30/08/2026

theSunday Special XIV ON SUNDAY AUG 30, 2026

The e-CVT shifter and physical climate dials keep things simple.

Not much boot space is sacrificed and you still get a full-sized spare.

Legroom feels cramped, and there is not much room to stretch or move about behind the wheel. Then there is the cabin quality. The current Vios looks more premium at first glance, mainly because of the leather-like padded section running across the middle of the dashboard and doors. But once you start touching the plastics elsewhere, the illusion fades a little. Some of the materials feel thin and low rent, and there is still a Perodua vibe to the switchgear and general cabin feel. In some ways, the older Vios actually felt more solid. It may have looked drabber and had those faux stitches, but some of its plastics felt less flimsy. This generation looks more modern and more interesting, but not necessarily more expensive. The hybrid packaging itself is smart, though. The hybrid battery sits below the rear bench, the 12V battery is placed in the boot, and there is still a full-size spare wheel. So from a practicality standpoint, Toyota has not sacrificed much to fit the hybrid system. There are other everyday annoyances. There are not enough USB ports in the cabin.

usability, and generally feels like the more rounded family sedan. The Vios HEV may be refined and efficient, but it cannot fully escape the limitations of the current Vios body and cabin. This is, of course, if we are talking strictly about sedans. The Yaris Cross addresses many of the compromises for not a lot more, but that is a separate discussion. So maybe this is the simplest way to put it: the Vios HEV is the best version of this Vios, but not necessarily the best B-segment sedan for everyone. SPECIFICATION Engine: 1.5-litre NA inline-four hybrid Power: 111PS combined output Transmission: e-CVT Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive Claimed fuel consumption: 27.8km/l We like: Effortless fuel economy, smooth town driving, added pep for overtaking, excellent ride comfort, smart hybrid packaging, full-size spare wheel retained. We don’t like: Non-folding rear seats, tight rear headroom, cabin plastics feel Perodua-like in places, Toyota Safety Sense feels too panicky. PRICE: RM103,900 OTR WITHOUT INSURANCE

Window and mirror switches sit on a glossy panel.

adaptive cruise control has the same slightly anxious character. It works, but it could feel calmer and more polished. All of this puts the Vios HEV in an interesting position. If you want the best version of this Vios, this is probably it. The hybrid powertrain makes it more efficient and nicer to use every day. It also gives the car extra pep in normal driving, and it fits the Vios’ calm, easy-going personality well. If you want the most complete B segment sedan, however, I would still take the Honda City. It has fewer packaging compromises, a more practical cabin, better rear-seat

Up front, there is only the one coming from the head unit, and the way it is integrated looks like a bit of an afterthought. Rear passengers get two USB-C ports, but for a modern family car, the front arrangement feels lacking. The taller head unit in the hybrid also blocks a bit of forward vision. It is not a major issue, but it is noticeable in a car where visibility and ease of use should be part of the appeal. Toyota Safety Sense could be better calibrated too. The system feels rather panicky, as though it is constantly worried you are about to crash. Even with the sensitivity set lower, it can still feel nervous, and the

Front seats are comfortable.

The taller head unit is functional but sits a little high.