IN an online launch program witnessed by thousands of viewers nationwide, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) introduced the Vios, with its upgraded new grille and bumper, finishers and alloy wheels plus a host of interior changes that follows Toyota’s new global design DNA.
The Philippines is the first country to receive the new design upgrade on the Vios. The country is considered to be one of the most important markets for the car globally. The Vios is available in the Asean region and China. It is known as the Belta in Japan and the Yaris sedan in the United States, Canada, the Carribean and the Middle East and Australia.
“With the new Vios, we have once again reinvented the Filipino’s most preferred car. With its upgraded design and new features, we can truly expect the new Vios to level up your drive!” TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said.
Leveled-up look and features
The new Vios gets an eye-catching upgrade on its exterior with the glossy black front grille, further accentuated by the 3-tier LED headlights and daytime running lights for G variants. G, E and XLE variants also get LED foglamps. G variants have 16” alloy wheels and LED rear combination lamps with line guide for a sleek and sporty look from the front, to the side, and the back.
Access is quick and easy with the smart entry feature and push start button for G variants. Get more control as you drive with the paddle shifters and available drive modes (Eco Mode and Sport Mode) for the G CVT variant.
The lineup boasts improvements on its looks and features across 9 available variants — G CVT and M/T, E CVT and M/T, XLE CVT and M/T, XE CVT, and J and J Base in M/T.
Ensuring that each trip is safe, the New Vios gives the driver and passengers peace of mind as all variants come with SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution + Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist Control. Back camera is available from G variants, and customers may choose from 3 or 7 SRS airbags for certain variants.
Financing options
The new Vios will be made affordable to its customers using the Kinto One scheme which is a use-based program, and an all-new Balloon Payment Plus Plan–a simple leasing plan with so many options for purchase at the end of the term.
Malaya Business Insight clarified with Toyota executives during the virtual launch if the Kinto One program will be available for commercial use purposes such as TNVS or rentals.
“The Kinto One is a program that allows users to be able to enjoy the car to the fullest and at the end of the term exchange it for another Toyota, possibly a higher one. Thus the program is not available for commercial purposes because it defeats those who want to fully enjoy mobility and driving or riding in a Toyota,” Jose Maria Atienza, TMP Senior Vice President explained.
Among all the models in the Toyota line-up, only the Vios comes with a complete value package of flexible financing terms through Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSP), free periodic maintenance service up to 20,000 kilometers, free one-year insurance through Toyota Insure, as well as trade-in discounts with the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) Program.
“This plan will surely be helpful to most of our entry-level customers who suddenly find themselves tightening their belts now, but surely looks forward to better days ahead when this pandemic is over,” explained Atsushi Murakami, TFSP President.
The common misunderstanding about any balloon payment scheme is the amount of money that will be have to paid back at the end of the term. In more advanced countries this type of ownership option is popular because it takes the risks of cars getting old, losing resale value due to high mileage and car maintenance costs.
“Some customers are afraid to take the risk of balloon scheme, as it is more commonly known, because they are not sure if they can pay the big amount at the end. But our Vios Balloon Payment Plus Plan is different,” Murakami said.
Under a balloon payment scheme, monthly payments are lower compared to banks because of lower interest rates. Under the Toyota Balloon Payment Plus Plan includes a standard periodic maintenance for the whole term up to 20,000 kilometers per year.
“We reduce that risk for customers by guaranteeing the future value of their vehicle. This makes sure that customers have an option to trade-in the vehicle at the dealer, enjoy a better value for car to pay for the lump sum at the end of the term and also use the difference for the down payment of the next car purchase,” Murakami said.
Aside from lower monthly payments compared to other banks the TFS Balloon Payment Plus benefits are; worry-free maintenance with the maintenance cost included in the monthly payments, guaranteed future value flexible disposal with trade-in or pay-off options
“Because the Balloon Payment Plus is offered by Toyota Financial Services Philippines through Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) Dealers and not just any bank or any used car shop, we ensure that vehicles are always in good condition, thus keeping a high resale value. Our monthly plans, while already lower than traditional auto loans, also includes the periodic maintenance of the vehicle for the whole loan term. We think this is a good option for customers who really need to manage their monthly expenses during this tough time,” concluded Murakami.
