Rumors have been around for quite a while now regarding Indus Motors (IMC) planning to replace the popular 1.3 liter Xli & GLi variants of the Toyota Corolla sedan in Pakistan.
Pakistan currently is the only country where a 1300cc engine variant is offered with Corolla, and it remains a fact that this engine remains the most popular among all available Corolla variants.
Related: Opinion: The Legacy of Corolla XLi and GLi
Now however IMC is considering a smaller sedan to replace the 1.3 liter Corolla variants which may likely be the Vios or the all-new Yaris Ativ. Below is the brief comparison between the two similar Toyota subcompacts which takes on the likes of Honda City and Suzuki Ciaz alike.
Toyota Vios
The Vios is currently in its third generation which was introduced back in 2013, however earlier this year the Vios has received a facelift with a revised front and rear end.
Toyota Yaris Ativ
The new Yaris Ativ sedan was introduced most recently in August 2017 and quickly became one of the most successful cars in Thailand.
Comparison: Body Dimensions
Overall the Yaris Ativ is slightly bigger than the Vios. The Yaris Ativ is longer and wider than the Vios but has the same height and wheelbase. However the Ativ has a smaller turning radius than the Vios which is a plus point.
Description | Toyota Yaris Ativ |
Toyota Vios |
Length (mm) | 4,425 | 4,420 |
Width (mm) | 1,730 | 1,700 |
Height (mm) | 1,475 | 1,475 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2,550 | 2,550 |
Front Wheel Width (mm) | 1,470 | 1,455 |
Rear Wheel Width (mm) | 1,460 | 1,445 |
Lowest turn radius (m) | 5.1 | 5.7 |
Comparison: Suspension
Both the cars have exactly same suspension system so they are expected to give a similar driving experience.
Description | Toyota Yaris Ativ |
Toyota Vios |
Suspension | MacPherson strut with steel stabilizer | |
Rear suspension | Tungsten Beam and Coil Spring Steel stabilizer | |
wheel | 15 inch alloy | 16 inch alloy |
rubber | 185/60 R15 | 195/50 R16 |
Comparison: Interior
The interior apart from some minor differences remains very much the same.
Description | Toyota Yaris Ativ |
Toyota Vios |
Interior color | black | black |
EPS Power Steering with
High-level adjustment |
Yes | Yes |
Power windows | Yes | Yes |
Keyless Keys and Push Start Button | Yes | Yes |
MID display | 4.2 inch TFT color display | have |
Automatic air conditioning | Yes | Yes |
Audio
AM / FM / CD / DVD / MP3 / WMA |
7-inch touch screen
With connectors USB / HDMI / Micro SD Card |
7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and
USB connector |
Speakers | 6 | 4 |
Audio control switch at the wreath | Yes | Yes |
Comparison: Safety
Both the sedans are very much comparable in terms of safety equipment.
Description | Toyota Yaris Ativ | Toyota Vios |
Seat belts, front and rear | Yes | Yes |
3-point rear seat belts, 3 positions | Yes | Yes |
Airbags | Yes | Yes |
ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD and BA brakes. | Yes | Yes |
VSC stability control system | Yes | Yes |
TRC | Yes | Yes |
Whiplash Injury Lessening | Yes | Yes |
Comparison: Engines
The Vios comes with different versions of 1.3 liter and 1.5 liter engines paired to either a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or a 7-speed Super CVT-i depending on the market whereas the Yaris Ativ comes with a 1.2 liter engine paired with a Super CVT-i transmission only.
Which one should make it to Pakistan?
Both the cars can be considered to be launched in Pakistan but obviously only one of them will make its way here. The Yaris Ativ has become a new sensation straight after its launch in Thailand, securing 19th position among best sellers with 1.7% market share within just 3 months while Toyota has indicated its plans to export the Ativ sub-compact to over 70 countries. Pakistan has a strong connection to Thailand when it comes to automobiles so chances of the Ativ to be launched in Pakistan are there.
Related: Can the New Yaris Ativ be a Replacement of Corolla 1.3?
The Vios on the other hand is around for quite some time now and more importantly comes with the same 1.3 liter engine that’s being offered with the XLi and GLi in Pakistan. And it might make sense for IMC to carry on with the same engine & same badges (XLi and GLi) placed on the Vios to cash in the success of this variant without experimenting the all-new Yaris Ativ.
Which among the two you think should be introduced in Pakistan, cast your vote blow and let us know with the comments.
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A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com