2011 Toyota Vios Review
Price
from: RM69,935
to: RM89,451
Installment
from: RM667/mth
to: RM853/mth
2011 Toyota Vios at a glance
The 2011 Toyota Vios has been and should remain the most popular sedan in its class. With a fresh look, better rear room, and more trim levels to choose from, the 2011 Toyota Vios should have no problems setting sales numbers ablaze.
2011 Toyota Vios quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Toyota Vios ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The current Toyota Vios looks like it has undergone a major facelift from the previous Vios, instead of appearing all-new. Compared to the cheeky front end, the rear end looks subdued and under-styled. On the whole though, the 2011 Toyota Vios is still neat and likeable. The 1.5S adds a sporty Aerokit consisting of a front bumper spoiler, side skirting and a boot spoiler.
Handling
The 2011 Toyota Vios remains easy to drive in the city and even puts up a decent dynamic showing. The light, quick steering and excellent visibility help in city driving, while the reasonable agility, well-controlled body movements and improved grip levels mean the 2011 Toyota Vios' handling should be good enough for its target audience.
Comfort
The ride stays supple and comfortable over most surfaces. Refinement, however, scores less impressively, predominantly due to the noisy engine. Drivers get seat-height adjustments and a steering column that only adjusts for height. The interesting dashboard architecture remains, including the centrally mounted meter panel that is not easier to view than the conventional. The air-conditioning dials are uniquely arranged too, although the ease of use of the controls is not compromised.
Quality + Reliability
Quality and reliability are Toyota models' greatest strengths. And that holds true for the 2011 Toyota Vios, the most affordable sedan in the Toyota range. Superb build quality and fine-grade plastics are the order of the day. Toyota models, including the previous Vios, are famously reliable, and we expect the current Vios' carried-over mechanicals to stand the test of time.
Performance
An in-line four-cylinder 1.5-litre with 107 bhp and 141 Nm is the only available engine, while a four-speed automatic gearbox and a five-speed manual gearbox are choices. With the automatic gearbox, the on-road performance is urgent and more than adequate for everyday driving. Boasting a light gear-change and short-travel clutch pedal, the manual gearbox proves fine to operate, and can save you buying and running costs.
Roominess
Thanks to the increased wheelbase and the flat rear floor, the current Toyota Vios comes with better rear head- and leg-room than before. There are plenty of useful cabin storage compartments and the boot space is now larger at 475 litres. The rear seats can 60:40 split-fold for more loading space in all variants except the base 1.5J.
Running Costs
Toyota Vios owners get to enjoy the lowest running costs by class standards, largely attributable to the 2011 Toyota Vios' excellent fuel economy, the reasonable servicing and repair costs, and of course the rock-solid resale values achievable only with a Toyota badge.
Value for Money
The all-new Toyota Vios does not feel entirely new. Retaining the agile drive, supple ride, cabin quality and on-road performance, and with issues such as the lack of rear room addressed, the 2011 Toyota Vios is now more complete than ever before. Toyota may have passed the chance to set the benchmark higher, but the 2011 Toyota Vios, like its predecessor, should have no problems setting new record sales figures.
Equipment
The 1.5J comes with 14" steel wheels, power-adjustable & retractable side mirrors, fabric seats, 1-DIN head unit with CD player, tuner & 4 speakers, driver-side airbag, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats and ABS with EBD & BA. The 1.5E adds on alloy wheels, side mirror turn indicators, fog lamps, 60:40 split-foldable rear seats, 2-DIN head unit with MP3, WMA, CD player, tuner & 4 speaker and dual front airbags. The 1.5G further adds on rear disc brakes, 15" alloy wheels, exterior and interior chrome packages, door visors, semi-leather seats, built-in audio system with MP3, WMA, CD Player, tuner & 6 speakers, leather steering wheel with audio controls and leather shift lever knob. The 1.5 TRD Sportivo tacks on unique wheels, an aerokit (front & rear bumper spoilers, side skirting and trunk spoiler) and black/red interior with Optitron meter combination.
Environment
Japanese automakers are responsible for producing the “greenest” cars on the market. And Toyota is definitely at the forefront. Excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions rank the 2011 Toyota Vios as one of the most environmentally friendly in its class.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Fresh look
Agile yet supple
Better rear room
Under-styled rear end
Noisy engine
Centrally mounted meter panel
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