Updates On The All New Toyota VIOS - Part II
Welcome back to Part II of our update on the all New Toyota VIOS. And as promised, in this post we will see the different angles of the New Toyota VIOS based on its Comfort, Driving Performance and also Safety aspects. I received many emails concerning Part I of our three part focus on this new Toyota creation, and I would like to thank all my readers for their support and take note that I shall be replying all of you in due time. And for those who missed out on our earlier review, complete with photographs and vehicle specifications, you can view them here.
In order to achieve the highest level of driving comfort, you can sense that a lot of work has been put into the creation of the New VIOS by the dedicated Toyota developers as they have allocated a large number of insulators in many portions of the car. This generally will help reduce noise, and once inside occupants can share a quiet cabin for an overall pleasant conversation whilst indoors.
Engineers have also incorporated curved surface panels and reinforcements (reduction of body vibration) for the New VIOS’s front floor enabling users to achieve excellent ride quality. Here are a couple of Noise Test figures after a recent road test was done at Gateway test course :
- New VIOS - 20kmh @ 53.3 db / CITY VTEC @ 54.0 db
- New VIOS - 40kmh @ 57.9 db / CITY VTEC @ 58.0 db
- New VIOS - 60kmh @ 60.9 db / CITY VTEC @ 62.5 db
- New VIOS - 80kmh @ 64.3 db / CITY VTEC @ 66.5 db
- New VIOS - 100kmh @ 67.9 db / CITY VTEC @ 71.9 db
Notice the the difference in noise levels between both these models, and I reckon the CITY VTEC to be slightly noisier due to its usage of a high rev characteristic engine. The engine noise will certainly distract passengers inside the vehicle even if it is being driven at ordinary speeds. Significantly noise levels would also increase as the vehicles gain speed in addition to other factors such as tyre road noise.
Driving comfort can be severely jeopardized if matters like cabin temperature, are not taken into consideration. It is in this effect that Toyota developers constantly run Air-conditioning Test’s to greatly improve their cabin temperature.
- New VIOS - After 6 mins @ 26° Celcius / CITY VTEC @ 30° Celcius
- New VIOS - After 7 mins @ 25° Celcius / CITY VTEC @ 29° Celcius
- New VIOS - After 8 mins @ 24° Celcius / CITY VTEC @ 28° Celcius
- New VIOS - After 9 mins @ 24° Celcius / CITY VTEC @ 27° Celcius
- New VIOS - After 10 mins @ 24° Celcius / CITY VTEC @ 27° Celcius
From the figures above it is apparent that the New VIOS has managed to lower its cabin temperature down to 24° Celcius in 10 minutes, whilst the CITY, within the same time period was only able to achieve a 27° Celcius reading. It is clearly evident that the Air-conditioning performance of the New VIOS is outstanding in achieving a lower cabin temperature within the shortest amount of time.
Driving performance is another subject engineers need to address, and seriously, without good driving performance the car would hold no value! Test driving the all New VIOS is a pleasure indeed for any given driver. As we drive across speed warning lines and construction tracks it becomes evident that the New VIOS absorbs the shocks effectively enabling us to enjoy a relaxing ride throughout.
Comparison of engine performance between different car models are always hot issues amongst buyers, let’s take a closer look into this aspect :
Intermediate Acceleration
New VIOS - 20 to 40kmh @ 1.63 sec / CITY VTEC @ 1.83 sec
New VIOS - 40 to 60kmh @ 1.86 sec / CITY VTEC @ 2.47 sec
New VIOS - 60 to 80kmh @ 2.99 sec / CITY VTEC @ 3.10 sec
New VIOS - 80 to 100kmh @ 3.19 sec / CITY VTEC @ 3.75 sec
Standing Start Acceleration (0-400m)
New VIOS @ 18.34 sec / CITY VTEC @ 19.42 sec
Standing Start Acceleration (0-100km/h)
New VIOS @ 11.81 sec / CITY VTEC @ 12.37 sec
Both the New VIOS and Honda City VTEC are closely matched in engine performance and power to weight ratio, but the City iDSI lags behind in terms of weight and engine power. And even though the Nissan Latio has a larger engine, its performance is somewhat affected by a slightly poorer power to weight ratio due to its large and tall body.
Next big question, “What’s the fuel consumption for both this cars?”
Travel distance : 411.4 km (Pattaya - Ayutthaya round trip)
New VIOS - Refueling (liter) @ 22.768 / CITY VTEC @ 23.565
New VIOS - Consumption (km/l) @ 18.07 / CITY VTEC @ 17.46
We all know that Toyota incorporates a class leading ‘Global Standard of Safety‘ into all their vehicles, and this is clearly visible in the New Toyota VIOS. Active Safety features such as ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), and Seatbelt with Pre-Tensioner & Force Limiter, helps accidents from occuring, while Passive Safety features such as WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) Concept Seat, Dual SRS Airbags, GOA (Global Outstanding Assesment) Body, helps vehicle occupants reduce injuries in case of an unfortunate accident.
And to end Part II, let’s take a look at tests conducted for braking distance evaluation.
Braking Test (70-0km/h)
New VIOS @ 18m
CITY VTEC @ 18.4m
Current VIOS @ 18.8m
This goes to show that the all New Toyota VIOS has recorded the shortest braking distance. Whilst CITY’s VTEC brake pedal felt harder and required more effort, requiring it a longer distance to stop the vehicle.
Don’t forget to join us once again as we approach Part III, our final update on the all New Toyota VIOS.