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The Vios revised

Toyota has done almost everything right in the makeover of its basic subcompact sedan: it's just a pity about the way the rear end looks

Toyota has finally modernised its entry-level sub-compact sedan, after banking on old technology for a pretty long time.

Now, like the Yaris hatchback, which can be considered a sibling of the Vios, the new Toyota sedan comes with a refreshed design along with upgraded electronics.

The third-generation Vios - the first was called the Soluna, the second was named the Soluna Vios, and the name Soluna has been dumped for the third - can be considered Toyota's "Asean" car. Apart from being fed to the Thai market, where it is likely to become the best-selling passenger car, the Vios will also be exported to other markets in the region such as Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Compared with the outgoing model, the new Vios has a longer wheelbase (2,550mm compared with 2,500mm) which translates into more cabin space, especially rear leg room. However, the turning circle is still 9.8 metres, making the Vios an easy car to drive in tight spaces.

In terms of design, the Vios gets closer to the Yaris with a similar front-end design. The concave lines look good, but once you reach the back of the car, things start to get dull. The rear doors are reminiscent of the old model's, which is okay, but the rear lights look like a desperate attempt to appear like those of the BMW 5 Series. There's also a large surface area that is not used, making the rear lights appear undersized.

I guess I am making a big fuss about the rear-end design because there's nothing else to complain about. Toyota has delivered a pretty good package in the Vios.

But strangely, it comes with the same engine as its predecessor. The 1NZ-FE block has been continued in the Vios, and the output has not been increased, with the engine pumping out an identical 109 horsepower and 141Nm of torque.

This is actually a trustworthy engine, with its variable valve system providing good torque delivery, but the question is, haven't there been any developments in Toyota's small engine technology over the past four years?

Perhaps there have been, and it wouldn't be surprising if a minor-change version in a couple of years was fitted with a new engine, as well as rear disc brakes for versions lower than the S-Limited. So much for speculation.

The Vios's four-speed auto gearbox features a luxury-style shift gate which is also convenient to use. The top gear ratio is relaxed (0.700), which allows for low engine revs at cruising speed. As a result the Vios cruises smoothly and with little noise: there are a good number of soundproofing insulators as well as vibration absorption to keep the cabin quiet. At 120kph the engine is running at no more than 3,000rpm, and there is enough torque for highway overtaking in top gear.

Like the Yaris, the Vios features electronic drive-by-wire, which is intelligent and increases efficiency, but the response is slower than a mechanical throttle system.

The power steering has also been upgraded to an electric type, which makes the steering very light at low speeds. This will be an attractive feature for the general public, but anyone serious about driving might not think so because of the lack of feedback.

Despite the fact that the brakes consist of discs in front and drums at the rear - the old version had four-wheel discs for the E trim and higher - the brakes are progressive and more user-friendly thanks to EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and BA (brake assist). It has a pretty good braking performance for a sub-compact.

The longer wheelbase is supposed to give the car more stability at high speeds, but unfortunately the Vios, just like the Yaris, doesn't hold onto the road very well once it goes over 140kph. Strong crosswinds are no friend either: the steering needs a lot of correction if the wind is strong. Perhaps the S-Limited version, with its aero parts all round, will put up a better performance than the "let's go to the supermarket, Mom" E-Limited.

For me, the highlight of the new Vios is its pleasant interior. There is definitely more space, and the styling is now up to date. The controls are similar to the Yaris, including the air-conditioning system, while the audio system is built in, which means you can't change it.

However, the sound quality is quite good, even after I achieved golden-ear status recently while being pampered by the high-end Mark Levinson system in the Lexus LS460 L (to be featured later).

The console features a T-shaped design with the speedo and rev counter located in the centre rather than behind the steering wheel. It takes a while to get used to it, but once you do, it is easy to flick your eyes between the read-outs and the road ahead.

Thankfully, the centre air vents have been moved to dead centre, above the audio system. In the previous model they were positioned at each end of the audio system, and the blast was directed at the driver's left hand. This is a big ergonomic flaw that is still being committed by other manufacturers, who often forget that "form follows function".

The two-tone console and the door panels look great, but perhaps a new choice of seat upholstery, one that doesn't look so much like tablecloth, would be appreciated.

There are dual front air bags, as well as a WIL (whiplash injury-lessening) system, plus seat belts for five.

Although it is outdated, I still love the old Soluna Vios for the nice little beefy package it offered.

However, it's time to move on with technological advancement, and I'll just have to admit that the new Vios is a much more advanced, as well as refined, vehicle.

Most importantly, it is still affordable, with prices starting at Bt509,000 for the stripped-down 1.5 J. (That's just Bt10,000 more than the Soluna Vios 1.5 J.) The retail price of the 1.5 E Limited starts at Bt614,000.

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve VVT-i

Displacement: 1,497cc

Bore and stroke: 75mm x 84.7mm

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Max power: 109hp at 6,000rpm

Max torque: 141Nm at 4,200rpm

Transmission: four-speed automatic

Ratios: 2.847/1.552/1.000/0.700

Final drive ratio: 2.343:1

Suspension (f/r): MacPherson strut,

stabiliser/torsion beam

Steering: electrically powered