Toyota India's engineers are reportedly involved in the program.
In a scoop story, Brazilian automotive blog Autos Segredos reports that the next generation Toyota Vios sedan and Toyota Yaris hatchback (codenamed Toyota 230B and Toyota 231B, respectively), will launch in Brazil in 2018. It will be produced alongside the current generation Toyota Corolla at the company's production line in Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo.
The report adds that the two new models are developed in conjunction with Toyota Brazil, India and Thailand engineering teams. Both models will ride on Toyota's new TNGA modular platform and, according to local suppliers, will look like a smaller Corolla. This now raises suspicion that the camouflaged test mule spied in Thailand last month is the next generation Toyota Vios, given that it looks different to the model on sale.
The test mule had modern styling with tweaked C-Pillar design, shark fin antenna, square-shaped fuel inlet lid, sleek horizontal taillamps, and new bumper designs. Spy shots of a new Yaris hatchback had also surfaced last month, which had a front fascia inspired by the new Toyota Corolla Altis. Note that the Thai media speculates that the camouflaged Vios was not a next-gen, but a model for the country's 'Eco car' program that gives tax benefits to economical vehicles.
The next generation Vios and Yaris could reuse the current engines with refinements. In Thailand, the Vios is sold with a 2NR-FBE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine with 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, paired with a CVT as standard is across the range, while the Yaris gets a 3NR-FE 1.2L four-cylinder petrol engine and 2NR-FBE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine (export-spec only).
The Vios is reportedly launching in India next year, following an unveiling at the Auto Expo 2018. With no reports or signs on TKM localising the TNGA platform, it may just be the Thai facelift with Indian condiments that will launch in the country. With TNGA or without TNGA, the Vios enters a highly competitive segment with brands like the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna.
[Source: Autos Segredos]
