2023 Toyota Yaris sedan spied: Is this the all-new Vios?
This could be our first look at the next-gen Toyota Vios
It looks like we’re only months away before we see the next-generation Toyota Vios make its official debut. Thanks to our friends over at Headlightmag in Thailand, we might have caught our first glimpse of Toyota’s popular B-segment fighter.
Spotted over at The Land of Smiles, the heavily-camouflaged sedan is supposedly the all-new Yaris Sedan. While it might have a different name, this is essentially the new-generation Vios.
Based on the pictures, the upcoming sedan will have a more aggressive front end courtesy of a large grille, sleek LED headlights, and what appears to be a sporty bumper. If anything, the new face of the Vios sort of resembles the Yaris hatchback for Europe, as well as the rally-inspired GR Yaris hot hatch.
We still cannot tell what will the rear of the all-new Vios will look like. But based on the pictures, it seems it will have a new pair of taillights, albeit slimmer. Also worth mentioning is the sedan’s new trunk which appears to be bigger than before.
Despite the camo still hiding its overall shape, it appears to be partly inspired by the Daihatsu DN F-Sedan concept that was revealed at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). More importantly, the upcoming four-door looks to be bigger than the current Vios we have in the country. This leads us to believe it might be similar in size to the Geely Emgrand once revealed.
As far as powertrains are concerned, the next-gen Vios will reportedly continue to be powered by a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated Dual VVT-i engine for the Thai market. A choice between a CVT and a 5-speed manual will supposedly be available.
But perhaps the most intriguing powertrain is the rumored hybrid system. According to our contacts, the Vios (along with the Avanza) will likely make use of the brand’s more cost effective E-Smart Hybrid system. First used in the all-new Raize, the E-Smart Hybrid makes use of a gasoline-powered 1.2-liter engine that serves as a generator/range extender. The setup is actually quite similar to what Nissan currently has called e-Power. This then recharges the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack that powers the electric motor. If true, this will give the Vios a similar feel to an electric vehicle (EV) while still being a hybrid.
However, headlightmag’s source says that the 2023 Vios could be available with the Hybrid THS-II system. It will come with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four that will be paired with an electric motor. If true, this will give the sedan the traditional parallel hybrid setup like the Corolla Cross HEV, Corolla Altis HEV, Camry HEV, and RAV4 HEV. If this will be the system used, it could directly compete against Honda’s e:HEV system.
With the all-new Vios slated to be launched in Q3 of 2022 (hybrid model to be launched in 2023), we certainly cannot wait for more details (or leaks) regarding the 2023 Vios.
