It’s safe to say that the Philippines is one of the biggest markets for the Toyota Vios. It has been the country’s best-selling sedan for well over a decade, and has sat on top of the country’s sales charts with consistently over 30,000 units sold every year.
Which is why we’re wondering why we still haven’t gotten the all-new, Daihatsu-based model in the country yet. It was introduced in mid-2022 and it’s now two years (and counting) since we started waiting.
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From the time it made its world premiere, there have been a few special edition models of the redesigned Vios that have come and gone. The latest one is called the Nightshade, and it’s not related to plants…or Pokemon.
Instead, the Nightshade is essentially a ‘Black Edition’ model of the popular subcompact sedan. Also known as the Yaris Ativ in Thailand, this variant of the Vios features a grille, wheels, and exterior trims all finished in gloss black. It also gets blacked-out wheels and a two-tone body.
Predictably, the Nightshade gets the same treatment inside. It skips the two-tone interior for all-black trims and upholstery. As it’s based on the top-spec variant, it comes with niceties such as ambient lighting and automatic climate control.
It also has a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a six-speaker audio system, and even a 360-degree camera. This model also benefits from Toyota Safety Sense, so there’s adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and more.
The Yaris Ativ soldiers on with a 1.2-liter engine with 92hp and 110Nm. Outside of Thailand where it’s badged as the Vios or Yaris, it comes standard with a 1.5-liter that makes 105hp and 138Nm. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or CVT.
At this point, we’re starting to wonder if the new generation Toyota Vios will ever be sold or made in the Philippines. The current model’s platform is well over a decade old now, and there’s newer and fresher competition out there. Sure, it’s still the country’s best-selling car, but the all-new model has to arrive eventually, right?
