Toyota Thailand updates Vios for the 2021 model year
It was just last year when Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launched the updated 2021 Vios. Sporting a new look, the B-segment sedan received a host of visual upgrades along with new standard equipment available across the range.
Over in Thailand, however, Toyota has introduced yet another update to the Vios. Called the Yaris Ativ in The Land of Smiles, the refreshed sedan gets minor exterior revisions and new interior amenities.
Starting with the most obvious, the Vios now comes with a sportier front bumper and wider corner inserts. There are also new L-shaped foglight bezels that give the sedan a flashier appearance. Depending on the variant, the 2021 Vios comes with either halogen headlights or full LED lighting.
On higher-trim variants, the 2021 Vios receives a black roof, black side mirror caps, new side skirts, and a revised rear bumper. Rounding up the visual updates on the 2021 Vios are the stylish 15-inch alloy wheels painted black with silver accents.
Inside, the interior of the refreshed Vios still looks relatively the same. From the digital climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, 3-pod gauge cluster, and the piano black accents, Toyota decided to retain the design of the cabin. Entry-level models come with fabric seats, while the mid-range Sport gets fabric-leather upholstery. At the top of the range is the Sport Premium variant, which comes with a full leather interior finish.
Infotainment comes in the form of a 6.7-inch touchscreen system. It comes with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, smartphone mirror link, and voice control. Depending on the variant, the 2021 Vios comes with 4 or 6 speakers and USB charging ports for the rear passengers.
Under the hood, the Thai-spec Vios is powered by a 1.2-liter, Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine. It makes 92 PS with 109 Nm of torque. Power is sent to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This particular engine is only available in Thailand. Once the refreshed Vios arrives in the Philippines, expect it to continue using the 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i engines.
In terms of safety, all models of the 2021 Vios come with 7 airbags, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. Other available features for the updated sedan include automatic headlights, a smart keyless entry, engine start/stop button, reverse camera, and rear parking sensors. For peace of mind while on the road, the 2021 Vios also has intelligent driving aids. These include a pre-collision system (PCS), and lane departure alert (LDA).
With Thailand the first ASEAN market to get the refreshed Vios, it may only be a matter of time before TMP also get their hands on it. The only question now is, do you like the new look of the Vios? Share your comments below.