UMW Toyota has launched the new Vios 1.5G Limited and Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo launched today.The Vios 1.5G Limited is priced at RM 89,600 (OTR with insurance) while the TRD Sportivo is still priced at RM92,000, so it looks like the addition of leather seats did not push up the price.Read the full news by Chips Yap from motortrader below.
NEW TOYOTA VIOS 1.GG LIMITED
Toyota’s Vios, which it calls the ‘Global Small Stylish Saloon’, was conceived for countries like Malaysia where customers have already come to expect high standards from Japanese cars but the models which set those standards have moved to higher price brackets. That Toyota got the formula right for the Vios is clearly shown by its position as the best-selling model in the in the non-national segment in Malaysia for many years now.
One of the reasons why it has sold in the largest numbers among all Japanese models in Malaysia has been that there is variety in the model line. As many as five versions have been offered to suit different budgets and tastes so a larger spectrum of buyers has been covered.
Today, UMW Toyota Motor adds another version – the Vios 1.5G Limited – to make it six and this new version takes its place between the flagship Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo and the Vios 1.5G.
As before, five exterior colours are available for the 2011 line-up but in place of Grey Mica Metallic is a new colour choice called Deep Amethyst Mica Metallic (the colour you see on the car in the pictures).
The new Vios 1.5 G Limited has a new look with more chrome surrounds on the front grille, in contrast to the honeycomb mesh design for the Vios TRD Sportivo version. This styling is meant to give a more premium and upmarket image, it is said.
Like the Vios TRD Sportivo, the Vios 1.5G Limited also has an aerokit and this has been exclusively designed for the model. The aerokit consists of 5 items – front bumper spoiler, side skirts, rear bootlid spoiler and rear bumper spoiler. Prior to offering this new aerokit, extensive testing has been done in local conditions to ensure durability.
Also like the Vios TRD Sportivo, the Vios 1.5G Limited has 15-inch alloy wheels and 185/60 tyres. It has a 12-spoke wheel design finished in dark silver (same for the new Vios 1.5G).
In keeping with its premium, upmarket image it is supposed to convey, the interior of the Vios 1.5G Limited has a lighter colour theme. The leather upholstery is beige in colour and the rest of the cabin trim is colour-coordinated accordingly. Chrome trim is used in many areas as a highlight which gives it a classy ambience.
Incidentally, for the Vios 1.5E, the interior has a new appearance with the change to a dual-tone seat fabric which has dark grey and blue shades.
Responding to customer feedback since the launch of the Vios TRD Sportivo, UMW Toyota has switched the interior upholstery to black combination leather with red stitching and TRD Sportivo emblem. The leather is perforated for it to ‘breathe’ so that the passengers will feel cooler and more comfortable (but no fans inside the seats like in some Lexus models though!). The front seats also have dual density foam inside which provides better support for reduced fatigue during the drive.
On the doors, the trim has also been changed to match the new overall interior colour theme. Black fabric is now used instead of the red in the previous model. Some unique items which give the flagship Vios a sportier character include the sports paneling that is fitted for the door switch base and on the centre of the dashboard. There is also red stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The floormats and scuff plates on the door sills also carry the exclusive TRD Sportivo emblem.
No mention is made about changes to technical specifications so all versions continue to use the 1.5-litre Toyota VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine. It’s a pity that engine modifications are not easily incorporated as these involve engineering. Toyota, being very strict about reliability and durability, does not allow its distributors to ‘mod’ engines unless there is a proper engineering program – which is very costly. This same strictness is also evident with other car manufacturers which is why you see only bodykits being offered when special versions are introduced.
However, customers who want sportier handling can also order the optional TRD Sportivo suspension kit with their Vios. Previously, it was only offered as an option for the TRD Sportivo version but UMW Toyota Motor now makes the option available for all versions of the model.
The suspension kit has been specially developed for the Vios by TRD Asia and tuned for local conditions. It comprises coil springs and shock absorbers with different spring and damper rates. This enhances the road holding for a more spirited drive with minimal compromise to comfort. The ride height is also reduced by 10 mm, lowering the centre of gravity for more stable cornering and lane-changing.
As with all models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the new Toyota Vios comes with a 36-month/100,000 kms (whichever occurs earlier after first registration) warranty, subject to conditions stated in the Owner’s Handbook.
Price wise, there is no change for the existing versions while the new G Limited version is priced at RM89,600 (Peninsula Malaysia price, with insurance). The Vios 1.5 G Limited will be in Toyota showrooms from this Friday (from July 15, 2011, in Sabah and Sarawak).
Jom komen!