Toyota's C-segment offering has been in contention for a while now, and the automaker just might introduce the model this year. Competing against the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the likes in the segment, the Toyota Vios was recently spied testing in India. The test mule spotted is wrapped in camouflaged and is likely the Thai-spec version that is badged as the Toyota Yaris sedan. A long awaited model from the Japanese auto giant, Toyota could possibly showcase the model at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo ahead of market debut in the country. The Vios will be the company's mass market offering after a while and will be positioned above the Etios in its line-up.
(The Toyota Vios would be strong contender to the Honda City)
The Toyota Vios shares its underpinnings with the Yaris premium hatchback, while borrowing styling cues from the automaker's bigger sedans including the new Camry. Expect to see a large single-frame grille with the V-shaped front, along with projector headlamps with LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, and LED taillights.
Inside, the cabin will be loaded with goodies including push button start-stop, keyless entry, dual-tone colour scheme, auto climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents and more. It's not clear if Toyota will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its system.
(The Vios gets a touchscreen infotainment system, which is now common in the segment)
Internationally, the Toyota Vios is available with a host of petrol engine options and India can expect the 1.5-litre petrol making it under the hood. The dual VVT-i engine churns out 105 bhp and 140 Nm of peak torque, while paired to a 5-speed manual transmission and an optional CVT. Previous reports have suggested that Toyota India will introduce the Vios with a petrol engine first, while the diesel option will be introduced later.
(2017 Toyota Vios Rear
With respect to dimensions, the Toyota Vios sedan measures 4425 mm in length, 1730 mm in width and 1475 mm in height. The car sports a wheelbase of 2550 mm and a ground clearance of 133 mm. Expect a higher ground clearance on the India-spec version.
Details on the pricing for India is yet to be revealed, but expect the Vios to have a premium positioning in the segment with prices starting at about Rs. 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol model. The Vios will is expected to be a major attraction at the Expo's Toyota pavilion this year. More details on Toyota's new offering is expected in the following days. Make sure to keep watching this space for all the action from the 2018 Auto Expo.
Spy Image Source: Rushlane.com
