Toyota Vios Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, family users and commuters always value "balance" the most – it must have sufficient safety features without sacrificing spatial practicality while considering daily usage costs. The 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT, as the mid-range variant of this facelift series, has now dropped features like the TSS Intelligent Safety System and a Heads-Up Display (HUD), which were previously exclusive to high-end models, into this variant. Coupled with its pricing at RM 89,600, it stands out as particularly competitive among cars in the same price range. The core of our test drive this time is to see whether these upgraded features truly improve the daily usage experience and whether its performance and space still maintain the consistent reliability of the Vios.

When parked by the roadside, the exterior of the 2023 Vios 1.5E is instantly recognizable as the redesigned model – the overall lines are sharper than the previous version, especially the "hammerhead shark" front design. The large lower grille paired with the side air intakes gives it a more sporty look compared to the rounder design of the 2021 Vios 1.5E. The side body contour stretches from the fender to the taillight, and the 16-inch multi-spoke wheels visually extend the body proportions. The rear LED taillights have a smoked finish, and the internal L-shaped light strips are highly recognizable when illuminated at night. However, the rear bumper design is relatively simple, with minimal decoration. The lighting system is one of the highlights of the upgrades this time. The LED headlights, now standard across the lineup, are not only bright enough but also include an automatic headlight function that switches on when entering tunnels or in the evening, saving the hassle of manual operation.

Opening the door, the keyless entry system is very responsive, with no need to deliberately take out the key. The interior adopts a dark-tone theme with a larger area of soft-touch materials on the dashboard compared to the previous model, offering a good tactile feel. The most prominent feature is the 9-inch central control screen, which supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Connecting a phone doesn’t require any cables, making functionality quite convenient. Physical buttons are retained below the screen, so you won't have to search around on the touch screen for operations like adjusting the air conditioning temperature or volume control; operating it intuitively is not an issue. The driver's seat supports 6-way electric adjustment, while the passenger seat offers 4-way manual adjustment. Once you’ve found a comfortable position, the field of vision is quite wide. The instrument panel consists of a 4.2-inch TFT screen that can display fuel consumption, tire pressure, and driving assistance system status. The information is clear, although the interface is relatively basic. The HUD (Heads-Up Display) projects speed and navigation prompts onto the windshield, so you don’t need to look down at the instrument panel while driving, which significantly enhances safety. In terms of storage space, the storage slots on the door panels can hold two 500ml water bottles, and the central armrest box is deep enough to store some small items. The front row also provides a 220V power outlet, making it convenient to charge laptops or other devices.

Space has always been an advantage of the Vios, and the 2023 model's wheelbase reaches 2,620mm, 70mm longer than the 2021 model. After adjusting the front seat for a 175cm tall passenger, there's still about two fist-widths of legroom for rear passengers, allowing their knees to avoid touching the back of the front seat. The center floor in the rear is not too raised, so when three people sit in the back, the middle passenger also has room for their feet. The rear is equipped with air conditioning vents, ensuring passengers in the back won't feel stuffy during summer, but unfortunately, there are no USB charging ports, which is somewhat disappointing. The trunk capacity is 475 liters, slightly smaller than the previous model's 506 liters, but it can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases with no problem. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding feature, allowing for additional space for longer items as needed.

After starting the vehicle, the noise from the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is minimal. Engaging the D gear and lightly stepping on the accelerator allows for a smooth start. This engine delivers a maximum power of 78kW (106PS) and a peak torque of 138N·m. Paired with a CVT gearbox, the power output is very linear when driving on city roads. During low-speed following, the gearbox doesn't jerk, and the acceleration process to 60km/h is very smooth, suitable for daily commuting. If you need to overtake, pressing the accelerator pedal harder will cause the gearbox to simulate gear changes, revving the engine above 4000 RPM, producing a noticeable burst of power. However, further acceleration at high speeds (e.g., above 100km/h) shows that the power reserve is somewhat insufficient. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, providing moderate resistance and fairly precise steering, making general driving quite effortless. The suspension combines a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam setup, tuned towards comfort. When crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can absorb most bumps, ensuring minimal harshness. However, during sharp cornering, body roll becomes quite apparent. After all, this is a family sedan, and handling is not its primary focus.

For fuel consumption, we conducted a simple test: in congested city road conditions with the air conditioning on, the fuel consumption was approximately 6.2L per 100km. At a steady speed of 110 km/h on the highway, it dropped to 5.0L per 100km, which is close to the official figure of 5.2L/100km. For family users, this level of fuel consumption is quite economical. Regarding safety features, the TSS Intelligent Safety System proves to be very practical. The forward collision warning emits an alert when you are too close to the car in front, and the active braking function successfully stops the car during testing, avoiding simulated collision scenarios. The lane-change assist system lights up indicators on the side mirrors when there are vehicles in the blind spot during lane changes, reducing the risk of an accident. With six airbags and vehicle stability control in the car, the safety measures are adequately in place.

As for noise control, tire and engine noise are not obvious during city driving. However, wind noise increases slightly at higher speeds, though it's still within an acceptable range. The seat padding is quite soft, providing good support so you won't feel tired even after prolonged driving. However, the front air conditioning is manually adjusted by turning knobs, which is less convenient than automatic air conditioning. This is one of the main differences between the mid-range model and the high-end 1.5G version.

To summarize, the key advantages of the 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT lie in its upgraded features and practical space. Compared to its competitors in the same price range, its TSS Intelligent Safety System, HUD head-up display, and wireless CarPlay are all plus points. In fact, the safety features even surpass those of the high-end 2021 model. In terms of space, the extended wheelbase provides a more spacious rear area, making it suitable for family use. However, its performance is fairly average when it comes to power, and its high-speed acceleration is unremarkable, making it more suitable for city commuting and daily family use rather than for users seeking an exciting driving experience.

This car is most suitable for families prioritizing safety and practicality or for office workers using it for daily commutes. It doesn't have any significant drawbacks with a balanced performance in all aspects. Coupled with Toyota's reputation for reliability, its maintenance costs are relatively low. If your budget is around RM 90,000 and you're looking for a family sedan with high safety features, ample space, and good fuel efficiency, the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT is a great choice.