The fourth generation Toyota Vios makes its official debut in Malaysia two days ago, but the all-new DNGA-based B-segment sedan was traveling Thai roads since August last yearwearing the usual Yaris Ativ badge.
Here in the Land of Smiles, the Yaris Ativ is a Thai eco-car with a 1.2-litre engine developing 94bhp and 110Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The 3NR-VE four-pot NA engine – which is E20 biofuel compliant, as it should be in Thailand – is mated to a CVT gearbox and has a claimed fuel consumption of 23.3 km/l.
Other than what’s under the hood and the top Thai specification all-red interior, it’s the same car as our Vios. The AC100 is pretty striking in the metal, with a very bold grille and sloping roofline, but if you want to stand out more, Toyota’s official accessories brand (think Honda’s Modulo) has a proposition, and there she is.
In Thailand, Yaris Ativ buyers can opt for a Modellista body kit which consists of front bumper skirts, rear bumper skirts, side skirts, trunk spoiler, 17 alloys inches with 205/50 tires (Dunlop Enasave) and a Modellista badge on the trunk. . Modellista front lips usually have the logo in the center, as you may have noticed on JDM recond Alphards and Vellfires. The set can be purchased at 48,500 baht (RM6,301) in addition to one of four variants and in any color.
Seems like good value for money as the package includes wheels and tires, and since it’s a factory-approved option, there’s a three-year or 100,000 km warranty. Speaking of wheels, 17 inches is the same size as our top 1.5G spec and an inch larger than the 16 inch items from the base 1.5E. In any case, the Modellista two-tone rollers have a unique blade design, which differs greatly from the fan design of our 1.5G.
What do you think of the new Vios as it is, and when fully equipped with the Modellista body kit and wheels? If you like it, we’re pretty sure it’s coming to Malaysia soon to meet the needs of new Vios owners, if not already on the way. Read our launch report And first driving impressions of the new Vios.
GALLERY: Toyota Vios with Modellista accessories
