The next-generation 2023 Toyota Vios recently encountered serious controversy after Daihatsu, Toyota’s partner brand, allegedly falsified crash test results for the sedan.

This is related to notches in the door sidings of the Vios and Wigo crash-test units that help prevent injury to occupants in a side impact.

However, this modification was not included in the production models, leading to a temporary stoppage of sales in Thailand.

However, good news is on the horizon as Thailand’s road transport authority is now satisfied with the crash test results of the Toyota sedan after a side-impact retest, according to a report from our friends at WapCar Malaysia.

As such, deliveries of the Vios (sold there as the Yaris Ativ) have resumed in the "Land of Smiles."

No changes or recall needed

For the units that have already been released, Toyota will not be issuing a recall.

Thai authorities have verified Toyota’s claim that the part used in the production car, which is not the same part used in the first side-impact test results submitted, still meets the mandatory United Nations R95 standards for side-impact protection.

Where the controversy began

The controversy over these allegedly falsified side-impact tests began on April 28, 2023.

Daihatsu revealed that there were procedural irregularities with the UN R95 side-impact testing, as the results submitted were done using a component that was different from the one used in the production car.

During this time, deliveries of the Vios were put on hold in Thailand, but sales of the sedan continued in other markets, such as Malaysia. 

It is important to remember that Daihatsu is responsible for developing the AC100 Toyota Vios. Thus, the incorrect data from the crash testing can affect the sales and deliveries of the vehicle in the markets that it is present. 

The Thai government asked Vincotte, an independent agency affiliated with the Belgian Government, to repeat the side-impact crash testing to keep things as fair as possible.

Under the retest, the 2023 Vios still passed with flying colors, garnering its UN R95 certification. 

Why is UN R95 certification necessary?

It is a regulation that covers the uniform provisions regarding the approval of vehicles and the tests applied in connection with the protection of occupants in the event of a side collision.

It's the unified system to test how well new vehicles can withstand these collisions. 

What does it mean for the Philippines?

The crash-test controversy doesn’t affect the Philippine market as the next-generation Toyota Vios has yet to launch here.

However, it may affect where the Japanese automaker will source the vehicle, as safety is still a top priority for the brand. It's still a waiting game to see if Toyota Motor Philippines will import the Vios from Thailand or make the popular sedan locally instead. 

What do you think of the recent Daihatsu crash test results? 

Did you like the story? Make sure to give it a 5-star rating if you do.