Toyota Vios at Auto Shanghai 2013

The world's largest automaker Toyota is well known for regional approach towards its fleet line-up and marketing. As how the Etios was specifically created for our Indian subcontinent (though latter introduced in few other markets too), the 'Vios' sedan is for South East Asia.

The 2014 Toyota Vios sedan gets a limelight at the Auto Shanghai 2013, just weeks after its global debut at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show last month. 

This car has been specifically created for growing markets of the South East Asian countries including China, Thailand and Taiwan. It is to be noted that the new Vios is based on the Dear Qin concept which was displayed at the Beijing Auto Show last year. According to the company, the Vios is designed for global market with world class standards.

The Vios, which the company claims to target first time car buyers, is simple in design and gets cues the family styling of Toyota. The design is ages ahead of the blatant looking previous iteration. The car does feature projector beam headlights, chrome trim and 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels. Decent materials fill up the stylish cabin with attractive gauges, metallic accents and a four-speaker audio system with MP3/USB/AUX connectivity. Under the hood is the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 109 HP (80 kW) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque. It is bolted to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox while the top-end variants get a 4-speed auto.

The Vios, which is certainly not for our home market, will be built in China for the domestic demand. However, considering the entry-level segment in India, the Vios is a potential car with trendy features if positioned properly.

Here is what I wrote for the IndianAutosBlog.com

Image courtesy: www.indianautosblog.com