MANILA, Philippines — The Toyota Vios is made for Philippine roads.
Why?
It’s small yet tough, fast and nifty and it definitely keeps one cool in its oh so comfy seats and impressive dashboard.
City driving was my destination on the Toyota Vios because I know that this is the perfect car to keep one ahead of the traffic-laden streets of metro Manila.
On the day I decided to take the Vios for a drive — it was a typical weekday in the metro with traffic exploding at the seams. But, I had made up my mind that just for today I was not going to let the traffic and the often gliding in and out of lanes — buses, jeeps and small motorcycles — ruin the day for me.
I was behind the wheel of the Vios — that was all that mattered.
After all, the Toyota Vios is one of the bestselling cars in the Philippines — and this has been the impetus behind Toyota’s drive to give us even better vehicles.
Driving the country forward
I had not driven a Vios for quite some time so the first thing that struck me is that the Vios is now made sleeker — perhaps in keeping the times. And, the unit I test drove was equipped with a new chrome trim for the fog lamps.
Apart from aesthetic upgrades, the Vios has been enhanced with the all-new Dual VVT-I engines and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) transmissions, which give it better mileage, more fuel economy, higher engine output, and most importantly, decreased fuel emissions.
It looks like more changes; more upgrades and more improvements can be expected from Toyota’s line-up as it continues to lead the car industry.
As I sat behind the wheel of the comfy Vios my thought drifted to how the automotive industry can make a bigger impact for a better country — the Vios being one of the vehicles to do just this.
Comfy: The cool interiors
My thoughts lingered to what the Satoru Suzuki, president of Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) has said. To paraphrase him, it is indeed Toyota’s goal to move to greater heights as can be seen in its Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, which was launched in 2015 — and is considered a milestone for the industry.
“For Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP), it was a clear indication of the government’s direction for the automotive industry — a recognition that the industry can significantly contribute to the Philippine economy by sustaining and expanding domestic manufacturing operations,” said Satoru Suzuki, president, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation. “Our resolve to push the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities became even stronger with the CARS Program. This is why after almost three decades of production operations in the Philippines, Toyota is taking on the challenge of participating in the CARS Program to support the Philippine Government’s thrust to revitalize the manufacturing sector.”
As I drove, the traffic was building up — but my thoughts kept me busy.
“Since last year, TMP and its suppliers have been very busy with production preparations,” added Suzuki. “This is what we are showcasing in the 1st Philippine Auto Parts Expo – our major localization projects that will drive our goal of “Advancing Philippine Manufacturing.”
But, what I remember most about what Suzuki said is this — Toyota wants to continue and increase our contributions to economic development through manufacturing.
“I truly believe that the CARS Program will determine the future of automotive manufacturing in the Philippines,” he added. “Let us all do our best to ensure its success so that the country may continue to reap the benefits of having a sustainable automotive manufacturing industry.”
More than just about driving
For those of us who drive every day — no matter the traffic conditions — we often think about how car companies strive to help make a country better.
Sure, it is always a pleasure to be behind the wheel of a performer like the Vios, which three generations later has become one of the most- sought after cars in the country. And, at the core of the Vios is a 1.5-liter dual VVTi engine mated to a seven-speed CVT.
I liked how the Vios kept me safe even when I was overtaking on the fly — sometimes these buses like to challenge the small cars that they see overtaking them — moreso when they see a little old lady behind the wheel. But, the Vios did not fail me even when the bus drivers stepped on the gas.
The steering feel was great — and it made me feel I owned the Vios as I drove faster. Ride comfort was great, too. It’s good to be behind the wheel of a car that keeps one comfy all throughout the drive.
I got the STAR office at Port Area relaxed and ready to start work.
As I picked up my stuff from the passenger seat I smiled.
The Vios is a buddy kind of car — not too flashy — but always reliable and dependable when it needs to be.
There is no better friend than that.