User Test Drive: Low NVH level and perfect suspension - 2021 Toyota Vios 1.5G

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Basic Information About The Car

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5G

Time of Visit: 9th April 2021, 3.30pm

Dealer Name: Prima Pearl Sdn Bhd

Dealer Location: NO 72-1-33A ARENA CURVE, Jalan Mahsuri, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: RM87,584 OTR without SST and Insurance

Dealer Asking Price: RM84,584 OTR without SST and Insurance

Discount: RM3,000 Rebate and RM2,500 Free Aerokit for April 2021 promo

Vehicle Delivery Time: Nil

Purpose (Why did you make a visit to the dealer?)

The reason to test drive the car is to survey a number of cars I needed to upgrade from my current ride. As someone who is using the Axia for close to 2 years, an upgrade is needed. Moreover, another reason is also to prove to myself that sedans are still relevant in the 21st century.

After researching a number of cars, I decided to contact a very helpful and supportive sales advisor by the name of Ms Yuan from Prima Pearl Auto Sdn Bhd to survey the Vios Facelift after an initial test drive with the 2019 Facelift.

And here is what I honestly think about it.

Exterior 

In terms of its exterior design, it is much neater design if compared to the controversial catfish design of its 2019 predecessor. Compared to its predecessor, it's much neater and stylish as its grille does resemble that of newer Lexus designs and now its headlights come with led lighting which can look premium for some. Besides, although its back design is not a change from before but it still does the job even in 2021 when this was reviewed.

Moreover, the 16-inch sport rims of the Vios make the car look sportier and Toyota providing free body kit does make the car feel more complete compared to the Vios offered in other markets such as Thailand or the Philippines

Finally, I would love to comment that the Vios facelift does look like a mini-Camry that does the job quite well as expected of a Toyota. By the way, the chrome handles of the G spec Vios does make it more premium and C-segment like.

Interior

Unlike its exterior design, nothing much has changed with the interior design. However, the seats do get a different design. Moreover, some of the materials, especially the dashboard now uses a darken version from the predecessor model so that it does not get a glare effect like its predecessor.

Moreover, the head-unit now supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay which are must haves in the 21st century. Also, the 360 Degree camera now upgraded to a 3D which has better graphics if compared to the older version.

In terms of its interior space, it is ample for most people out there but taller adults may struggle especially for the rear seats. However, most can slouch down to have a more comfortable sitting position and seats are actually quite plush and supportive.

However, I do want to comment that the driver's armrest is not as ergonomically designed and the head room in the backseat can be slightly compromised especially for taller adults.

In terms of boot space, the Vios should have enough boot space for most folks out there as it has 506 liters of boot space. Unlike its rivals, the Vios actually gives you a full-spare tire which can come in handy in sticky situations.

Interior Design

Rear Seats

Boot Space- About 506 liters

Summary

Pros

• Attractive specs at an attractive price point, gets TSS on both E and G grades, G Spec Vios is under 90k compared to 91k for a fully spec Almera or 106k for a City RS
• Good safety features and specs, 7 airbags as standard, with PCS, LDA, BSM with RCTA and 3D 360 Camera on E and G variants. It is also the only B-Segment sedan to come with solid disc brakes under RM100k. 
• Very Comfortable because low NVH level and a very fine suspension
• Being a Toyota, expect ownership to be peace of mind and almost trouble free.
• Very tough and rigid built for a B-Segment Sedan
• Full Spare Tire can come in handy in unexpected situations 

Cons

• No steering telescopic wheel (Not an issue for most, but taller drivers will struggle)
• For some, the drive can be lethargic
• Rear space especially for headroom will be a struggle for taller adults

My overall feelings toward the car

Overall, the Toyota Vios is a great all-rounder, having great safety specifications and at a very attractive price point. After test driving it, I can say UMW Toyota has made the necessary changes to the updated Toyota Vios despite the previous Vios being quite an excellent package. The quality of the Vios is still good as expected from a Toyota and one would not regret getting it over some of its rivals the City or Almera and maybe even the Ativa or the X50.

Although some are let down by its not so ergonomic interior design, lack of steering telescopic on its steering wheel, slightly compromised rear headroom and lethargic drive, I bet most owners will be happy with their Vios as it provides them with a very peace of mind ownership and a very comfortable drive. Moreover, handling of the Vios is in fact better than its B-Segment sedan rivals such as the City and Almera as the suspension felt more planted to the ground despite not having Toyota’s fame TNGA platform.

Personally, some of you can call me a fanboy but if one must have a car long-term and not really care much about the speed and handling, there is no reason to look anything further than Toyota vehicles including the Vios.

That is my two cents.

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