One of the top contenders in the B-segment sedan category is the 2021 Toyota Vios 1.5 G. The compact sedan by Toyota rivals the Honda City, Nissan Almera, and Proton Persona.

The very recent facelift has updated the Vios with additional safety features, improved phone connectivity, and minor updates to the exterior design.

With the Proton Persona, Honda City, and Nissan Almera all having gone through the WapCar Ratings, it is now time for the 2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Driving Performance - 31.5/50 pts, Slowest in class

We'd hate to break this to you, but the Vios is not as fast as the rest of the B-segment saloons. After several attempts in the century sprint, the fastest 0-100 km/h time recorded for the Vios is 13.4 seconds.

The Honda City managed 11.4 seconds, the Nissan Almera managed 12.4 seconds, and the Proton Persona clocked 11.7 seconds.

Maximum power output of the 1.5-litre engine in the Vios is 107 PS, which is quite a drop from the 121 PS Honda City 1.5-litre engine.

Acceleration times aside, throttle response of the Vios is good, and the power delivery is excellent. The CVT is smooth when left to its own devices.

While the Vios loses points for power and acceleration, it makes up for that with decent handling (for a daily driver).

Previously, we have mentioned that the Honda City's suspension feels a bit soft. In the case of the Vios, the suspension feels more balanced.

A more confidence-inspiring handling is provided in the GR Sport version of the Vios.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Ride Comfort - 36/50 pts, Good suspension and nice seats

When it comes to the suspension, the Vios deserves some credit. It strikes a good balance between handling and comfort. While the rebound felt a little slow in other cars, the Vios does it at an optimal rate.

The seats provide good support and are good for long-distance driving.

For cabin noise, the Vios ranks second in its class with a recorded 69 dB at 110 km/h. Still leading the segment is the Nissan Almera with a 68 dB reading at 110 km/h.

In terms of ergonomics, the Vios loses points for the lack of telescopic steering adjustment and the awkward position of the front armrest.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Quality and Features - 32.5/50 pts, Good build quality, satisfactory features

The Vios impressed us in the paint thickness and panel gap measurement test. Panel gaps are virtually symmetrical and paint thickness is very consistent with only a small deviation.

The Vios gets full points for both measurements.

In terms of exterior and interior materials, the Vios is on par with its rivals. The only difference is that the Vios does not try too hard to impress.

There are no high contrast patterns or "premium" designs in the cabin. Presentation aside, build quality of the interior is good.

Android Auto/Apple Carplay connection is quick and stable with a dedicated USB port.

ADAS components in the Toyota Vios 1.5L G include Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

In terms of ADAS, the Vios 1.5L G leaves the Honda City 1.5L V in the dust.

Convenient features worthy of praise include the 3D 360° camera and the wireless phone charger inside the centre armrest.

Under the ASEAN NCAP safety rating system, the Toyota Vios scores a five-star rating with excellent Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) scores.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Space and Practicality - 29.5/50 pts, Average for its segment

In terms of interior space, the Toyota Vios is on par with the Nissan Almera and Honda City. The amount of legroom and headroom offered are very similar.

Its 506-litre boot space is also average with the City offering 506 litres, the Persona offering 520 litres, and the Almera offering 482 litres. The rear seats are foldable, providing a flat-ish surface for long loads.

One thing mentionable about the Vios's second row is the completely flat floor. There is no "hump" that you usually find in other cars. While it might seem minor, those stuck in the middle seat are sure to appreciate the extra legroom.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Fuel Consumption – 14.5/20 pts, Not the most fuel efficient

Two fuel consumption tests were conducted for the Toyota Vios. The first test returned 6.0 l/100km from a 103.9 km trip (50% city, 50% highway) and refuelling 6.229 litres.

The second test resulted in 7.1 l/100km from a 133.0 km trip (50% city, 50% highway) and refuelling 9.522 litres.

Without disregarding both results, an average fuel consumption of 6.55 l/100km was calculated.

The Vios is a fairly fuel-efficient car, but it proved to be slightly thirstier than both the Honda City (6.3 l/100km)  and Nissan Almera (5.8 l/100km) in our fuel consumption test.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Purchase and Cost – 24/30, good value for money

The Toyota Vios 1.5 G's price starts at RM 87,584. It is only slightly more expensive than the Honda City 1.5 L V (RM86,561), but cheaper than the Nissan Almera 1.0 Turbo VLT (RM 91,310).

*OTR without SST

The Vios offers a good balance of price and features, making it more attractive from a value point of view against its rivals.

Maintenance cost of the Toyota Vios over 5 years adds up to an estimated RM4,242.

The given warranty is of 5 years with unlimited mileage, well-deserving of a full score in our books.

2021 Toyota Vios 1.5L G: Conclusion - 168/250 pts overall

Overall, the Toyota Vios offers a good balance of price and features. In total, the Vios scored 168/250 points which is currently the highest score for the B-segment sedan category.

Its weak points are its slow acceleration time, some poor ergonomic choices, and its slightly higher fuel consumption.

The Vios makes up for its weak points with decent ADAS components, a balanced suspension, and an attractive warranty package. 

Its closest rival is the Honda City, with both of them being priced very similarly. The Nissan Almera and Proton Persona are alternative options, albeit deviating a little too far in terms of price.

In our books, the Vios is good value for money. Still on the fence? Go for a test drive.