Toyota’s popular Vios is now more affordable, thanks to the much anticipated J-variant which is a bone-basic car.

For your money RM69,800 for the manual or RM73,500 for the self shifter, you get a Vios that is mechanically similar to teh E and G, except that you get the nice bits taken out. There are no airbags on this car, of course leather is something you will have to do without and even the dahsboard is plain matt black.

Apart from the lack of airbags, which is rather mean, I can live with this basic Vios. I would opt for the manual shifter and save a bit more money every week from lower petrol consumption. I mean the Vios is known to be frugal even when running in Auto, so just imagine what it would be like if you choose the gears yourself.

The pricing has moved the Vios precariously close to Proton territory, I wonder if it is going to hit Waja sales badly. After all here you ahve a car that offers decent cabin space and fantastic fuel economy compared to the Waja’s thirsty older engine. The only thing is, the Waja has a pair of airbags.

Anyway, below is the full Press Release

PRESS RELEASE 4 JULY 2008 021/EAD/2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UMW TOYOTA MOTOR LAUNCH NEW VIOS VARIANTS

Shah Alam, 4 July – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMW Toyota Motor), the manufacturer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announced today the launch of two new Vios variants to the market. The new variants – Vios J 1.5 automatic and manual transmission are an entry level variants to the existing Toyota Vios S, G and E variants which were launched in October 2007.

The all-new Toyota Vios has gone global and is now offered in many new markets which include North America, Australia and New Zealand.

According to UMW Toyota Motor Managing Director, Mr Kuah Kock Heng, “In Malaysia, Toyota Vios has captured 50 percent market share of the 1.4 – 1.5 litre Pessenger Car Sedan segment in 2007.“ Recently, the Toyota Vios reached a new milestone with the delivery of its 100,000^th unit, making it one of the most popular Toyota cars.

Mr Kuah also pointed out that the Toyota Vios has been extremely popular among the young Malaysian buyers because of its performance, reliability and economical value. It has received relatively good sales, with an average of 2500 units per month. “Apart from the attractive price, the popularity of the Toyota Vios can also be attributed to its proven quality,” added Mr Kuah.

“The new grade will complement the existing variants as UMW Toyota Motor understands our customers’ needs and wants. It also allows us to reach out to more customers who are very keen in purchasing the Toyota Vios.” said Mr. Kuah.

“UMW Toyota Motor always take consideration on the feedback from our customers. Considering this we are also introducing the manual variant for the Vios J. This introduction is timely with the recent petrol hike issue. Our Toyota Vios is known for its fuel economy but with the manual version, customers can go further with a full tank of petrol,” continued Mr. Kuah.

UMW Toyota Motor has targeted monthly sales of 700 units of the new Toyota Vios J and it is confident in capturing a strong demand for the new variant from customers in both Peninsular and East Malaysia.

The Vios J is positioned as an entry level Vios model, without compromising its performances and safety features. Similar to other variants, the two Vios J variants are powered by Toyota’s renowned VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 4-speed automatic with super ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission) or 5-speed manual transmission. It also retains active safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The on-the-road price with insurance of the Toyota Vios J is RM73,500 for the automatic transmission while the manual transmission will cost RM69,800. However, these are currently estimated prices and actual prices will be announced during the public launch.

The company also announced that the new variants will be available at all Toyota showrooms nationwide from 11 July 2008 but it is now open for booking.

Yes, the name is a bit odd sounding but you will probably get used to it. In fact the name is probably the only thing that would make youthink twice about this family sedan.

The Sylphy is a spacious, modern looking and well endowed family sedan and the price tag starts at RM112,000, which means that it is a relative bargain compared to its Japanese competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis.

In the past Nissan is known for designing either really dull cars, like the Sunny, or outrageous models like the 280ZX and 300ZX, there was nothing in between but the mariage with Renault has given their styling department a lot more depth and maturity.

This gives us cars like the Sylphy which combines Japanese sensibility with French sophistication and the result is a car that is elegant but unpretentious, like the Sylphy.

The lines are clean and well proportioned while the detailing is neat and stylish. The uniquely shaped headlight and jewel finished front grille is of particular note, they work well together to give the Sylphy a distinctive face and this is worthy of note in a class where blandness and uniformity used to rule.

Anyone looking for a family car must go and take a look at the all-new Nissan Sylpy. While Nissan may not be the most prestigious of the Japanese brands, it is a company well know for their engineering excellence and this time they have come up with a car that could well rival the Toyota Corolla.

The Sylphy is an example of good modern packaging with wheels set out at the far corners and the cabins set well forward to take advantage of the otherwise wasted space behind the front bulkhead.

This cab forward design has liberated enough space to make this the contender for the most spacious cabin in the Japanese C segment, which includes the Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mitsubishi Lancer.

Apart from the space, buyers would also find the interior pleasing with its modern uncluttered lines and understated touches of luxury such as wood paneling, good in car entertainment sytem, climate control and choice of plush fabric or leather upholstery.

The six-speaker sound system, fully automatic climate control system and lether lined upholstery makes the cabin a wonderful place to be when you are stuck in a jam after a long day at the office.

that would maintain the ideal cabin temperature. The cin is also kept cool by the UV-film that is applied to the car windows.

According to Nissan he clamshell design front seats hug the occupants snugly and has been designed using their S-motion principle.

They even went an extra step and gave the cabin an Antibacterial treatment that will help the car retain its brand new smell longer and keeps nasty odours at bay.

Priced between RM112,000 and RM116,000, this puts it at a strong advantage compared to the other contenders and this further adds to the car’s appeal.

Cabin size is not the only place where the Sylphy wins, this thing also packs a bigger pnch under the bonnet, with a modern all-aluminium 2.0-litre engine that is bristling with the latest technology, including variable valve control, fuel injection and a continuously variable transmission that promises seamless ratio and good fuel economy.

Owners will also appreciate the fuel economy benefits of the electronic power steering system which removes the constant drag exerted by the traditional pulley-driven hydraulic pump that normally assist driver steering input.

With 130 horsepower and 191 Newton-metres of torque, this Nissan will not be a slow mover, in fact when combined with the seamless CVT transmission, the driver always gets a choice of smooth, relaxed driving and instant power.

This combination of seamless power and comfort lies at the heart of the Sylphy which promises elegance and style.

The theme is clearly visible fromt eh skin of the car which has been designed with many calming surfaces and graceful curves but since we are not supposed to judge a car by its looks, we thought it best to talk about it’s personality rather than looks.

Macpherson front suspension and semi-trailing link at the rear with pre-loaded shock absorbers at all four corners the rear means that passengers would enjoy smoother ride at all times, this is again central to the theme of the Sylphy.

Maybe the Syply can be part of your family too.