 increase ( just like Campry Case)
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smells like TEANA from the back…
Wow a must buy car! Confirm excellent RV!
i only go for german made (325 & A4) …full stop…..VIOS CRAP..
your comment looks like you know how to produce a good car…meehhhh :P
“You just don’t buy a Toyota Vios to go hard through every corner. If you did, then you’ve bought the wrong car.”
In my humble opinion, then they might have overdone with the car design of such a sporty look and the TRD badge on it. but its a free market. your choice (sushi, kimchi, nasi lemak, burger or whatever) Good to have different restaurants serving different foods isnt it?
Aiya, I am thinking of trade in my poor 6 old years Viva for either this Vios, Almera, Suzuki Swift. Now see so many bad comments here due to “No VSC” lah. So confuse now. Please advise. My budget is within RM80K range.
pick Almera……the price difference between highest spec Almera and Vios G is staggering and both are Japanese makes so RV and maintenance shouldn’t be a problem. With the savings that you get from purchasing Almera rather than Vios, you’d be able to afford good sport rims and quality tinting to make the car look better. Just make sure you order the grey Almera with bodykit.
Mitsubishi Attrage may have better fuel consumption than Almera but it has poor RV whereas ALmera’s fuel consumption is better than Vios and it still has good RV.
test drive Almera, Vios, Suprima and Attrage first before deciding.
1NZ-FE, 109ps, 4 speed gearbox… Well played Toyota, well played… Might as well save more cost by not reprinting the brochures as the figures will be the same… I really pity Malaysians who are still stuck in the herd mentality. It is such a shame to see ppl paying so much for so little. The RV mentality should be constant in what value the car brings and not merely based on the simple assumption that it is going to be higher thus making the price for it higher. Not to boast, but I stay in a well known PJ area and I dont see many vios or camry around. This is probably ppl are firstly rich and they are more aware that why should they settle for less by paying more. (probably what makes them rich in the first place) I especially despise customer who has an old vios and yet you get the new model. Is there any point if the engine isnt going to be any better but just the looks of it.
I urge fellow Malaysians to have a more open mind when making a decision in buying their cars as we all know car prices isnt exactly cheap here. Get more for less and not less for more.
Cheers.
LOL you guys why so butthurt??
Yes I know this vios use the old engine and gearbox, does not have VSC/ESP, only 2 airbags. But bear in mind that, this vios has a really cheap maintenance and a very reliable car. At the end of the day, my 5 years old vios will still have a really good RV than your conti/protong cars. What is the point buying a car with good specs but willing to spend most of the time in the workshop? Waiting for parts that take months to arrive?
“I drive a VW/Peugeot/Proton/Honda which is miles better that your outdated Vios” LOL then lets see who spend most of his time in the workshop.
My advise is to buy a car that will give you less headache. thats all!!!
Cheers!!!
no need VSC?..what a bull shit..
hear my story…
my wife drove previous Vios from Seremban to melaka..via old tampin road..On that time got heavy rain & road bit slippery..& what happned he just got accident during corner @ 30 to 40 khr this car rolll over 3 time end with up side down..Luckyly no other car from the front.. Now i really hate car without vsc.. really gimme lesson.. Peaple dont got accident will not understand till they face it.I care bout my wife rather than car..Now i bought new kia with more safety feature..TRUE STORY!!!!
I don’t get those people who are bashing KIA and Hyundai, people around me whom bought Korean car don’t have any quality issue with their cars so why keep bashing them? But I do agree they are not so refined compare to Japanese car hence the extra kit and lower price…
nowaday jpanese car like dugong car better buy kimchi car look attractive…thanks to hyundai sponsor the world cup football 2014