There was a time long ago when Toyota was known for more than just their reliable and reasonably priced automobiles. I remember as a child reading about the mighty Supra that's still highly sought after in the US as project cars. In more recent memory, there was the MR-S that is loved for its sublime handling.

Alas, market demands have driven the company to give more focus to their mainstream family models than performance. Though recently Toyota is making attempts to relive their glory days of producing venerable performance machines. Toyota announced that in the spirit of performance, they will be developing a new sports car named the FT-86 that pays quiet homage to the much revered AE86 popularized by the Japanese manga and anime Initial D.

Nevertheless the company needs to continue their focus on reliable and economical family models to afford such sentimental endeavors. Despite international media blowing Toyota's manufacturing defects out of proportion, it is undeniable that the Japanese company still makes one of the most reliable cars around.

When you purchase a Toyota, you would reasonably expect the car to deliver unwavering performance throughout its ten year COE lifespan (with regular servicing of course.) Despite the unrelenting reliability, drivers are sometimes still put off by the tacky interior of the low to mid-range models.

The latest second generation Vios does seem to prove that Toyota is making an effort to heed consumer's requests.

Exterior

Toyota's styling always treads the neutral path and the latest Vios is no different. The designers have made a good attempt at making the car resemble one of the transporters used in sci-fi movies. The futuristic design does play off well with the car's modest dimensions.

In the front, the car is dominated with a wide gaping grille that makes a vague impression of the Camry's front fascia. On the highest specced 'G' model seen here, the car is equipped with fog lights at either side of the lower bumper.