With their affordable price point and adaptability to meet the needs of the masses, the B-segment sedans in Vietnam have always been a popular choice for locals. Recognizing the large market share and ample room for competition, car manufacturers have put in considerable effort into this vehicle segment, with many products entering the fray.
Among them, the Toyota Vios stands out as a prominent name, currently leading the segment in sales. A total of 12,706 units were sold from the beginning of 2024 to the end of November. Despite competitors releasing upgraded versions, the Vios remains a favorite among customers, including Mr. Vu Van Cong, a 37-year-old resident of Hanoi.
Mr. Cong is currently in charge of business operations for a company in the technology accessories industry. While he could have chosen another car model, Mr. Cong believes that the Toyota Vios offers unique values that other products struggle to match.
Mr. Cong with his newly purchased Toyota Vios G in August, which has since clocked over 4,000 kilometers.
– Hello, Mr. Cong! Is the Toyota Vios your first car? Why did you choose this particular model?
The Toyota Vios is indeed my first car purchase, but prior to this, I had the opportunity to experience various car models through self-drive car rental services.
Before settling on the Vios, I researched several other B-segment sedans, such as the Honda City, Mitsubishi Attrage, and Hyundai Accent. However, I ultimately found the Vios to be the most suitable option for me as it has a reputation for being reliable and less prone to minor breakdowns.
Although he considered other options, Mr. Cong eventually chose the Toyota Vios as his first car purchase.
I’ve also test-driven the Honda City and Hyundai Accent, but I found their steering to be a bit too light for my preference. In contrast, the Vios offers a certain heft to its steering that aligns with my driving style, and I find its seating position more comfortable than that of its competitors.
– You purchased the car in August, just after the government’s 50% reduction in registration fees ended. Do you regret missing out on that opportunity?
I had placed a deposit for 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 information, and my business needs were becoming increasingly urgent, so I decided to go ahead with the purchase.
While I do feel a slight twinge of regret, it’s not a significant feeling as I understand that it was my choice to make. Moreover, the dealership offered me a lot of support and excellent service, which made up for it. They provided me with various gifts, including window tinting, floor mats, and a 50% voucher for maintenance, which I found to be quite practical.
Mr. Cong expresses satisfaction with the quality of service he received from the dealership when purchasing the Toyota Vios.
– What are your thoughts on the design of the Toyota Vios?
In terms of style, I’d say the Toyota Vios is decent. If I were looking for something more fashionable, I might have opted for the Hyundai Accent, but my priority lies in the driving experience, durability, and long-term usability, which is why I chose the Vios.
The Toyota Vios G features Bi-LED headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels, giving it a sporty appearance.
To be honest, the new Vios doesn’t stand out in terms of design, in my personal opinion. It maintains a neutral look that works for both male and female drivers without being too flashy.
Due to his frequent travel needs, Mr. Cong prioritizes durability and long-term usability when choosing a car.
– I noticed you chose the top-of-the-line G trim for the Toyota Vios. How do you feel about the features offered in this version?
The features included in this trim are more than sufficient for my needs. I haven’t felt the need to add any extra installations, and everything remains in its original state.
One aspect that I particularly appreciate about this version is the inclusion of several safety features, such as four-wheel disc brakes, pre-collision warning, and lane departure warning. During my usage, I’ve found these features to be incredibly practical and effective.
Interior of the Toyota Vios G.
As I mentioned earlier, my work often requires me to travel to meet with partners and distributors. The lane departure warning feature has been a godsend during my frequent trips on the highway. The pre-collision warning system has also been a great help when navigating through city streets, especially when I need to make a U-turn.
“I prefer the G trim of the Toyota Vios because it offers many new technologies while still being reasonably priced at 545 million VND.”
– What are your thoughts on the performance of the Toyota Vios?
When driving on the highway at speeds of around 100 km/h, I do notice a slight lateral sway, but the steering remains dependable when making lane changes or overtaking. In city driving, the Vios offers a pleasant driving experience, thanks in part to its CVT transmission. It handles smoothly and effortlessly.
“The steering feels solid and responsive, so in my personal opinion, the Toyota Vios is a great driving car.”
I’ve also driven the Accent in the city, and due to its automatic transmission, I found it to be a bit jerky at times. So, for city driving, the Vios is a more logical choice for me.
“I appreciate the consistent throttle and brake response of the Vios. It gives me confidence when driving.”
– How do you feel about the cabin space of the Toyota Vios compared to its competitors?
If we’re talking about overall size, the Toyota Vios isn’t as large as the Honda City or Hyundai Accent. However, I find the cabin space in the Vios to be more spacious and comfortable, even on long-distance trips with my family. The seatback angle is also just right.
The rear seats of the Toyota Vios offer ample headroom and legroom.
– What are some aspects of the Toyota Vios that you are satisfied with, and are there any areas for improvement?
So far, I’m very pleased with my choice as the car meets all my requirements. The engine has been used in previous generations, so its quality has already been proven, giving me peace of mind. However, I do think that the center armrest could be improved as it feels a bit short and isn’t very practical.
The seats in the Toyota Vios have thick cushions for comfort, but the center armrest in the front row could be longer.
As for the infotainment screen, while some people have mentioned that it can be a bit glaring, my personal experience has been positive. The screen is large, responsive, and conveniently connects to my smartphone.
The Toyota Vios G is equipped with a 9-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
– After 4,000 kilometers of usage, do you feel that the Toyota Vios truly lives up to its reputation for practicality and fuel efficiency?
To be honest, I haven’t paid too much attention to fuel consumption as the amount I spend on gas isn’t significant. If I had to estimate, I’d say it’s around 6 liters per 100 kilometers for combined city and highway driving, which is pretty close to the figure advertised by the manufacturer.
For me, that level of fuel efficiency is more than enough, allowing me to use the car freely without any concerns. When it comes to city driving or daily commutes, I only need to refuel once a week.
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 had to do any major work yet, as I’m still within the 4,000-kilometer 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 reliable car that rarely breaks down, and all they need to do is fill up the gas tank and drive. Seeing how hassle-free and stable their Vios has been, it gave me the confidence to choose this car.
Conclusion
The Toyota Vios is known for its low maintenance costs and reliability, setting it apart from its competitors. Below is some data on the maintenance and fuel consumption of the Toyota Vios in comparison with the Honda City and Hyundai Accent.
Infographic: A comparison of the maintenance and fuel costs of the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent.
As you can see, the Honda City boasts the best fuel economy among the three models. However, after five years of use (or 100,000 kilometers), the difference in fuel costs between the Vios and the City isn’t substantial. Additionally, the Toyota Vios has significantly lower maintenance costs than its competitors, making it a more economical choice in the long run.
Furthermore, with nearly 100 dealerships across Vietnam, covering all three regions of the country, Toyota offers a strong after-sales support system for Vios owners and users of other Toyota models. The excellent after-sales service, low maintenance costs, and affordable spare parts and accessories are some of the key reasons why the Toyota Vios is a trusted choice for many customers.
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