SHAH ALAM, Jan 9 — UMW Toyota Motor has announced even better specifications for the 2015 Toyota Vios which was launched just over a year ago in October 2013, effectively offering better value for money.

This is a great strategic move for Toyota which is facing stiff competition from the Honda City and the recently launched Honda Jazz, not to mention that the Nissan Almera is also chipping away at this hotly contested segment.

Vios 1.5E and Vios 1.5J nowcomes with the Smart Entry and Push Start System. — Picture courtesy of UMW Toyota

Reliability and durability being its mainstay against the competition, the Toyota Vios has been Malaysia’s best-selling non-national car since 2008, and the new improvements that have been incorporated based on customer feedback and market trend should help to keep its rivals at bay.

The Vios retains its four trim level line-up, starting from the entry level 1.5J and moving up to the 1.5E, 1.5G, and the range-topping TRD Sportivo. The 1.5J is offered with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, whilst the three variants above it feature auto gearboxes as standard.

Engine and transmission remain largely unchanged.

Most important update is the inclusion of the Smart Entry and Push Start system in all variants. This eature, which gives owners the convenience of being able to lock and unlock their vehicles and also starting their engines without needing to remove their key fob from the confines of their pockets or handbags, was previously exclusive to the 1.5G and TRD Sportivo models.

New optional DVD-AVN for the 2015 Vios. — Picture courtesy of UMW Toyota

Interior appearances are largely unchanged, although subtle tweaks are made. The most visible change is seen in the 1.5G which switches from beige to black interior with matching leather upholstery as standard.

At night, the footwell of the 1.5G is lighted with blue illumination; the same feature is added to the TRD Sportivo model as well, but with amber illumination. Also added to the TRD Sportivo model are front sports seats with greater side support.

Outside, the 1.5J and 1.5E models get uplift in their respective appearances — their door handles and bootlid garnish strip, both previously painted in body colour, now get a classier-looking chrome finish. As before, customers can choose from 5 exterior colours — White, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, and Quartz Brown Metallic.

Improvement to the door handle of the new Vios. — Picture courtesy of UMW Toyota

Besides the various new features mooted above, UMW Toyota also offers its customers a range of optional accessories which can be included in the purchase of a new Vios. Items on offer include Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film, five-piece Aerokit with daytime running lights, and a choice of two different touchscreen systems.

For convenient maintenance of tyre pressure, UMW Toyota is also throwing in a portable tyre pump as standard for all variants of the new 2015 Vios.

On-the-road prices (individual private registration with insurance, metallic colour, Peninsular Malaysia) of the new 2015 Vios are as follows: 1.5J Manual — RM74,700; 1.5J Auto — RM78,800, 1.5E — RM84,300; 1.5G — RM89,990; and TRD Sportivo — RM94,800

As with most models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the Vios comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Vios 1.5G's black interior and blue front foot illumination. — Picture courtesy of UMW Toyota