FIRST-DRIVE REVIEW: 2023 Toyota Vios -- Lighter, nimbler than ever before

Ever since the all-new Toyota Vios launched on August 2022, everybody else in ASEAN has had the chance to try it out.

While the previous-generation Toyota Vios is still a solid subcompact sedan, the Daihatsu-based AC100 Vios apparently sets the bar even higher.

That’s based on feedback from our colleague Wilson from our sister publication WapCar Malaysia. He got to try out the all-new Vios in Langkawi, around 410 km north of Kuala Lumpur.

Stiffer, more agile

The most significant change to the 2023 Toyota Vios is that it rides on a completely new platform, co-developed with Daihatsu.

The Daihatsu New Global Architecture is not only stiffer than the old Toyota chassis but is also 110 kg lighter, despite being larger than the previous model.

“As soon as you set off, the lack of mass is immediately apparent, with the car feeling more sprightly and responsive than before,” Wilson said. “The car picks up speed with greater ease, and shedding speed feels more effortless than ever.”

They were able to try out the next-generation Vios in an autocross course, where the new chassis provided greater agility that was further aided by 17-inch tires. There was not only more grip than the old model but also less understeer.

“While there is not much in the way of steering feedback, as is typical of electric-assisted steering, the response is linear and the ratio is quicker than before, making it a little more direct,” Wilson said. “The steering weightage feels lighter than its predecessor, which reduces steering effort.”

Smooth powertrain

In Malaysia, the all-new Vios is powered by a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque.

This is mated to a Daihatsu-developed Dual-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission (D-CVT). Unlike a conventional CVT, the D-CVT doesn’t rely on a belt drive system to get the car going, and it instead uses split gears into the mix to further improve efficiency. 

There are additional gears and a planetary gear set fitted to the input and output shafts of the pulleys, with a clutch pack to engage or disengage the latter.

Simply put, the transmission works like a traditional CVT at lower to medium speeds, and only when you enter higher speeds, such as when on the highway, does the gear drive kick in.

The logic here is that the CVT side of the transmission deals with acceleration while the gear drive side deals with highway speeds and cruising for maximum efficiency and less energy loss.

Wilson found that the D-CVT was very refined, with no lurching when accelerating from a standstill. 

“The powertrain is most impressive when driven calmly, with smooth and constant pressure on the accelerator pedal,” he said. “Everything settles down, and the driving experience becomes incredibly soothing. Overall noise levels are kept low, except during hard acceleration, when the powertrain makes its presence known.”

Overall, the all-new Toyota Vios is a “quantum leap” over its predecessor, although interior and cargo space are less than before.

When do you think Toyota Motor Philippines will bring this revolutionary new Vios to our shores?

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