If you wanted a 4-door, 5-seat sedan, with an automatic transmission, the cheapest model Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) can sell you is the Vios 1.3 E CVT which will set you back P878,000. Oddly enough, that makes it more expensive than the equivalent Honda City, Hyundai Accent, and Suzuki Ciaz. But the country’s best-selling subcompact sedan wasn’t letting itself be outdone, so TMP made a cheaper alternative called the Vios 1.3 XE.
At only P735,000, it’s a whopping P143,000 less than the 1.3 E CVT but that doesn’t mean Toyota skimped out on all the good stuff.
This ‘entry-level’ Vios comes with the same 1.3L Dual VVT-i engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) found in more expensive versions of the Vios. Same goes with the 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System that has iOS, Android, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. And yes, they also included front/rear power windows and power door locks as standard equipment.
What’s really surprising to us is how, for a price that low, TMP could still afford to equip it with 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and ABS which are typically the first things to go in the ‘budget-spec’ model.
“Now more than ever, Filipino drivers will get to experience the comfort of automatic transmission while enjoying all the hallmark features of the Toyota brand,” said TMP First Vice President Cristina Arevalo. “As a testament to the quality, durability, and reliability of its entire model lineup, Toyota brings together a new variant that combines the signature elements of an enduring automotive icon. And because it’s a Vios, customers can still expect to get the most out of their investment with the high resale value and reasonable maintenance cost that the model has been known for.”
So, how can TMP sell the Vios XE that cheap? Although we still don’t have the final spec sheet, what we do know that they did find some savings by swapping out the 15-inch alloys for 14-inch steel rims. The side mirrors and door handles are also not painted. But those 2 alone does not equate to P143,000 so Toyota must have found other ways to make budget cuts.
We guess you’ll just have to see for yourself what’s missing from the Vios 1.3 XE CVT, but P735,000 is already a steal as it is. Colors available are Thermalyte, Red Mica Metallic, Freedom White, and Alumina Jade Metallic.
Inquire, book a test drive, or buy the Toyota Vios XE through AutoDeal.com.ph.