Text and photos by Aries B. Espinosa
OUR only concern was that it was the monsoon season, and that heavy rains would render provincial roads impassable. Other than that, we were raring to go on a northern sojourn with the new Toyota Vios on Aug. 8-10.
Three weeks prior, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) introduced the latest version of its subcompact bestseller. TMP, celebrating its 30th year, rolled out a bolder looking, more spacious Vios. Though the model’s signature dual VVT-i-equipped engine and CVT were retained, TMP claims the Vios wasn’t untouched — a few engineering tweaks here and there supposedly made it more fuel-efficient, and the presence of sequential and paddle shifters in the CVT certainly promised a sportier drive.
The only thing missing at the time was the actual drive, the proof of the pudding, so to speak.
TMP provided just such an opportunity with a ride-and-drive activity featuring the three variants of the new Vios in a 600-kilometer loop from Manila to La Union, then up to Baguio City, and back to Manila. The route’s varied road and driving conditions gave the 30-plus participants a feel of how the new Vios performed in a combination of city, expressway, provincial highway and mountain drives.
The Vios’s base variant, fitted with a 1.3-liter engine and a five-speed transmission, showed some oomph in the higher gears. Finding the right spot between the clutch and the gas pedal for a smooth stop-to-go transition in first gear, though, was a bit tricky, owing perhaps to the short clutch play.
Inside, the new Vios did feel more spacious, particularly for the rear passengers. And we were pleasantly surprised that even the base variant was accorded a push-button ignition and smart entry, as well as an integrated center panel combining the automatic air-conditioning controls to the touch screen display audio, allowing ease of access through Bluetooth, web link, and USB connectivity.
The rear passengers, though, had to contend with manually controlled windows, which we surmised was necessary to keep the base level price at a reasonable P659,000.
For the top-spec 1.5 G Prime CVT variant — despite the high-revving characteristic of the transmission system (which was magnified in the climb to Baguio City via Naguilian Road) — the handling and comfort was satisfying, its stability control and hill-start assist helping in managing the twists and turns of the mountain passes, and the eventual traffic upon entering Baguio City. And knowing that all the variants of the new Vios have been certified by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with a five-star rating — the highest in its charts — highlighted by the seven SRS air bags strategically located around the car, gave passengers that priceless peace of mind.
Ma. Cristina Fe N. Arevalo, first vice-president of TMP for brand and product planning cluster, revealed: “The new Vios’ overall length increased by 15 millimeters and its overall width increased by 30 millimeters. The seat shape was also improved to provide more spaciousness and comfort to the driver and passengers.”
The overall fuel mileage we got after driving the base variant and the G Prime was in the vicinity of 14 kilometers per liter, a good result considering the vehicle load and the build-up of traffic from Baguio to Manila.
Ms. Arevalo explained that; “Aside from the change in the engine software, the aerodynamic design was also changed, resulting in better fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The modified shape of the rear bumper as well as the added aero-stabilizing fins enhance the car’s stability and allows for a better airflow for the vehicle.”
Inside and out, the new Vios had all the bases covered — the only thing it couldn’t control, of course, was the weather. Good thing those three days weren’t so drenching, and our convoy was able to safely complete the route without having to do an impromptu test of the flood-wading capabilities of this sedan. Which certainly was not in the itinerary.
