Ong Chin Huat took the All-New Toyota Vios on a road trip that saw him test the car in the lush greenery of Janda Baik and along the hilly terrain of Genting Highlands just outside the Malaysian capital.
UMW Toyota Motor planned a fun and relaxing day to test drive the all-new Toyota Vios. As the bestselling car in the Malaysian non-national market since its launch in 2003, over half a million units have been sold.
Flagging off from the Toyota headquarters in Shah Alam, this fourth-generation edition of the Vios has been making motoring waves since its launch in March 2023, and it’s no wonder.
This highly successful subcompact sedan boasts improved performance, quicker acceleration and new technology, making it a highly sought-after car for families as well as urban professionals who have to navigate the city when carrying out their jobs.
Driving to the lush and verdant environs of Janda Baik, the newly improved 1.5-litre DOHC dual VVT-i engine has a strong performance on the highways and meandering country roads while the new 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic gives a quicker acceleration as well as enhances fuel efficiency.
But what was more impressive were the safety measures for both the driver and passengers while in the Vios.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) alerts the driver of dangers and acts autonomously to prevent or avoid a collision. Apart from the six SRS airbags, which provide maximum protection in the event of a collision, the car also boasts Pedal Misoperation Control to avoid frontal impacts from a stationary position.
It suppresses engine output and automatically applies the brakes when the accelerator has been mistakenly applied, and a front obstacle is detected.
Further, the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects and alerts the driver of vehicles within the driver’s blind spot. The driver is notified of oncoming vehicles from the rear when the reverse gear is activated, while the six parking alert sensors on the front and rear alert the driver of the proximity of the surrounding cars.
The Adaptive Cruise Control is another safety feature which detects the speed and distance of the vehicle in front and automatically adjusts and maintains the speed from a safe following distance, while the Lane Departure Warning detects when the Vios drifts out of its lane and alerts the driver with a buzz and also on the display.
Arriving at Embun Luxury Villas for lunch at Janda Baik was a welcome respite from the morning’s drive.
Having worked up an appetite from all that driving, we were treated to a 4-course menu consisting of Roma Tomato and Mozzarella salad, Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme Chantilly Cream, a choice of Pan-Fried Norwegian salmon or Roasted Coconut Spiced Chicken, Herb-Crusted Tenderloin or Baked cauliflower Tartare for vegetarians and ending with a popular Malaysian dessert; Banana Fritters served Gula Melaka Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream.
After lunch, a photography masterclass conducted by renowned Malaysian photographer Kim Mun turned all those in attendance into budding photographers, and even more so when we found out there was a photography competition with attractive prizes, among them the newest iPhone 15 and the latest 3rd generation Airpods.
Visually, the Vios has an imposing front end with a sporty lowered body. The distinctive front aerodynamic air vents improve the brake cooling performance and reduce drag for better handling and stability, while the 17-inch alloy rims on the wheel with 10 spoke design that radiates out from the centre hub to the outer edges of the wheel gives the Vios a bold appearance.
The interior has ergonomic seats with soft-touch materials designed to give comfort on long drives, just like the one we had, while the cabin quietness is another feature worth mentioning. External noise and vibrations are suppressed, while foam-filled cavities and fewer holes in the body reduce any sound from the engine or the outside.
It is the first vehicle in Toyota’s repertoire to incorporate state-of-the-art technology during assembly, along with ultra-high tensile materials, continuous frame design and increased welding spots to give the car a higher body rigidity and reduced mass. The engine compartment was also redesigned to eliminate form breakpoints and further reduce weight.
“The use of advanced technology in the assembly of the all-new Toyota Vios not only enhances the quality and efficiency of production but also promotes the upskilling of our workforce, fosters knowledge expansion within the industry and contributes positively to the local economy,” says Datuk Ravindran K, the President of UMW Toyota Motor adding that the response for this new Vios has been phenomenal since its launch in March with more than 5,000 orders made since the order-taking was announced earlier in the year.
After lunch, a drive through the hilly terrain of Genting Highlands saw us test the Vios once again on winding roads, misty weather and steep hill conditions. Not surprisingly, the car passed with flying colours. The day ended with afternoon tea at the Awana Genting Hotel, followed by the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the photography contest.
With a wide range of options, the all-new Vios is offered in two variants, the 1.5 G Advanced and the 1.5 E, which is excellent value and comes in five colour options – silver Metallic, Nebula Blue, Attitude Black, Platinum White and the newest, Spicy Scarlet.
With a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage, owners also enjoy the 24Seven Road Assist and a free three-year subscription to the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System, which monitors the car’s location at all times.
For further information on the All-New Toyota Vios, please visit www.toyota.com.my.
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