Beijing 2016: New Toyota Vios Facelift Previewed In China

Parked at the side lines of Toyota’s range of exhibits at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, this radically re-styled Toyota Vios is a mid-life makeover of Toyota’s B-segment sedan that was launched in 2013.

Not much else is known about the new Vios facelift, and this sole display unit at Toyota’s booth had all its windows blacked out so we can’t tell if the new Vios, due in China maybe later this year, will have a new interior or not.

This upcoming Vios facelift should not be confused with another upcoming improved Toyota Vios that’s coming to Malaysia later this year. That new improved Vios will have not feature any changes to its exterior design, and the only upgrade worth mentioning is a new 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine that will replace the outgoing VVT-i unit. A new CVT transmission will also replace the existing model's 4-speed automatic. The new more fuel efficient drivetrain might even qualify the Vios for EEV incentives from the government, which could lead to a reduction in prices. 

The Malaysian market Vios was recently upgraded earlier this year with a new bumper that now features LED daytime running lights as standard.

In China, the Vios is available with two engine options – a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre, both with Dual VVT-i valvetrain.

The rather radical styling seen here is likely to be a China-only feature. The ones that are due for our market, probably sometime in 2018, may wear a different grille or front bumper.