Factors attracting women to the Toyota Vios

The B-segment sedan features a more eye-catching design than before, a moderate size, and ease of driving, making it suitable for women buying a car for the first time.

Buying a first car often presents a challenge, especially for women, who may have less experience selecting a vehicle that meets their needs. Experts suggest women often prefer compact cars that are easy to maneuver in the city, prioritizing durability.

Ms. Duong Phuong Thao from Tuong Mai Ward, Hanoi, shared her experience after purchasing a Toyota Vios late last year. She stated that the sedan's distinctive design was the primary reason for her choice. "The Toyota Vios is a popular model known for its durability and reasonable running costs. The new version boasts a more dynamic and sporty design, ideal for daily urban commutes," she explained.

In its latest iteration, Toyota has modernized the Vios's exterior. The front end is redesigned, featuring a prominent grille and front bumper. LED projector headlights flank both sides. The B-segment sedan maintains dimensions of 4,425 x 1,730 x 1,475 mm (length x width x height), a 2,550 mm wheelbase, and 133 mm ground clearance. These specifications enhance the Vios's ease of handling, especially for women driving in urban areas.

Inside the cabin, the space is optimized for the driver with an unobstructed view. The new Vios includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The 6-speaker sound system features new accents. The screen's interface and graphics are more responsive than before. Positioned higher, the infotainment screen aligns with the trend seen in Toyota Vietnam's latest models. The driver's central display combines analog gauges with an LCD screen for clear visibility.

The premium version offers perforated leather seats. The second row remains a strong point for the Vios, providing ample legroom and headroom, while its 60:40 folding capability increases cargo space. This row also includes a dedicated armrest and two USB charging ports. The Vios's interior prioritizes practicality, optimizing storage and passenger comfort.

To assist women drivers, the new Vios incorporates two features from the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite: forward collision warning and lane departure warning. When the system detects a potential front-end collision, it alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings. If the driver does not react by braking or steering away, the car automatically applies brakes to minimize collision risk.

Similarly, the lane departure warning activates when sensors detect unintentional lane drifting, providing audio and visual cues to remind the driver. This feature proves useful during long journeys or highway driving. Additionally, the Toyota sedan includes other safety features: anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and 6 airbags.

The car is powered by a 1.5-liter engine producing 107 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque, available with either a manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Vios's moderate power output helps female drivers manage the vehicle easily. Its average fuel consumption of 5,87 liters per 100 km is among the lowest in the B-segment sedan category in Vietnam.

Regarding fuel consumption, Ms. Phuong Thao noted that the manufacturer's stated figures closely match real-world daily use. "The Vios is well-known for its fuel efficiency, making daily use quite comfortable, even with rising gasoline prices," she said. She also praised Toyota's widespread service network and after-sales support in Vietnam. "Toyota has many dealerships and service centers nationwide, which is convenient for users. The maintenance costs for the Vios are also very reasonable."

Experts attribute the Vios's sustained appeal and top sales position, decades after its launch, to a product strategy that aligns with consumer preferences. The Toyota Vios is currently available in three versions: G CVT, E CVT, and E MT, priced at 545 million VND, 488 million VND, and 458 million VND, respectively (including VAT). The pearl white color option adds 8 million VND.