Least Resistance: Toyota Vios (2009)

May 18,2009

You’ve seen it so many times; you’re probably sick of it already. It’s available in just about any color and configuration from taxis to cop cars. In fact, the only thing you haven’t seen the Vios do is carry dead bodies. Its propensity to multiply like rabbits on the road is the only real criticism you can level at Toyota’s entry-level sedan.

The Vios is best described as a conservative but solidly engineered car. For starters, the looks aren’t really outstanding, but they don’t polarize either. It doesn’t have the same Mr. Roboto appeal of the City, but the sleek lines should remain fresh over time. The front end is dominated by the large nose with a nicely sculpted bumper that extends all the way to the hood area. Subtle surfacing adds bulk to the otherwise compact exterior. At the side, it has de rigueur “luxury car” touches such as the side mirror mounted turn signal light as well as a chrome strip on the side door molding. Often unmentioned, the Vios is the only car here to have the aforementioned door molding which prevent door dings when parking in tight areas. A power folding mechanism on the side view mirrors add even more convenience.

Under the hood, Toyota continues its conservative approach by giving the Vios the exact same powerplant it had before: 1.5-liter VVT-i equipped engine with 107 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. But then, why fix if it isn’t broke? Typical of a Toyota, the Vios relies on its broad torque curve rather than peak power to pull itself forward. The result is smooth takeoffs from standstill while giving adequate overtaking acceleration when needed. It doesn’t’ like to be revved and it does sound asthmatic beyond 4,000 rpm so best keep this car away from highways and drag strips. The Vios is the only car in its class to be offered with a five-speed manual (a slick one at that) for its range-topping variant, but the four-speed automatic is the only one available with the leather seat package. It’s a good partner to the engine, offering a responsive and smooth experience. It’s also tuned to minimize revving, so the cabin is kept muted most of the time.

Puttering around and about is what the Vios does best. Aside from the smooth engine and responsive transmission, the ride is dampened without being too isolated. The suspension modulates itself well, absorbing sharp and abrupt road imperfections while keeping a degree of enthusiastic handling. The brakes do their job well enough and thanks to generously sized 185/60 R 15 tires. And it feels surefooted during emergency braking situations. The quick-witted steering may be good for slower speeds and parking situations, but it feels somewhat disconnected at higher speeds, limiting this car’s fun-to-drive factor.

Equally limiting in the Vios’s right to be crowned comparison champion is its interior execution which borders on being too bland. Metallic accents aside, there’s little in here that really gives a feel of uniqueness and identity. It’s sure to cause less hostility to its million buyers, but it feels too much like a derivative of the previous generation model. Like before, the gauges are located at the center but it now incorporates a trip computer. This is actually quite acceptable if it made way for an auxiliary box in front of the driver (as seen in the Yaris); but there’s none. Plus, the numerals easy wash out in direct sunlight than before. The audio system is nominal at best offering just the typical CD and MP3 support. The output is through a six-speaker system but the lack of an auxiliary jack and the messy interface let it down.

Overall, the choice of materials is good with nicely grained plastics and durable switchgear, but the fit could still be improved. For instance, the dash-mounted cup holders with push button activation sounds like a great idea until you can’t open them because of the misaligned dash. And that’s a big shame because it’s these small things that make you overlook the good stuff like the premium leather seating.

Though not exactly class-leading, the Vios still receives fairly good marks for its use of space. Aside from being treated to leather seating, all occupants can reveal in the comfort of supportive seats. Space is ample for all and roomy enough even for longer drives. The rear headrests are also adjustable. In addition, improved packaging means the Vios is now the only one in its class with the truly flat rear floor. Luggage space is nowhere as good as some of its rivals, but the 60/40 split-fold function does give the Vios a bit more flexibility.

Though it fails to really set your loins on fire, the sheer predictability of Vios ownership is probably what attracts buyers to it. Ask anyone what they think of the Vios and things like bullet-proof build quality, fuel frugality and excellent value for money all pop up. Cutting-edge design and sporty dynamics may provide an initial ‘wow’ to a potential buyer, but rarely will these equate to a happy ownership experience. The Vios has certainly gone the safe route in almost every aspect the second time around, but its simplistic and no-frills attitude toward the everyday commute will probably make this a car that will eventually outlast its owner.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang

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