A couple weeks ago I took a brand new Toyota Vios for a test drive over the weekends. You might recall that I myself actually own a Toyota too, one that is manufactured some 18 years ago and still running fine, a testament of the longevity of this brand.

This Vios is not exactly just any Vios on the road, but top of the line TRD Sportivo version that comes with all the extras that are normally associated with after market upgrades.

Toyota VIOS TRD Sportivo exterior
TRD Sportivo with aerokit and 10 spoke alloy wheels

As some of you might aware, Toyota Vios comes in 5 different variants. There’s the entry level 1.5J with manual transmission and automatic transmission. 1.5E that has 14″ alloy rims instead of entry level’s steel rims, 2-DIN MP3 CD player instead of 1-DIN CD player and 1 air bag.

Toyota VIOS TRD Sportivo interior: meter cluster, seats, gear
Optitron meter cluster, sports gear knob and TRD Sportivo seat fabric

Then there is 1.5G Auto with 15″ alloy rims, dashboard integrated audio, 4 disc brakes, leather gear knob, and dual airbags. The TRD Sportivo differentiate itself from the G variant with TRD Sportivo 10 spoke alloy wheels, special Sportivo sports paneling, TRD Sportivo scuff plate, TRD Sportivo carpet mat, Optitron amber cluster, as well as a more aggressive looking aerokit and optional suspension kit that is more suited for spirited driving.

The car also has a pretty nifty multi information display, there’s the odometer, trip meters (2), instantaneous and average fuel consumption (I was getting around 10.5km/liter with some aggressive driving), average speed, and driving range. The last feature will prevent me from repeating the whole out of fuel nonsense again.

KY, kerol, suanie, and horng in Toyota VIOS
seats 4 comfortably

Other features include a pretty smart power steering that is light during low speed and tightened up as you increase speed, handy for parking but safer on highways. The trunk can be opened with the remote control too (comes with immobiliser).

I took suanie, horng, and kerol out for a test drive and there isn’t really anything to complain about the car. Interior noise is minimal, the aircond works well, seats comfortable, and even the built in 6 speaker sound system was quite impressive. Check out the following short video.

Of course, I had to put a car with the TRD Sportivo badge to a more interesting test – DRIFT! (actually for a front wheel drive, it is called power slide)

I found an empty parking lot, put the pedal to the metal, and did a few hand brake turns. I must say the car passed with flying colors. check out the video below.

p/s: please don’t try this at home, and certainly not with your dad’s car.

The Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo goes for RM 90,900 on the road (including insurance) for private owner, I think you might even pay slightly less if you actually have NCB, something I don’t currently enjoy. The entry level 1.5J (M) is going for RM 69,825 on the road.

The full price list and specs can be found at Toyota’s website here.

Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo test drive
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29 thoughts on “Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo test drive

  • September 8, 2009 at 12:06 pm
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    loaded with original Sportivo accessories, I’m sure that it performs really well compared to stock car… save the hassle of modifying the whole car on your own but the setback? cost well over RM90k…
    just between you and me… I don’t really like the new look of Vios! I think the previous model fares better

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 12:11 pm
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    Cheesie,
    😀

    Leo,
    I think the face lift doesn’t suit everyone’s taste, but yah this TRD version performs pretty good. 😉

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 1:18 pm
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    It would be good if they put this model out with a manual box. Remember reading somewhere that there is no manual box for this version, correct me if I’m wrong.

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 2:21 pm
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    nice car to drive.

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 2:30 pm
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    Tan Yee Hou,
    You are right. 🙂

    suanie,
    Hehehe thanks. 😛

    Simon Seow,
    Well they are for very different market, and MR2 is no longer in production 😀

    myhorng,
    Yah don’t be scaring kerol again!

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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    got… MRS 🙂 it’s only different name!
    one question… have you ever compared Vios to dugong?? somehow they look alike 😛

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 3:07 pm
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    TRD Sportivo bodykit looks better then the standard version! Nice, and for just 5k more than the G version too. I think I’ve paid way more than 5k for repairs. Heh!

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 3:21 pm
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    Leo,
    MRS too is out of production, Hahahaha funny comparison LOL

    Huai Bin,
    Hahhaa yah your repair costs :S

    Reply
  • September 8, 2009 at 10:42 pm
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    I am going back Malaysia end of the year. KY, What car do you advice me to get without my dad killing me? I am planning to “buy” first, then “announce” to my dad.. he he he he.

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 7:09 am
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    I want to buy… but no money… 🙁

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 9:55 am
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    ahbing,
    Hahah if you can afford it, just buy only! 😛

    sotong,
    loan 😛

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 10:23 am
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    I think different ppl got different taste and needs… whether it’s J spec or S spec…

    for me, I didn’t go for the S, but went for the J, and add on with bodykits of my choosing, 17″ rims, change all the lousy factory ICE and etc etc… I think after all the money added into the mods, it’s still less that RM90K total…

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 10:24 am
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    The TRD Sportivo seat looks good! Nice car and Horng got good video taking skillz. haha…

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 3:42 pm
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    Tey Cindy,
    I DREAM! lol

    dreckker,
    ooo not a bad idea too. but I think 17″ is a bit big :S

    eilling,
    Hahaha quite awesome.

    curryegg,
    Too bad not mine! :S

    Reply
  • September 9, 2009 at 10:05 pm
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    nice to see you on mfm…..

    Reply
  • September 10, 2009 at 10:39 am
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    imantulen,
    MFM = modified frequency modulation? heehee

    Reply
  • September 10, 2009 at 2:03 pm
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    Jayce,
    Drive safe!!!

    Reply
  • September 11, 2009 at 10:17 pm
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    Now you have some reasons to get a new set of rims and tires. lol!

    Stock rims look dull.

    Reply
  • September 15, 2009 at 8:49 pm
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    mynameisandrew.net,
    LOL

    Reply
  • November 10, 2009 at 10:37 am
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    My father just bought this car and its just so nice to sit

    Reply
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