#10YearChallenge -Toyota Vios 2010 vs 2020

The Toyota Vios is one of the most beloved compact sedans in the country. Be it a company car, a private vehicle, taxi, or used as TMVS, the Vios has been a preferred choice for companies and individuals because of its reliability, affordability, and availability of aftersales services.

Making its debut in 2002, The first-generation Toyota Vios was produced by Toyota with the emerging Asia-pacific market in mind. It was a replacement for the Tercel or Soluna in some markets as a subcompact or B-segment sedan, just below the Corolla and the Camry. Since then, two other generations were released.

The second generation was produced from 2007 to 2013 which was essentially just a rebadged Belta, while the current third-generation was manufactured beginning 2013 to present. The third generation Vios was first introduced in Thailand during the 2013 Bangkok International Motor Show. It was released during the second quarter of the same year here in the Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) then announced that the local version would be assembled at the Santa Rosa, Laguna plant. Here’s a look back on how the Toyota Vios changed over the past decade.

Exterior changes

The 2020 Toyota Vios is a head-turner. Compared to the 2010 version with bold headlights and muted front grille, the 2020 Vios has a more robust look to it. It now sports a more elongated headlight that runs to the side of the vehicle, a barely-there front grille, and a large air dam that dominated the front façade. The bonnet basically remained the same with a crease running on both sides. The same dual crease lining diagonally through the side continues the same design theme with the same elongated taillight design at the rear for the 2020 version. In a way, there are some design changes aesthetically to make the Vios respondent to changing times while at the same time remaining true to its heritage.

Variants

The 2010 Vios was a facelifted version of the second generation available in several trims: the entry-level 1.3 J partnered with a 5-speed manual transmission; the 1.3 E with an option to choose between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; and the 1.5 G, with the choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2020 Vios, on the other hand, comes in more model options. The entry 1.3 Base and the 1.3 J comes with a manual transmission while the 1.3 XE is partnered to a CVT. The mid trims 1.3 XLE, 1.3 E, 1.3 E PRIME, 1.5 G are available in manual or CVT while the top of the line G Prime is available only in CVT.

Features

In terms of features, the second generation Vios already was equipped with Toyota Vehicle Security System (TVSS). Other noteworthy features include the anti-lock braking system, protective side moldings, and driver’s side airbag. The flagship model, the G variant was loaded with a bigger set of alloy wheels, side-mirror turn signal lamps, rear disc brakes, and leather-bound steering-wheel with stereo remote-control.  

Speaking of the 2020 Toyota Vios specs sheet, the car comes with chock-full of tech and safety features as compared to its predecessor. It now has a multi-function steering wheel, push-button start with keyless entry, electrically adjustable and foldable rearview mirrors, ambient lighting, and rear AC vents. Plus the passive and active safety features and driver-assist has also improved to include seven airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, ISOFIX, Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Front Digital Video Recorder, and front and rear parking sensors.

Engine

The 2010 Vios involved two engine options: a 1.3 or 1.5 liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4 VVT-I engine capable of producing 84 hp and 106 hp of output respectively. The engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. For the 2020 Vios, the same 1.3 or 1.5 liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4 VVT-I engine options are under the hood capable of delivering 98 hp and 106 hp respectively. The engine can be mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Final words

When all is said and done, The Vios is a car that does not have many bells and whistles, even unremarkable for some. But it remains the top-selling sedan in the country and had lasted more than the #10YearChallenge. Why you may ask? Because it (1) stays true to its target market and (2) by giving the essentials. Essential in a way that it gets you from point A to point B without much fuzz and with fuel efficiency to Filipinos looking to buy a starter vehicle that is easy on the budget.

Also read: Toyota Vios - What makes it desirable over its competitors?