First generation (2003–2007)

The first generation Vios was assembled at Thailand's 1 million square metre Toyota Gateway Plant in Gateway City, Amphoe Plaeng Yao, Chachoengsao Province, as part of a cooperative project between Thai engineers and Toyota's Japanese designers.

The Vios in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, and Taiwan is powered by 1.5 liter 1NZ-FE engine with VVT-i. The smaller 1.3 liter 2NZ-FE engine is offered in the Philippines. In China, the Vios comes with an 8A-FE engine. Trim levels for Southeast Asia include J, E, S, and G, while the DLX, GL, GLX, and GLXi are offered in China.

The first generation Vios was adapted from the Toyota Platz with modified body panels, which created a significantly different appearance, although portions of the car feature design cues from the E120 Corolla[citation needed]. In late 2005, the Vios received minor cosmetic changes for the 2006 model year. The front bumper, grille, headlights, and tail lights were freshened; also new were the wheels and interior trim.

In other uses, the first generation Vios is adopted as a racing vehicle in Touring Car Championships in Indonesia and Thailand. The car is also in use as taxicabs in Indonesia but features lesser equipment and is specially rebadged as the Toyota Limo. This is not to be confused with certain taxis with the same name in Thailand, which uses Toyota Corollas.


Confusion over generation designation
There is some confusion regarding the 'second generation' Vios, as some may have referred it to the facelift in 2005. Strictly speaking, the 'first generation' should be the Soluna, which was sold in Thailand, but never made it to other parts of Southeast Asia. The 'second generation' could thus refer to the 'first generation' Vios outside of Thailand. In this article, '1st Generation' shall refer to the first model named Vios - which shall be the car debuted in 2003, meaning the current Vios is in its 2nd generation.


Vios Turbo
A "Turbo" variant of the first generation Vios was made available in Thailand only, boasting a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine with an air-to-air intercooler that produces 143 PS with light boost. Standard on the Vios Turbo are a functional scoop on its hood, wrap-around body kits, stiffer springs, firmer shock-absorbers and 16" alloys. The transmission ratio & differential ratio were based on that of a Toyota MR-S.

source : From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia