Workhorse
When the first Vios reached our shores in 2002, it was a clear signal that Toyota was serious in moving their best-selling Corolla model up-market. While the Corolla did become bigger, better and chock-filled with creature spoils and delivered well on passenger refinement, the Vios held its own. Toyota’s entry-level sedan was then, a youngster’s dream, with many not spared being kept as standard, often getting rims of all sizes, and other aesthetics of varying quality. The 1.5 litre under the hood was a gem of an engine. Reliable, easy to maintain, and delivered decently well on fuel economy.
With a Dual VVT-I 1.5 litre engine under the hood, the Vios pushes out a respectable 105bhp and 140Nm of torque, which maxes at 4,200rpm. While the engine comes across as smooth, pushing it past 3,500rpm releases an unpleasantly loud drone which penetrates the cabin. As with many of their cars, the Toyota has also done away with their proven but dated four-speed automatic, and in-place, they have fitted the new car with a seven-(virtual) speed CVT transmission.
Driven in a sane manner, the Vios offers no drama, with the transmission working through its virtual ratios, and keeping noise and revs low. Feedback through the steering is surprisingly decent. Turn-in is positive, and even with the soft suspension setup, you can feel where the rear is going. Grip from our test car’s Bridgestone Turanzas is actually good as well, and road noise is minimal, and the car is pleasent from within the cabin.
Anyone with a heavy foot may not like the slight bit of lag the CVT produces off the line. The CVT does however allow the engine to work its magic past 3,000rpm, and we find that Toyota had gotten their formula right, with the revs dropping quicker than some of the other CVT transmissioned cars I have encountered, and in our lens, improving fuel efficiency.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 17.2km/l in combined cycle, pretty good actually, though we do believe that we get about 15km/l, driven considerately.
While the wheelbase might not be the longest at 2,550mm (the Honda tops it slightly at 2,600mm), there is enough space between the wheels to offer a decently comfortable ride. We would wish though that the front seats have a tilt function, to offer some thigh support.
From the cabin, all-round visibility is very good, and little goodies like automated headlamps, electric folding mirrors, and even a lit container at the front of the centre console adds to the appeal of the car.
There is the unseen safety net of equipment which the car boasts. Seven airbags, including curtain units, and also the all-important knee airbag for the driver offers last resort safety. Other systems in-place, such as Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), adds to the list of safety features buyers can expect from the car.
Perhaps a little bland or boring for some; and at a time where there is much more competition, the Vios offers a car which still drives value to the customer (no pun intended).
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