UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is attempting just that. Last month, it announced the
Toyota Vios Sports Edition, which is inspired by the race cars featured in the
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Challenge one make race series, which features
local celebrities and racing veterans.
Unlike the costly race Vios, which is loaded with
TRD and other branded parts, the Vios Sports Edition is more in tune with the
salaryman’s budget. Available in a single spec, the kitted-up B-segment sedan
is priced at RM 85,300 on-the-road without insurance.
It’s based on the Vios 1.5J, but adds an all-round
bodykit to the entry Vios variant, plus a large goalpost-style rear spoiler
with SE emblems on the sides. There’s also a Sports Edition badge on the
bootlid. Also unmissable are those black-red body stickers inspired by the race
car – they cover most of the body and all you need is some sponsor stickers
race numbers. The wheels are 15-inch multi-spoke alloys similar in design to
those on the 1.5G, but in all-black instead of two-tone.
Inside, the Sports Edition gets sports seats with
red stitching, unique floor mats (with the SE logo and red piping) and gearknob
and illuminated scuff plates, as well as amber footwell lighting instead of the
usual blue.
Besides the above-mentioned “sporty” bits, the
standard equipment list remains identical. One gets halogen reflector
headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear fog lights, keyless entry,
push-button start, a radio/CD player with Bluetooth, four speakers, dual
airbags and stability control.
Power comes from the familiar 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i
engine with 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, matched to a
CVT automatic. While there’s no extra power, the Sports Edition should handle
better – it’s equipped with sports suspension that drops the standard ride
height by a substantial 27 mm.
