SNEAKPEEK: THE 2018 TOYOTA VIOS

The Toyota Vios has been a runaway success for Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) since its launch circa 2002. It has been the best selling passenger car in the Philippines and is the cornerstone of TMP's manufacturing program.

The new Vios is about to break cover this week. While official photos have not yet been released, here are some of the details of the new car:

Size: The 2018 Vios will remain mostly unchanged in size, growing only 15 mm in overall length, to 4,425 mm. Width and height will be the same, as will the 2,550 mm wheel base.

Because of this, we expect interior volume to remain pretty much the same.

Engines: The new Vios will carry the same engines as the current car. There will be a choice of 1.3- liter and 1.5- liter engines.

The 1.3-liter will, as before have 98 hp and 123 Nm, while the 1.5-liter will output 106 hp and 140 Nm. Both engines will have the dual VVT-i variable valve timing system.

Transmission: These will be carry-over units as well: the 5speed manual and the CVT. The top 1.5-liter variant will have paddle shifters, with eco and sport mode. Chassis: The 1.3-liter cars will have disc brakes up front, and drums at the rear, while the 1.5-liter variants will have disc brakes on all four corners. The two base 1.3-liter cars

will have 175-mm tires, with the higher variant 1.3-liter cars upgraded to 185/60 15-inch tires. The 1.5-liter will carry 195/50 16inch tires.

Safety: The good news is that Toyota is installing full safety features on all variants.

All new Vios units will carry ABS brakes, seven SRS airbags, hill start assist, and vehicle stability control. The 1.5-liter cars will feature Smart key.

The base model is said to cost at least P30,000 more than its current price of P629,000.