Toyota Vios 2023, Philippines Price, Specs & Official Promos | AutoDeal

The first-generation Toyota Vios was introduced in the Philippines in 2002. From then on, it has become a staple sedan among Filipinos and a common sight on Philippine roads. The second-generation Vios, on the other hand, was launched in 2007 and was affectionately called the “Batman” because of the shape of its grille.

Finally, the third-generation Vios landed the Philippine shores in 2013 with a bigger body and a new powertrain setup. In 2018, however, TMP gave its popular subcompact sedan a major revamp, which could make you think that it’s an all-new model. The platform is the same, though, but the redesigned exterior and interior styling were way different from before.

In August of 2020, Toyota Motor Philippines would then again give the Vios another update giving it a fresh new face along with a new set of headlight housings. The mid to higher tier variants now gain access to LED lighting elements as well as LED foglights. Along with the new face, the Japanese automaker would later add a new set of wheels and a backup camera as standard for the G variant. 

On March 10, 2021, Toyota Motor Philippines extended the subcompact sedan’s range with the Vios GR-S, a special variant of the subcompact sedan that carried a number of aesthetic enhancements which makes the car look sportier compared with the rest of its stablemates. Despite maintaining the same 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the Vios GR-S gets more virtual gears to shift on with its 10-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 

The launch of the sportier GR-S trim also included significant updates on other Vios variants. Specifically, the XE variant and higher now comes ready with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as well as accessible Bluetooth switches on the steering wheel. Other trims including the G, XLE, and E variants get redesigned seat patterns for the interior. The XE, on the other hand, gets additional two speakers. Lastly, XLE and E grades get a new alloy wheel design for that fresher look.

The Toyota Vios comes in two powertrain options: the 1.3-Liter 1NR-FE gasoline engine that produces 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque, and the 1.5-Liter 2NR-FE mill with outputs of 105 hp and 140 Nm torque. Both engine options can be paired up with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is mounted transversely in a front-engined front-wheel-drive layout which allows for more cabin space. 

The third-generation Vios sits on the Toyota B platform, shared with the Yaris and other small Toyota cars. The facelifted Vios carry over the same platform. Suspension setup remains at McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear, while brakes are both discs at high trim levels while rear brakes are relegated to trailing drums at lower J and Base variants. The Toyota Vios features gas shock absorbers and coil springs for added comfort, and better control. The chassis of the Vios is constructed with a unibody architecture, which means the frame of the vehicle is one piece. This, in turn, allows for more chassis rigidity without sacrificing lightness.

New driving modes for the G variant have been put into place by Toyota with the vehicle’s most recent update. It now comes with ECO and Sport driving modes that all help maximize what the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine can offer. The Toyota Vios GR-S separates itself from the rest of the line with its 10-speed CVT that’s still accompanied by the 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces identical figures of the G variant.

Chassis

Class
Subcompact Car

Body Style
4-Door Sedan

Platform

Layout
Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive

Platform
Toyota B Platform

Powertrain

Engine
1.3-Liter 1NR-FE Gasoline
1.5-Liter 2NR-FE Gasoline

Power Output
98 horsepower, 123 Newton-meter torque (1.3L)
106 horsepower, 140 Newton-meter torque (1.5L)

Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Continuously Variable Transmission

With two engine options available for the Vios, except different driving performance from each as well. The 1.3-liter 1NR-FE engine produces a decent 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque and is paired up with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Don’t expect a fast and spirited drive with this car. It’s enough to get you around the city but quick highway drives will need more effort because of the rubber band effect of the CVT. The car could reach speed limits at its own pace but it would take time to do so especially when it’s loaded with passengers.

As for the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE, expect more grunt compared to the 1.3-liter counterpart. Handling’s commendable on both cars as the steering wheel’s nicely weighted, which makes highway drives planted, composed, and stable. It’s also easy to maneuver the vehicle even within tight spots and the absence of sensors. Body roll is naturally present, but minimal, especially at speeds. Brakes bite nicely but can be improved.

With Toyota Philippine’s recent update to the 2021 Toyota Vios, it comes with 6 variants available that have been divided by engine options. The G, E, and XLE variants now gain access to most of the better features on offer, with motorized adjustments available at most of the variant level. The mid to high-tier variants also gain access to Optitron gauge clusters and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, which are a nice touch. Another piece of equipment found on both variants (and in the new XEand XLE variants) is the 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with iPod connectivity. Sadly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t standard in this model yet. Push-start ignition is present on G variants, nevertheless.

As mentioned, the latest refresh of the Toyota Vios gets standard LED headlights for the G variant and LED foglights for the G, E, and XLE variants. Moreover, there’s also a welcome addition of paddle shifters and different drive modes like Eco and Sport mode for the G CVT variant. While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still not present in the Toyota Vios it still retains its T-Link system which allows the user to mirror their smartphone device.

The new refreshed Toyota Vios that was launched in 2018 got mixed reactions from the public and the motoring media, especially with the introduction of Prime variants. The non-prime variants feature a sleeker set of headlights and taillights than before, but the body size is pretty much the same with the pre-facelift model. The Prime variants, on the other hand, have bigger garnishings on the bumper and have other additions like side skirts and redesigned bumper lips. Halogen is still the bulb-type of choice, with the higher G variants getting projector types and LED daytime running lights.

As for the wheels, G variants have 16-inch alloys while the E trim sits on 15-inch wheels. The XE, XLE, and J have 14-inch steelies with full cap, while the Base trim only has 14-inch steel rims. For the latest update to the Toyota Vios, the Japanese brand has given the G variant a new set of wheels 16-inch wheels while the other trim-levels still retain the older design of the pre-facelifted model.

The Toyota Vios GR-S, on the other hand, gets some exclusive appointments which boosts the sportiyness of its exterior. These enhancements include a set of black wheels that are wrapped in 195/50 tires. Aside from the wheels, black details were also applied on its side mirrors and door handles. Lastly, its overall look is finished off with some side skirts and a black lip spoiler.

The Vios’ interior trimmings are pretty much the same at every variant level, with soft and hard plastics primarily found on each. G variants get the upper hand with leather wrappings at some part of the cabin. Also present at all variants of the Vios is the open-cabin feeling, which makes the Vios one of the most spacious cars in its segment. 

At the back, there’s not much to play around with except for the bottle holders by the doors. Rear legroom and headroom are plenty for average-sized Filipinos, and a nearly flat rear tunnel only adds to the good amount of space for rear passengers, even for a middle occupant in the middle row. In the most recent update Toyota has given the Vios a new 7-inch infotainment system, the vehicle, however, still retains the same fabric material for its seats as the pre-facelifted model.

The GR-S variant maintains the overall sporty appearance inside, with it having exclusive details such as red stitching found on the steering wheel, shift knob, and on the seats, which are, by the way, upholstered with a fine combination of suede and leather.

One of the best things found on the Vios is its plethora of safety features across the range. Present in the entire lineup are seven airbags, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist, five 3-point seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and child lock protection. Toyota also standardized 3-airbags throughout the lineup, with 7 being an option if more peace of mind is needed. 

With this, the Vios got 5 stars on the ASEAN NCAP testing, getting high ratings on both adult occupancy and child occupancy protection. For Toyota’s 2020 the safety features of the Vios remain the same as the Japanese brand didn’t feel the need to update its already popular and safe subcompact sedan.

Overall Score

81.88

Tested Variant: Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT

Child Occupant Safety

Adult Occupant Safety

Safety Assist Technology

Child Occupant Safety

21.66

Front Impact Score
16

Side Impact Score
8

ISOFIX
Yes

Adult Occupant Safety

44.70

Front Impact Score
12.19

Side Impact Score
16

Head Protection Score
4

Driver Airbag
Yes

Front Passenger Airbag
Yes

Curtain Airbag
Yes

Side Airbag
Yes

Knee Airbag
Yes

Seat Belt Retractor Driver
Yes

Seat Belt Retractor Front Passenger
Yes

Safety Assist Technology

15.52

Effective Breaking & Avoidance

ESC
Yes

ABS
Yes

Seat Belt Reminders

SBR for Driver
Yes

SBR for Front Passenger
Yes

SBR for Rear Passenger
No

Blind Spot Technology

BST Nearside
No

BST Offside
No

Advanced Safety Assist Technologies

Intelligent Rear View Mirror
No

AEB Inter-urban
No

AEB VRU
No

Lane Departure Warning System
No

Forward Collision Warning System
No

Lane Keep Assist
No