IT is fair to say that "exciting" is rarely the first word that comes to mind when we talk about the Toyota Vios.
As a B-segment sedan, it is capable and sufficient in serving its purpose for those with a limited budget who want something that's a step above the A-compact range.
The third-generation range and its subsequent facelifts have done their best to address this "lack of excitement" but only at a surface level.
Sportier in design but no real performance changes, unless you're talking about the 2021 Vios GR-Sport (GR-S), which was surely fun with its 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) and sports-calibrated suspension.
But that has changed with the fourth-generation Vios, which looks like something entirely different from the get-go.
GROUND UP
Looking miles apart from its predecessors, Toyota has gone all out with redesigning its premier B-segment sedan.
Almost everything inside and out is brand new.
The only resemblance is a returning engine that itself has also undergone a re-tune.
The 2023 Vios is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, which has a longer wheel base of 2,620mm (+70 mm), large-diameter wheels with a suspension comprising MacPherson struts at the front and rear torsion beam.
The dimensions have marginally increased due to the shortening of the front and rear overhangs, with the overall length now at 4,425mm (+5mm) and width at 1,740mm (+10mm).
There are adjustable levelling LED headlamps at the front with daytime running lights. It also has the Follow Me-Home feature as well as spats in certain areas to guide airflow and air vents to enhance the cooling performance of the brakes.
The rear air spats control and sup press airflow on the tyres and accelerate underside flow to balance with the upper side for improved stability. The aeroblades for the windscreen wipers are also specially designed for less wind resistance.
Two variants are available, which are the 1.5G with advanced features and 1.5E.
Both use a re-tuned 1.5-litre 2NR VE Dual VVT-i four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine that's paired with a new seven-speed Sequential Shiftmatic continuously variable transmission.
The setup delivers a maximum power rated at 106PS at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 138Nm at 4,200rpm. It has three drive modes of Power, Eco and Normal.
The 1.5G gets paddle shifters, disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, electronic parking brake, auto brake hold and the auto rain sensing wiper system.
Both run on newly designed alloy wheels, although the 1.5G has the larger 17-inch 205/60 tyres while the 1.5E has 16-inch 195/60 tyres.
For the interior, the 1.5G gains a host of added features, such as leather seat upholstery and a 3D yarn structure, 64-colour ambient lighting ac companied by illuminated scuff plates on each door sill and front footwell lighting, and steering wheel telescopic adjustment.
It also has a customisable seven inch digital multi-information display (MID) instrument panel.
On the other hand, the 1.5E is fitted with a 4.2-inch MID with Optitron meters.
The central nine-inch touchscreen display panel used for the audio and infotainment systems has wireless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Front digital video recorder (DVR) with smartphone connectivity, smart entry and a push-start system comes as standard. The boot space is 475 litres with a depth of 1,060mm.
The Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite is present, offering pre-collision braking, pre-collision system, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention system, and front departure alert, among others.
A new safety feature is Pedal Misoperation Control that suppresses engine output if an obstacle like a wall is detected ahead when the pedal is de pressed, with brakes applied if necessary.
The Vehicle Telematics System is available at no charge for the first three years of ownership.
The locally assembled fourth-generation Vios is available in five colour options of Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Attitude Black and the new Spicy Scarlet.
The 1.5E is priced at RM89,600 on the road without insurance while the 1.5G is priced at RM95,500, with the latter being the focus of our review.
GO FOR 'G'
It's plain to see we're dealing with a very different kind of Vios in this generation. And that's solely by its design alone.
Gone is the conservative silhouette and in comes the fierce executive look that reminds this writer of what you would expect from a street Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) racer.
The interior quality has also been elevated to drive home the modern executive feel.
The most impressive update is its performance. The new DNGA's prowess may not be immediately evident until you take the car around the bends.
It's not surprising for anyone who has experienced the new platform but certainly a much-welcomed addition for a B-segment sedan no less. The Vios gets a leap in stability performance no matter the speed you're going at.
This feature alone transforms the boring old into one of the most exciting drives in its price range.
The newly added vents to cool the brakes really add to the car's character.
Some call it an overkill but I would expect it in future models because why not?
Transmission with the new CVT is also much smoother in its delivery.
Another one of those elements that you'll only notice after some time driving the car.
All of this takes advantage of the car's lighter frame. So while it retains a returning engine the car itself is now marginally faster and much more engaging to drive.
Its new infotainment operating system is also much more stable and intuitive to use. The screen and inter face itself are much more pleasing to the eye with the improved resolution display.
Some have found the absence of a spare tyre and foldable rear seat a real sore point. This and the low rear passenger headroom given its coupe slant at the C-pillar impractical for those six feet in height or taller.
Personally, none of those issues affect me. The low headroom is a concern but as for the spare tyre, you're better off calling your toll-free insurance service these days as it is more economical, time-saving and safer.
And I'm used to sedans not having foldable chairs for more boot space.
Instead, I found the two sore points of the car for me being its A-pillar and engine. The design and width of the A-pillar are particularly obstructive (somewhere within the front 45-degree angle).
Nothing critical but it did hamper my vision when trying to manoeuvre effectively, thus affecting my drive flow.
This is a shame as the car is fantastic with bends and corners.
The engine is more of an immersion breaker than it is a negative as it can get really loud (in the cabin) when you're flooring the paddle.
In all fairness, it is the same old returning 1.5L engine with a minor re-tune. But because everything else about the car feels so good you're suddenly reminded that it's only a B segment sedan when you're pushing the engine to its roaring limit — which is anywhere above the 110kph speed mark.
VERDICT
The Toyota Vios has always been far from my favourite go-to choice. Neither have I ever met anyone who would sing praises of the model if they had other options.
That is until now. I have never enjoyed a B-segment car of this price range as much as I have with the fourth-generation Vios.
The car is not without its shortcomings, especially if you're simply looking for a modern sedan with some exceptional or above-average sensibilities. It is also a B-segment vehicle at the end of the day, so don't expect it to perform way above its belt in speed and acceleration.
Yet, it is still very easily recommendable as it remains one of the few choices for those with a budget and looking for an exciting drive experience.
Toyota's gamble with its redesign pays off big time.
You'll find it hard to find another comparably fun B-segment sedan in today's market with this sort of performance delivery for this price.