What makes Toyota Vios a strong competitor in the segment?

The Toyota Vios was initially launched in the year 2002 after Toyota decided to discontinue the Toyota Tercel. Now in its sixteenth year, the vehicle has managed to capture a good chunk of the market with its stylish looks along with a reasonable price tag. The Vios is undoubtedly one of the biggest hits for the Japanese manufacturer and has deservedly been a best-seller. The latest generation of the sedan was launched in the year 2013 and still it gives a tough competition to the other cars in the segment.

Toyota was quick to understand that even though the car has been a hit, it will need some upgrades in order to maintain its stronghold in the segment. The 2013 variant, thus, came with some required upgrades which have been discussed in detail below.

Interior

The ongoing Toyota Vios is longer and taller than its previous iteration making it a lot more spacious and comfortable. The cabin is well designed which complements the overall theme of the sedan and it also gets a stylish center console and dashboard along with a number of technologically advanced features.

An instrument panel with a tachometer display and a large analogue speedometer features in the backdrop of the three-spoke leather steering wheel, which also gets mounted audio control. There is also a multi-info display panel that comes with many utilities. The passenger seats are quite comfortable and offer plenty of room, while the driver seat is also adjustable. The seats get a premium fabric finishing and the overall look of the interior looks classy.

Handling & Fuel Efficiency

The current model of the Toyota Vios comes with a more safe and comfortable handling as well. The drive is a lot more fun and nimble and is also excellent while making sharp turns. It also gets a more improved suspension system - McPherson strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear.

The Toyota Vios is available with two engine variants - a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre VVT-I 4-cylinder inline. The 1.3-litre unit delivers a mileage of 12-13 kmpl on city roads and a mileage of 17-18 kmpl on highways. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre engine is capable of delivering a city mileage of 10-11 kmpl and a highway mileage of 15 kmpl.

Engine

Both the 1.3- as well as the 1.5-litre engines use the same technology and come with Electric Fuel Injection (EFI) system. The 1.3-litre power plant is capable of generating a maximum output of 85 hp at 6,000 rpm. The peak torque delivered by the engine is 122 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Both the engines are available with an option of either a 4-speed automatic transmission system or a 5-speed manual transmission system.

Exterior:

The sub-compact sedan is also an attractive vehicle to look at. It seems to be built with a sporty theme in mind. A radiator grille, sleek looking headlamps, and black fog lamps can be seen at the front side of the Vios. The roof gets a sporty looking antenna. The rear bumper comes with rear combination lamps and rear window defogger. The Vios comes with 14/15-inch alloy wheels.

Braking & Safety

As for the brakes, the Toyota Vios comes with ventilated front disc brakes along with rear drum brakes. The sedan also gets Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) that strengthens the braking efficiency of the car.

The impressive performance, efficiency, comforts, and handling of the Toyota Vios, which too, at an affordable price is one of the reasons why the sedan has managed to be as successful as it has.