In a country known for its massive traffic, you will notice a common car model every ten cars or so. It is practically impossible to miss this vehicle, as it has been the bestselling automobile in the Philippines since its launch. Have you guessed what it is? Yes! It is the Toyota Vios Philippines. For the past seven years it has topped sales charts nationwide, proving that it is the top pick of Filipinos for a vehicle they can trust.
First and Second Generation
There has been three generations of the Toyota Vios since its launch in 2002 – a recent addition to its already long and impressive roster. The first generation of Toyota Vios was first introduced to the market in 2002 as the newest sedan in the Toyota Motor Philippines line of vehicles. Production was stopped in late 2007 and the next generation was launched in 2008. On April 6th 2010, the Vios was given a fresh look with new wheels, head, and tail lamps.
Exterior
For its exterior, the third generation has a lighter frame as compared to its predecessors, which makes navigating a breeze. The headlights are in a pronounced slanted shape to match a more angular bumper. It is also has a sportier look than your regular sedan.
There are six different variants under this generation, starting with the 1.3 base and ending with the 1.5 G Automatic Transmission. This generation also introduced two new colors to its already wide array of colors: orange metallic and dark brown metallic. The other colors are Red Mica Metallic, Pearl White, Xtreme Black, Thermalyte, Gray Metallic, and Freedom White.
Interior
The third generation Vios is longer, which means more leg space in the second row and more trunk space. It is also wider, giving passengers more personal space. This Vios also has a noise cancelling cabin and a higher ceiling.
The audio system depends on the grade and transmission of the model you are going to purchase. The 1.3 base model has a 1DIN with CD audio system, while the 1.3 J and 1.3 E 5-Speed Manual Transmission models have a 1 DIN with CD/MP3. Both 1.5 G models and the 1.3 E 4-Speed Automatic Transmission models have a touch screen 7-inch display audio system with CD/MP3, Bluetooth, voice control and mirror link capabilities. These models also have audio control on the steering wheel.
Engine and Safety
Under the hood you will find an efficient VVT-I, 4-cynlinder in-line DOHC 16V EFI. For the Base, J and E models, that would be a 2NZ-FE 1.3L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 VVT-i engine. For the G models, that would be a 1NZ-FE 1.5L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 VVT-i engine. The Toyota Vios has a fuel tank with a capacity of 42 liters, giving the car a lot of mileage. You won’t have any problems when it comes to safety either, as all models of the vehicle are equipped with airbags, ELR seatbelts, and child safety locks.
The Toyota Vios is a sedan that certainly lives up to its name, which means “To Move Forward” in Latin. And indeed, it will continue to move forward, as this model, thanks to a myriad of impressive features, will surely top the best seller’s car lists for many years to come.
