Despite being on sale for 9 years in its current iteration, the isn’t slowing down when it comes to its popularity. Still, Toyota isn’t going to continue with the current generation forever and is looking to replace it.
Daihatsu DN-F Sedan concept shown
There have been rumours about the next generation that we’ve covered before including a hybrid variant but this latest info coming from Thailand might be the most exciting Vios scoop so far. According to Headlight Mag, Toyota plans to launch the all-new Toyota Vios (codename D92A) in Thailand in the third quarter (July-September) of 2022.
Remember the Ascend?
The Thai automotive publication reported that the all-new Vios could be built on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform which is a very interesting piece of information. Daihatsu has never offered a sedan in the region for years and it isn’t planning to introduce any sedan models in Indonesia, one of the three countries the D badge has a presence.
The other two markets are Japan and Malaysia with the latter being represented by Perodua. Still, Daihatsu has previewed the DN F-Sedan concept at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).
DNGA platform shown
Daihatsu and Toyota have shared technology with one another for years and if the rumours are true, then the next-gen Vios will be built on a Daihatsu-based platform for the first time ever.
In Thailand, the Vios is sold as the Yaris Ativ which is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine to qualify under the Kingdom’s Eco Car regulations.
This unit will likely be carried over into the next generation though Headlight Magazine also added that the Vios name could also be dropped. The Vios is sold in the Kingdom with the same 1.5-litre engine as the Malaysian-spec but with an entirely different look.
The Yaris Ativ is constantly pitting against the in Thailand’s B-segment sedan sales chart every month. On top of the turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol, the City is also offered in the Kingdom with a 1.5-litre i-MMD hybrid variant and Toyota is looking to challenge it with a hybrid Vios for the next generation.
Being a budget model, the Vios hybrid could use a series hybrid layout to keep costs low. As it could be built on the DNGA platform, a similar system like the e-Smart hybrid as seen in the could be used.
If the next-gen Vios looks like this and comes with e-Smart hybrid tech, will you say yes?
The e-Smart hybrid system is a one motor series-hybrid setup that on the Rocky/Raize Hybrid uses its 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine as a generator to recharge the battery. Speaking of the Daihatsu connection, might we also see a rebadged Perodua Vios on the horizon for Malaysia?
Keyword: Next gen D92A 2022 Toyota Vios to launch in Thailand in Q3 with Daihatsu platform