The B-segment sedan market in Vietnam is highly competitive, with various automakers vying for a share of this lucrative segment. The Toyota Vios, a longstanding favorite, continues to lead the pack in terms of sales, with 12,706 units sold as of November 2024. Its enduring popularity is exemplified by 37-year-old Vu Van Cong from Hanoi, who chose the Vios despite competitors’ upgraded offerings.
Mr. Cong, who works in business development for a tech accessories company, could have opted for any number of vehicles but chose the Vios for its unique value proposition. He shares his thoughts on his new car and his experience with the purchasing process.
– Cong, was the Toyota Vios your first car choice? What led you to choose it over other options?
The Toyota Vios is indeed my first car purchase, but prior to this, I had the opportunity to experience various other models through self-drive rental services. I thoroughly researched other B-segment sedans such as the Honda City, Mitsubishi Attrage, and Hyundai Accent before making my decision. Ultimately, I chose the Vios as it has a reputation for being reliable and less prone to minor issues.
Mr. Cong with his new Toyota Vios G, purchased in August and already with over 4,000km on the odometer.
I also took test drives of the Honda City and Hyundai Accent, but I found their steering to be a bit too light for my preference. The Vios, on the other hand, offers a more substantial steering feel that suits my driving style, and I find its seating position more comfortable as well.
– You purchased the car in August, just missing out on the government’s 50% reduction in registration fees. Do you regret not waiting for that opportunity?
I had placed a deposit on the car back in June, initially intending to wait for the reduced registration fee policy to take effect. However, by August, there was still no official news, and my work demands became too pressing to delay any further. So, I went ahead with the purchase.
Of course, I feel a bit of regret about missing out on the savings, but it was my decision, and I don’t feel too badly about it. Moreover, the dealership offered me excellent service and support, which made up for it. They provided me with complimentary window tinting, floor mats, and a 50% discount voucher for future maintenance, which I found very practical and useful.
Mr. Cong expresses satisfaction with the dealership’s service during his purchase of the Toyota Vios.
– What are your thoughts on the design of the Toyota Vios? Do you find it appealing?
In terms of design, I would describe the Vios as decent and functional. If I were looking for a more stylish option, I might have gone with the Hyundai Accent. However, my priority was on driving dynamics, durability, and long-term usability, and the Vios excelled in those areas.
The Toyota Vios G features Bi-LED headlights and sporty 16-inch alloy wheels.
The latest Vios doesn’t stand out in terms of design, in my personal opinion. It has a neutral, understated look that works well for both male and female drivers. As someone who travels frequently, I prioritize durability and long-term usability over flashy design.
– You chose the top-of-the-line G grade for the Vios. How would you rate the features and equipment offered in this variant?
The features included in the G grade are more than sufficient for my needs. I haven’t felt the need to add any aftermarket equipment, and everything remains in its original state. I particularly appreciate some of the advanced safety features, such as 4-wheel disc brakes, pre-collision warning, and lane departure warning. These features have proven to be very practical and effective during my usage.
Interior of the Toyota Vios G.
As I mentioned earlier, my work involves frequent travel to meet with partners and distributors. The lane departure warning system has been a godsend during my high-speed highway drives. The pre-collision warning system has also been invaluable when navigating through busy city streets and making U-turns.
“I prefer the G grade of the Vios because it offers many new technologies while still being reasonably priced at 545 million VND.”
– How would you rate the driving performance of the Toyota Vios? Does it deliver a comfortable and responsive driving experience?
When driving on the highway at speeds of around 100km/h, I do notice a slight lateral sway. However, the steering remains dependable when making lane changes or overtaking. In the city, the Vios offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, thanks in part to its CVT transmission. The steering feel is light and maneuverable, making it ideal for urban environments.
“The Vios’ steering feel suits my preferences, and I find it to be a very ‘driveable’ car.”
I’ve also driven the Accent in the city, and I found its automatic transmission to be a bit jerky at times. So, for city driving, I believe the Vios is a more sensible choice, at least based on my personal experience.
“I appreciate the Vios’ well-calibrated throttle and brake pedals, which give me confidence when driving.”
– How does the cabin space in the Toyota Vios compare to that of its competitors? Do you find it spacious and comfortable for your needs?
While the overall dimensions of the Vios may not be as large as the Honda City or Hyundai Accent, I find the cabin space in the Vios to be more than adequate. Even on long trips, my family and I remain comfortable, and the seatback angle is just right. The Vios offers a surprisingly spacious interior, especially in the back seat.
The rear seat of the Toyota Vios offers ample headroom and legroom.
– What are the aspects of the Toyota Vios that you are most satisfied with, and are there any areas where you feel it could improve?
Thus far, I am very pleased with my purchase as the Vios meets all my requirements. The engine has a proven track record, having been used in previous generations, so I have peace of mind regarding its reliability. However, one area where I feel there is room for improvement is the center armrest, which I find a bit too short and not very practical.
The Toyota Vios offers comfortable seating, but the center armrest in the front could be longer for better practicality.
Regarding the infotainment screen, while some have criticized it for being too reflective, my personal experience has been positive. The large screen is smooth and responsive, and I appreciate the seamless smartphone connectivity.
The Toyota Vios G is equipped with a 9-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
– After driving 4,000km, would you say that the Toyota Vios truly lives up to its reputation for practicality and fuel efficiency?
To be honest, I haven’t paid much attention to fuel consumption, as the amount I spend on gas is quite reasonable. Based on my estimates, I’d say the Vios performs close to the manufacturer’s claimed figure of around 6 liters per 100km for combined city and highway driving. For me, that level of efficiency is more than enough, and I don’t have to worry about frequent refueling.
The Toyota Vios is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 107 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque.
As for maintenance costs, I haven’t incurred any significant expenses yet, as I’m still within the 4,000km mark. However, I have friends who own the 2021 and 2022 models of the Vios, and they all speak highly of its low maintenance requirements. They’ve shared that it’s a hassle-free car that rarely needs anything beyond routine gas fill-ups. Seeing how worry-free and stable their Vios ownership experience has been, it reinforced my decision to choose this vehicle.
Conclusion
The Toyota Vios is renowned for its low maintenance costs and reliability, setting it apart from its competitors. The following section provides a comparison of maintenance and fuel costs between the Vios and its rivals, the Honda City and Hyundai Accent.
Infographic: A comparison of maintenance and fuel costs between the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent.
While the Honda City boasts the best fuel economy among the three models, the difference in fuel costs between the Vios and City over five years (or 100,000km) is not significant. Additionally, the Vios offers considerably lower maintenance costs, making it a more economical choice in the long run.
With nearly 100 dealerships across Vietnam, Toyota provides comprehensive support for Vios owners and peace of mind when it comes to after-sales service. The combination of excellent customer service, low maintenance costs, and affordable parts and accessories has solidified the Vios’ position as a trusted choice among Vietnamese car buyers.
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