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There is no doubt that the Toyota Vios is the best-selling vehicle in the country. After all, more than 25,000 of them saw new homes and garages last year, and this is the only sedan that is among the top ten cars sold in 2018. If you Do not have one, you probably know someone who has it, or you. may have already driven in one or the other either as a taxi or as a transportation network vehicle (TNVS) service.
But in the 90s until the beginning of the 2000s, this was not the case. For starters, there was no Vios at the time. Instead, it was the Corolla that reigned in the streets. With the introduction of the seventh-generation Corolla, known locally as the "Big Body," Toyota Philippines began offering the model with a new level of finish called XE, which squeezed between the XL base and the GLi. The XE has acquired additional features of the GLi, such as power steering, alloy wheels and a tachometer, but retains the 1.3-liter carburetor engine that makes it a popular choice for most buyers. The popular XE version then remains in the new-generation Corolla, but was eventually dropped at the launch of the Corolla Altis.
But now, it's back. Toyota has relaunched the name XE, not in the Corolla, but in the Vios 2019. This new variant is between the 1.3 J and the 1.3 E. So it will be a return full of value?
From the design stage, the Vios XE visually resembles the 1.3 E Prime we tested last year (without the kit). However, there are some differences to distinguish the two. In particular, the XE does not come standard with the fog lights and LED daytime running lights (the 1.3 E does not have either). The door handles and exterior mirrors are not painted body color and the wheels are small steel units with hubcaps instead of alloys. Curiously, there is no XE badge on the back to indicate its level of finish unlike 1.3 E or 1.5 G.
Although this Vios may be a new model, the XE has some features that are well suited to the 90's. For starters, here's the key. That's all. It's literally a key. There is no alarm either, which means that no remote control unlocks the vehicle by clicking here. Instead, you must actually use the key to unlock the doors. Fortunately, central locking is already a standard feature today, unlike some cars of the 90s. Although I must say, it is quite difficult to enter the XE if you carry a lot of things with you.
Enter and you will find the same improved cabin of the new Vios without most dummy seams. Unlike the 1.3 E, the XE's dashboard is mostly finished in black, with the exception of the central stack that has a silver contrast. And it should not be surprising that everything is hard plastic in the dashboard. In front of the driver is a simple steering wheel without radio control associated with a group of instruments more simplistic. Surprisingly, the XE still has a touch screen main unit with Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs. To sum it up, it's a simple interior and no frills.
I like having a sober and minimal interior, but I wanted the XE to have at least adjustable side mirrors. XE exterior mirrors are as basic as possible. To adjust them, you have to physically push the mirrors, which is very difficult to position. It is therefore difficult to adjust the side mirrors to the desired position, especially for the passenger side. To move the mirror on the passenger side, you must either ask your passenger to move the mirror to your place, or if you happen to be alone, adjust it yourself. At the very least, Toyota could have added the small adjustment knobs on the inside rather than having to push the mirror.
Coincidentally, the Corolla XE and Vios XE are both powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. But thanks to modern technology, the Vios engine now produces 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque and benefits from the VVT-i. While I was waiting for the XE variant to come with a manual transmission, I was surprised to see that it was equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
If you are looking for adrenaline, you are in the wrong place. The Vios XE is like a Vios. It's easy to drive, braking power is good and handling is good even at high speed. Personally, I found that the 1.3 liter mill was a bit lacking for the Vios, especially when you lowered your feet. However, I think most motorists will find it adequate, especially if you are walking in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, having a CVT is a lot easier if you're stuck in a dead end for several hours.
I would like to tell you how good the Vios were, but unfortunately, the XE only has a basic group of gauges that do not display the average fuel consumption. Since we managed to handle about 9.3 kilometers per liter in 1.3 E, it is safe to assume that it would be more or less the same.
Although the XE is only equipped with steel wheels (with plastic covers), driving is a little more comfortable than the 1.3 E. The wheels and tires absorb bumps and potholes on the road, which makes it a little more relaxing. Although its tires are thinner and bigger, it does not roll so much when you're going around high-speed corners, which keeps the car on the finish.
Those who have taken the wheel of the previous model, Vios, will find that the new cabin is much quieter and more refined. There is less outside noise entering the cabin. More importantly, the Vios XE is much safer than its predecessor. When TMP introduced the new Vios last year, they announced that all variants would come standard with seven airbags, including the XE. Stability control is also a standard safety feature, but can be disabled at the touch of a button.
At 738,000 Php, the price of the Vios 1.3 XE is pretty good for a 1300cc car with a CVT. There are not many options to do, but you get a Bluetooth head unit for your songs and a comfortable driving. More importantly, there are also seven airbags as standard, a feature that only the Vios has on its competitors. Nevertheless, I wish that Toyota adds at least electric mirrors. But once you've adjusted them, you're ready to go.
Overall, the Vios XE is ideal if you are not very interested in embedded features, or if you simply want to move from point A to point B. Now, if you are looking for a few more features , there is always the 1.3 E CVT. Remember, however, it comes with a bonus of Php 100,000. And if you want a 1.5 liter mill, you need 300,000 Php more.
In fact, we like the humble Vios XE because it reminds us of simpler times. But please, Toyota, give him adjustable side mirrors.
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