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.