Toyota Launches All-New Fourth Generation Vios In Thailand, Should Reach Malaysian Shores Later In 2022

The latest iteration of the Toyota Vios has been launched in Thailand as the Yaris Ativ. It comes with many additional features over the car it replaces, so expect this fourth-generation model to cost more than its predecessors.

It's one of the staples on our roads, alongside the likes of the Honda City and the Nissan Almera. And Toyota has opted to make this new version slightly larger than its previous iterations. Four trim options are available for the Thailand market (the entry-level Sport, Smart, Premium and Premium Luxury), with each variant offering its own range of features at slightly differing price points. 

The Sport costs THB 539,000 (about RM 67,700), the Smart version costs THB 584,000 (about RM 73,300) while Premium and Premium Luxury models will cost you THB 659,000 (about RM 82,700) and THB 689,000 (about RM 86,500) respectively.

When compared to previous models, the lower ends cost about the same while the mid-spec models hold better value —2.5 percent cheaper than their predecessor.  Its higher-end model (Premium Luxury) however, is almost 1.5 percent more expensive than the model it's taking over from, albeit the 2023 version is littered with more updated features and interior and exterior touches that screams “luxurious”.The 7 airbags included in all models as well as Toyota’s Pre-Collision System (PCS) in its mid and top-spec models are definitive of the new Vios— it’s a safe, value-for-money bet. It shines amongst its competitors, holding much better value than the aforementioned City and Almera while still holding the potential to get improved even more.

This all-new car is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, which is why it is slightly larger than the outgoing car. You’d find a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter Dual VVT-iE four-cylinder engine under the bonnet.

Toyota claims the powertrain is good for 93 hp and 110 Nm of torque, and all of this power is sent to the front wheels through a Super CVT-i automatic gearbox. No word yet on official local launch dates, but do expect the car to be on sale in Malaysia later this year, so do keep an eye out for it when it officially lands in Malaysian territory!

Read more: Rising Material Costs: CKD Cars to be Pricier than CBU Cars in the Future?