New Toyota Vios? Another case of mistaken identity

It seems as though there has been yet another case of mistaken vehicle identity spreading around the Internet, much like the “new Alza” that was caught on Facebook earlier. This new case, also on the social medium, comes from Thailand instead, but is already making waves in Malaysia. And, as you can see, it’s about an “all-new Vios.”

Clearly, this isn’t an “all-new Vios.” What it actually is, is a picture of a Canadian-market Toyota Yaris Sedan. The confusion is somewhat understandable, because the model we know as the Vios was once known as the Toyota Yaris Sedan in certain markets. The model is also currently known as the Scion iA in the US.

What makes this Toyota Yaris Sedan, and ultimately this story, even more interesting, is the fact that the Canadian-market model pictured here is actually a rebadged Mazda 2. It may have a unique front fascia, but one look at the rear and interior will tell all about this model’s associations with the B-segment Mazda.

The 2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan here is even powered by the same 1.5 litre SkyActiv four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Mazda 2. The engine has a total of 106 hp and is paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the model is equipped as standard with a familiar three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, free-standing display screen, single-binnacle instrument panel flanked by two digital screens, a rotary dial in the centre console and more of what you’ll find in its Zoom-Zoom equivalent.

As for the actual Toyota Vios, an updated version has just been announced in Thailand, featuring a new Dual VVT-i engine, CVT gearbox (putting the old four-speed auto to rest) and, surprise, surprise, VSC stability control as standard!

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Sedan

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Chris Aaron

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

 

Comments

  • ooo rebadge mazda2. that’s why the dashboard is so familiar. rear light also can see mazda style. wish it had different grill though. if it come here with manual, then can consider next car. mazda2 dont have manual :(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • Vios ugly on Mar 05, 2016 at 10:58 am

      Vios is just an ugly car, not proportion, not keen to know its new model.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • karam singh on Mar 04, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    the reason why Toyota wants to have JV with Mazda or Subau – to help the smaller companies have better business.

    which a good and honest gesture indeed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 39 Thumb down 26
    • Yeah, try to say that about proton too. Some will bash the comment immediately and asks other trolls to thumbs down. For example, this reply im giving (will be thumbs down by those kind of people)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 37 Thumb down 67
  • Aero (Member) on Mar 04, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Wait wait… Why would anyone buy this rebadged version over the original Mazda2 ? You’d have to be blind… or a die hard Toyota fan… or an idiot, maybe all three ? Whatever lah I guess… siapa makan cili, dia rasa pedas. To each his own.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 6
  • Wee fuk yew on Mar 04, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    Wow, even the world’s no 1 carmaker resorts to rebadging from its competitor mazda. Guess the mazda 2 is a better car compared to the vios. ???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 5
    • exactly! mazda2 is better than vios…only those who never own mazda and worry about RV have not guts to buy genuine mazda

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • Consumer on Mar 04, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      Yes, you can say so, and vios and 2 have a diff target customer even they are classmate. As u know mazda good with their skyactive thats why toyota join venture with mazda. But dont forget mazda is hardcore in fuel burner they are not invent much in fuelcell/ev, they gotto need toyota helps as well..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
      • You are totally wrong. Skyactiv engine is much fuel economy. Mazda 2 save more fuel than Honda City as in spec sheet and user experience.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
      • Brain on Mar 06, 2016 at 6:51 am

        Mazda 2 is the champion on fuel consumption on this class,not to say that it’s little smaller than the others.Still value for money if u consider in its generous full specs for this segmen.In term of value for money,fuel consumption, space,performance,comfort city still lead the way,then then the m2,almera lastly vios

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Mar 04, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    malaysia social media believes anything…facepalm

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • When then belip someone stole 2.6 billion is worse than someone stole 3 billion…yes malaysians r gullible with more education.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  • Someone says P1 do rebadging must kolos shop. So means toyota oso do rebadging must kolos shop too?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
    • theanswer on Mar 07, 2016 at 9:28 am

      see? nobody cares about your comment. mazda rebadge suzuki..toyota rebadge mazda..those fella automatically goes to sleep. when p1 rebadge..they automatically wake up.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Aldan on Mar 05, 2016 at 9:36 am

    The yaris/yaris sedan is an entry point vehicle. Unlike in Malaysia. They have a different target group – mostly college students/youth. Here, it is regarded as a small family sedan.. being ‘family’ means it is targeted to the young working adults supposed to youth. So it has to be slightly bigger and contain those weird bumper add ons.

    What Im trying to say is that since it is more focused to youth (an actually risky target to sell), why would they redesign the current NA Yaris to a Sedan where they can just rebadge from their own members. It saves money.

    Why do u see most youngsters buying Scion than a Toyota? (Sadly Scion is dead now).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Potong stim on Mar 05, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    Tada? Toyma? This is the outcome of intermarriage at young age.It will be better to practice as engine swap & little specs than this horrible dna mixture.Ever see kereta potong or heavily makeup waja?mazda pls bring whole car instead of the ass part.Yes,yes,Yaris front nice & back side Mazda 2 so smart..but this inter marital is no no

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Rebadge lol.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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