The All-New Toyota Vios: Will It Make Its Way to Vietnam?

As of now, the new-generation Toyota Vios has been introduced in six Southeast Asian countries, starting with Thailand, followed by Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, and most recently, Malaysia in March 2023.

In Vietnam, many customers also anticipated that this B-segment sedan would soon be upgraded to the new generation. However, up to this point, Toyota has not announced any official launch plans, leaving many customers anxious.

Toyota Vios currently sold in Vietnam

The Toyota Vios distributed in Vietnam belongs to the third generation, launched back in 2014. So far, it has undergone three mid-life cycle upgrades, respectively in 2018, 2021, and 2023. In the latest upgrade, the car received subtle design and equipment improvements. Changes include LED projector headlights replacing halogen/LED lenses, a 9-inch central entertainment screen, and several safety features such as pre-collision warning and lane departure warning. Despite a price adjustment, this mid-life cycle upgrade has not met the expectations of many customers, especially when compared to newer competitors like the Honda City and Hyundai Accent.

However, the situation in the Philippines is even slower, as the Toyota Vios there has not received any upgrades. It is still equipped with the older 1.3L engine, delivering lower performance compared to the Vietnamese version.

Toyota Vios New Generation

Nevertheless, a positive sign has emerged as Toyota Motor Philippines has received approval for a new passenger car model, powered by a 1.329cc engine, identified as the 1NR-VE Dual VVT-i, previously used in lower-grade Vios and Avanza models.

Notably, this approval does not include the familiar chassis code, suggesting that Toyota is preparing to introduce an entirely new generation of Vios in the Philippines.

The new-generation Toyota Vios is developed on the DNGA platform (Daihatsu New Global Architecture), offering larger dimensions, a modern design, and a significantly upgraded interior in terms of quality and technology.

Depending on the market, the new Vios will have engine options of 1.2L, 1.3L, and 1.5L. Notably, in Thailand and Malaysia, Toyota also offers the Gazoo Racing (GR) version with a sportier orientation, serving both commercial and local racing purposes.

In the Philippines, local media predicts that if Toyota seeks additional approval for the 1.5L version in the near future, it is almost certain that the new-generation Vios will be launched this year.

Toyota Vios New Generation

The gradual rollout of the new-generation Vios in regional markets could be a positive sign for Vietnamese consumers. If Toyota commences production or imports this model next year, it will end the 11-year wait for a new-generation Vios in Vietnam.

In reality, the launch of this model was delayed in several markets, including Vietnam, due to an investigation into safety inspection fraud in early 2023. While the new-generation Vios has been registered for design rights in Vietnam since last year, distribution has not been carried out due to legal and inspection issues.

Once the procedures are completed and the vehicle’s safety is confirmed, introducing the new-generation Vios to the Vietnamese market would be a logical step. With the B-segment sedan market becoming increasingly competitive, particularly with the rise of Korean and Chinese models, Toyota needs a breakthrough product to maintain its position.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)