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Malaysians love “sport”. We can tell from the many upgraded regular cars on the road, either DIY or option in the showroom. Automakers know this too and have benefited from it while meeting demand. Our fondness for everything sporting has even influenced local design; for example, look at the sharp, deeply cut bumpers on the Perodua Bezza.
Most of the time, it’s just aesthetics, but this Toyota Vios GR-S is pretty complete for a sports variant. Sure, there’s a “fierce” look, but our market’s first GR Sport car also sees powertrain and chassis changes, plus some interior improvements that can’t be done at Brothers. Developed locally by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), it tops the Vios range in RM 97,500 on the road without insurance (2021 price includes sales tax).
Based on the Vios 2021 facelift that was released last night, the main feature of the Vios GR-S is a “10-speed CVT.” Not the same as a 10-speed automatic, Toyota has programmed the continuous automatic gearbox to have 10 virtual gears in its manual mode. That’s three speeds more than seven in the regular car, and there are directional paddle shifters so you can do it yourself.
Toyota says the 10-speed setup improves response by keeping the 1.5L NR Dual VVT-i engine (unchanged at 107 PS / 140 Nm) in a higher RPM range. Now that may sound a bit misleading (there are ’10-speed’ logos on the side skirts!), But GR ambassador and two-time Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley says the feature is useful for energetic driving. .
“It is a car with a lot of character, it is much more attractive and has a better response from the steering. The availability of a 10-speed CVT transmission may seem like a lot, but for a 1.5-liter it allows the car to drive in the optimal power band and keeps it energetic throughout the RPMs, ”said the professional drifter.
CVT aside, the Vios with the GR badge also comes with tuned sports suspension “for increased handling and confidence at high speed and comfort.” It rides on 17-inch multi-spoke wheels, the largest ever fitted to a factory Vios. The black wheels are paired with 205/45 Toyo Proxes TR1 performance tires, which sport an aggressive asymmetric tread pattern.
Previous Vios sports variants that went beyond an aerokit included the 2017 Vios Sports Edition and the “Dugong” generation TRD Sportivo with optional sports suspension.
In terms of appearance, there is no doubt that the GR-S is a normal Vios. The significantly more aggressive exterior is topped off by a bumper that is “reminiscent of the GR Yaris.” That’s in reference to the “side vents,” but the mouth also has a honeycomb mesh instead of horizontal slats on the normal car. Side skirts with the aforementioned “10-speed” badging adorn the sides.
At the rear, the rear bumper has a much larger black section and an integrated diffuser. That is combined with a boot spoiler in black. Also in black are the exterior mirror caps and door handles (instead of chrome). Gazoo Racing emblems can be found on the boot and front wings. There are only two colors available: Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic.
The sporty treatment is also deeper than expected in the cabin. The most prominent elements are the sports seats, which are combined in leather and suede, with red stitching. Leather and red threads also appear on the steering wheel (with shift paddles) and on the shift knob. The GR logos can be found on the front seat headrests, the power button, and the floor mats.
Another sporty touch is the red Optitron meter panel with red needles. This scheme replaces the blue-white theme in other Vios variants. As a bonus, the 4.2-inch multi-information display has GR animation. As for the rest of the equipment list, the GR Sport is based on the 1.5G, the highest non-GR grade priced at RM 87,584 on the road before insurance, with the exemption from 2020 sales tax.
Once again, the Toyota Vios GR-S is priced at RM 97,500 on the road without insurance, plus sales tax (price 2021). It is available exclusively at GR Garage outlets and Toyota dealers participating in the Vios Challenge. Yesterday’s official photos didn’t show many of the details, so go ahead and explore our usual gallery of entrances and exits below for a closer look. What you think?
GALLERY: Toyota Vios GR-S 2021
GALLERY: Official images of the Toyota Vios GR-S 2021
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