KUALA LUMPUR: Those looking for a sportier Vios may want to check out its GR-S kit.
Unlike the standard variants the Vios GR-S 1.5G A/T variant setup is priced at RM95,284 and includes sports-tuned suspension for both increased handling in high speed as well as comfort and a 10-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) activated via sports mode. Steering mounted paddle shifters add to the sporty feel.
For comparison the three standard 7-speed CVT 2021 facelift Vios models 1.5J, 1.5E and 1.5G are priced at RM74,623, RM82,593, and RM87,584 respectively. You're looking at around a RM7,700 add-on between the two G variants.
"This is a very special model for several reasons: it was developed locally, it was inspired by the success of the Vios Challenge, and above all it had to meet with all the criteria of what the GR brand represents before becoming truly worthy of being bestowed with a GR badge," said UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd deputy chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia chief motorsport officer Akio Takeyama.
"Gazoo Racing is a global direction, one that underlines Toyota's aspiration to push the limits via its involvement in motorsports, and this is translated into building better products and shaping the strength, capability and creativity of its workforce. This is a philosophy we embrace in our business domestically, and now with models like the Vios GR-S, GR Supra and newly-launched GR Yaris, UMW Toyota Motor has a strong product mix locally to establish an even bigger footprint in the performance car market and in Malaysian motorsports."
Only available in Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic colours the Vios GR-S is adorned with the GR Sport badge and adopts an aggressive aerokit that comprises a front bumper that's akin to the GR Yaris, rear bumper fitted with a diffuser, a blacked out boot spoiler, side skirts and blacked out side mirrors, and bespoked and blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 205/45R17 low profile tyres.
Interior is detailed in black with red stitching suede and leather wrapped sports seats, embossed GR logo on the head rests, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, leather shift lever knob, and GR embossed floor carpets. It is completed by a GR logo, a red Optitron meter panel with red needles, and GR animation on the 4.2-inch MultiInformation Display.
"What Toyota has done with the Vios GR-S is to take it to another level. It is not the run-of-the-mill special edition cars produced in Malaysia that normally focuses only on body kits, wheels and tyres, and interior enhancements," said the GR Ambassador and two-time Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel.
"The Vios GR-S was developed to incorporate the essence of Gazoo Racing with the focus on developing a car with exceptional driving pleasure at a particular price point. A lot of thought went into the developing a car that is worthy of wearing the GR badge, and for the price, you are actually getting a lot of car."
"It is a shadow, refined version of the actual Vios Challenge race car. It is also not just about outright performance or purely handling, but more importantly, it is a car that is able to deliver great driving enjoyment and pleasure.
"It's a car with a lot of character, it's a lot more engaging, and has better steering feedback. The availability of a 10-speed CVT transmission may sound too much, but for a 1.5-litre, it allows the car to be driven at the optimum power band and keeps it spirited throughout the rpm."
It is the first ever GR Sport model to be produced by UMWT at its advanced manufacturing facility in Bukit Raja, Klang. Like the GR Yaris it is exclusively available at GR Garage outlets nationwide and Toyota dealers participating in the Vios Challenge.