CAR CRAZY

The hot topic currently in Malaysia, when is the launch of the all New VIOS going to take place? If my sources are right, as they are always, UMW Toyota would be doing a nationwide launch somewhere around the 19th of October 2007. That’s not too far away, so hang on to your buying plans until then, coz this is one stylish sedan worth waiting for. So I’ve decided to come up with a three part post, relating to the updates on the New VIOS and it’s overall model details. You can also read my earlier review on the New VIOS to catch pictures of the vehicle and it’s features.

In this Part I post, you will get to read subjects related to it’s Introduction, Exterior and also Interior details. Part II, will tackle areas relating to it’s Comfort, Driving Performance and also Safety aspects. And finally Part III, subjects relating to it’s Accessories, Specification and it’s Eco friendly features

INTRODUCTION
Firstly, let’s look into it’s name and what it really means : The name VIOS is actually a coined term derived from the Latin word VIO, which incidentally means ‘to move forward’. The word is not only simple, straight, and catchy but also presents an image of freshness and youth which suits the vehicle concept perfectly.

What potential customers can look forward to in the New VIOS is that it’s a vehicle developed with a clean look, spacious all around, fuel efficient, value for money, and added with global safety standards. And it’s also not surprising that since it’s first introduction into the Malaysian car market back in May of 2003, the VIOS has consistently held on to it’s No.1 poll position status beating other non-national competitors such as Nissan Sentra, Honda CITY as so on, and with the introduction of this New VIOS, they are sure of continuing this trend.

And as we all are aware, there will be three models available this time around, with the addition of a S (Sporty) grade version which is anticipated to target Toyota’s newer younger and dynamic image of executive customers, and the E and G variants which will continue to satisfy the markets of the previous model.

EXTERIOR
There is no doubt about it that the New VIOS will have an enhanced size compared to the previous model. The main focus on it’s exterior would be it’s front end, where it’s characterized with a V-shaped line that extends from the hood to the grille and then straight to the bumper. One would also notice that these character lines on the hood and the side, runs parallel, thus creating a dynamic image if compared to current regular sedans in it’s class.

The New VIOS will also boast a longer wheelbase, wider tread and it’s overall body is kept low, ultimately giving the occupants a greater ride comfort. You can visualize this through the overall dimension figures here :

• Length @ 4,300mm, Width @ 1,700mm, Height @ 1,460mm, Wheelbase @ 2,550mm, Tread/FR @ 1,470mm, Tread/RR @ 1,460mm

Let’s also look at a comparison between the all New VIOS against it’s closest rival Honda CITY in the exterior dimension segment:

• Length - VIOS @ 4,300mm /CITY @ 4,390mm (+90)
• Width - VIOS @ 1,700mm / CITY @ 1,690mm (-10)
• Height - VIOS @ 1,460mm / CITY @ 1,485mm (+25)
• Wheelbase - VIOS @ 2,550mm / CITY @ 2,450mm (-100)
• Frt Tread - VIOS @ 1,470mm / CITY @ 1,440mm (-30)
• Rr Tread - VIOS @ 1,460mm / CITY @ 1,440mm (-30)

While you might figure that the higher vertical space in a car makes it overall better, sadly this is not so true in the real-world as the New VIOS has a superior doorway width (back door) measuring at 860mm compared to CITY’s 740mm width or even Latio Sedan’s 760mm doorway width. And as for the front door width, VIOS has it at 930mm whilst CITY has it at 900mm and finally Latio Sedan at 870mm, making the new VIOS’s overall entry and exit, user friendly for larger people, the elderly or even when you’re planning to use a child seat.

Additionally potential clients would love to know that the wing mirror on the New VIOS will now come with integrated signal lamps (only for S & G grade) besides it having larger surface mirrors and incorporating electronic retractable features as well (only for S & G grade).

One thing to look out for would be on the New VIOS - S grade, where it’s installed with a Aero-kit, consisting of front spoiler, side skirts and a rear trunk spoiler complete with LED brake lamp, which makes the car stand out. Not only does this improve the appearance of the overall vehicle but it also contributes to high-speed driving stability.

INTERIOR
The moment you step into the New VIOS you get a sense that the interior is extremely spacious, yet classy at the same time. Being advanced as it is, the New VIOS sports a highly advanced design that features a vertical LCD for audio and geometric air-conditioning switches thus creating a dashboard that is sleek, modern with smooth contours in contrast to their rivals blocky dashboard appearance.

And if we were to compare the Interior Length of the New VIOS @ 1965mm, it’s definitely still longer than the current Altis Interior Length @ 1915mm (-50). This shows that it’s much longer and spacious and can accomodate adults in comfort. Another improvement found on the New VIOS is that they’ve created a tunnel-free flat floor at the rear, meaning to say that there is significantly more legroom, giving rear passengers the convenience to move across more easily compared to the competitor models.

Having a large space in the interior doesn’t just end there but it practically extends even onto the trunk, where the New VIOS will have a 475L (VDA) capacity that will remain to be amongst the best in the class. For you to visualize this, just understand that the trunk can now be loaded with 4 golf bags for space! Ultimately, even the rear seats now come with a 60/40 split fold-down feature, enabling long objects to be ferried easily in the New VIOS.

Another wonderful thing I noticed in the trunk area was it’s amazing depth of the trunk lip, which was just 140mm compared to CITY’s @ 270mm or Latio Sedan’s @ 250mm. This makes it so easy to load as well as unload heavy items from the New VIOS.

As the instrument panels are concerned, major improvements are clearly visible. Take for instance the Optitron Meter and MID (Multi Information Display), (only for S Grade) which is incorporated into the meter cluster, gives the driver the ability to toggle through several modes such as

1. Odometer
2. Two trip meters
3. Instantaneous fuel consumption
4. Average fuel consumption
5. Driving range
6. Average vehicle speed
7. Instrument cluster brightness

And finally just as I was leaving the vehicle, I viewed all the compartments and to my surprise, the New VIOS had the most perfect glove box function, a driver in this car doesn’t have to reach akwardly to open it as the New VIOS has strategically located the glove box handle towards the driver’s seat! Talk about creativity, this is definitely, as I mentioned earlier, a car worth waiting for.

So see you guy’s in Part II …