Sebagai tindak balas kepada pendedahan terkini mengenai ketidaknormalan ujian keselamatan di Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), anak syarikat Toyota, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), pemain utama dalam pasaran automotif Malaysia, menekankan komitmennya terhadap ketelusan dan tanggungjawab. Ketidaknormalan ujian keselamatan, seperti yang ditekankan oleh Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), telah memberi impak kepada tiga model Toyota yang diedarkan oleh UMWT di Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K., Presiden UMW Toyota Motor, memberi jaminan kepada pelanggan dan orang ramai bahawa syarikat ini berazam untuk mengekalkan piawaian dan kualiti tertinggi dalam kenderaan-kenderaannya. Pernyataan ini menegaskan pendekatan proaktif UMWT dalam menangani situasi ini, bekerjasama rapat dengan pihak berkuasa kawal selia untuk memastikan penyelesaian yang pantas dan telus.
Komitmennya untuk memberikan kenderaan berkualiti tinggi kepada pasaran Malaysia tetap menjadi keutamaan utama UMWT. Syarikat ini mengakui kepentingan kepercayaan dan bertujuan untuk mengukuhkan keyakinan pelanggan terhadap produk-produknya. Kerjasama berterusan dengan pihak berkuasa kawal selia mencerminkan komitmen UMWT untuk mematuhi peraturan dan undang-undang yang relevan, memastikan pematuhan yang ketat terhadap semua kenderaan di Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K. lebih menekankan fokus syarikat terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, memberi jaminan kepada orang ramai bahawa usaha sedang dijalankan untuk membetulkan situasi ini dengan cepat dan telus. Dengan memberikan keutamaan kepada ketelusan dan tanggungjawab, UMW Toyota Motor bertujuan untuk menavigasi situasi mencabar ini sambil mengekalkan komitmennya untuk memberikan kenderaan yang boleh dipercayai dan selamat kepada pelanggan di Malaysia.
In response to recent revelations regarding safety test irregularities at Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), a subsidiary of Toyota, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), a key player in the Malaysian automotive market, is emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability. The safety test irregularity, as highlighted by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), has impacted three Toyota models distributed by UMWT in Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, assures customers and the public that the company is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its vehicles. The statement underscores UMWT’s proactive approach to addressing the situation, collaborating closely with regulatory authorities to ensure a prompt and transparent resolution.
The commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to the Malaysian market remains a top priority for UMWT. The company acknowledges the importance of trust and aims to reinforce customers’ confidence in its products. The ongoing cooperation with regulatory authorities reflects UMWT’s dedication to adhering to relevant regulations and rules, ensuring the strict compliance of all vehicles in Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K. further emphasises the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, assuring the public that efforts are underway to rectify the situation promptly and transparently. By prioritising openness and accountability, UMW Toyota Motor aims to navigate through this challenging situation while upholding its commitment to delivering reliable and safe vehicles to customers in Malaysia.
The Malaysian b-segment market is never short of drama. Manufacturers are consistently trying to outdo each other, but amidst all of that outdoing, it is the consumer that always wins. The segment consists of big names like the Honda City, Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera and even the Proton Persona.
But it is fair to say that the most popular are the City and the Vios. While Honda and Toyota are always outdoing each other, we are getting ever better cars.
The Vios is currently in its fourth-generation while the City has been around since the early 80s and is currently in its seventh generation. Over all that time, both have evolved to be mighty fine cars.
UMW Toyota Motors introduced the new Vios earlier this year to much fanfare. Sales have been brisk, but that’s unsurprising considering its popularity.
The City too is the other de facto go to model for those who want practicality and reliability. It is now bigger than ever, and with a recently introduced facelift, it may not be an all-new model like the Vios, but it has everything the Vios has and is arguably better to drive.
In terms of pricing, the Honda City RS petrol costs RM99,900 while the Toyota Vios is priced at RM95,500. However, Honda provides free labour up to five times within 100,00km or five years[NTSF(1] , while Toyota charges an additional RM3,220 for a five-year or 100,000km free service package. If you opt for the service package, that would bring the price of the Toyota close to the City.
So, which should you spend your money on? We dissect the two cars and bring you our opinion on which would be worth your money:
Engine:
Beginning with what matters most, both cars are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine. The Honda has offers its i-VTEC technology to make accessible power, while Toyota has its D-VVTi.
However, the Vios is down on power as compared to the City. The Vios produces 106PS and 138Nm, while the City offers 121PS and 145Nm. The difference may not seem that much but this is felt the most during acceleration where the City feels more eager to get up to speed.
As far as efficiency goes, both cars have 40-litre fuel tanks and are capable of providing about 500km of range on a full tank.
Drive:
Again, both cars ride on identical suspension set ups, MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear.
Both do excellent jobs at keeping occupants detached from the horrors of the roads underneath them. However, in terms of handling, the City feels more alive and is quicker to oblige every turn of the steering wheel. The steering feel of the Vios feels more muted and heavy. If you are into keen on more agile and responsive handling, you will appreciate the City.
In terms of braking, both also have the same set up – solid discs all around.
Design:
This is always subjective, but it is the Vios that has the freshest design between the two. The City has gone through several facelifts and now offers a bolder grille and sportier bumpers. However, the overall silhouette remains the same.
Toyota was keen to talk about the sportback design of the Vios when it was launched early this year. It adds character to the Toyota whose designs have always been safe and unadventurous (remember the dugong?).
But the sportback design comes at a price. Because the rear of the roofline drops dramatically into the a-pillar, this ultimately sacrifices headroom for rear passengers. Anyone above 180cm will be scrapping the top of his head against the roof liner. This ultimately results in the City having a more spacious interior.
Interior:
Building on the topic of interior spaciousness, the City does it better again. This time, the culprit is the centre console, where the gear lever and handbrake are placed.
The centre console of the Vios is simply too high as compared to the City. This results in narrower foot wells for the driver and front passenger, so you sit with your legs closer together than you would in the City. This may not affect shorter people, but if you’re tall, you may find that this limits legroom.
The taller shoulder line of the Vios also makes the windows smaller, especially at the rear. This means that there is not as much light that is fed back into the cabin, making it seem as if it were smaller than the City.
Both cars offer leather clad interiors while the seats in the Honda offer better padding, making them more comfortable, especially over longer distances.
There are no complaints about quality though as both have impressive interior builds.
Rear passengers will appreciate the fact that they have their own air-conditioning vents, as well as two USB ports.
Tech:
Both cars are also almost identical in terms of the tech and features they have to offer.
Inside, both come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For audiophiles, there are six speakers in the Vios and eight in the Honda. However, it is the Vios that has a bigger infotainment system, but at nine inches, it is only an inch bigger and not quite a deal breaker.
As for booth space, the Vios has a surprisingly smaller booth. At 470-litres, it is down on the Honda’s 519-litres. Before you begin to think that the difference is minuscule, that 49 litres makes the difference between space for a backpack or none.
Onto the safety front, where both cars are once again nearly identical. The City comes packed with Honda’s SENSING while the Vios features Toyota’s Safety Suite.
Both are essentially a collection of various systems that combine to enhance safety in all situations. Both offer Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam and Lead Car Departure Notification System.
Building on that is the fact that both cars are also evenly matched when it comes to active safety systems as both have six airbags, vehicle stability assist, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and more.
Conclusion:
The fact that both cars are so evenly matched makes it difficult to choose one or another. At this point, it is just a matter of branding, which brand are you fonder of? But if there is one thing that truly makes a difference, it is interior space.
Hoping from the Vios into the City, the difference is jarring. The interior of the City feels a lot more bigger than the Vios and the seats are more comfortable as well. That point alone would have done it for us, but the City also runs on smaller 16-inch wheels as compared to the 17-inch wheels on the Vios.
A quick check online revealed that cheapest 16-inch tyre from Goodyear costs RM262 per piece, while 17-inch tyres cost RM351. Assuming you will need to change all four tyres, the tyres for the Honda will cost you RM1,048 while the Vios will set you back RM1,404. The savings of RM356 will give you about four full tanks of petrol.
But that aside, the interior spaciousness, comfort, and the fact that it has a bigger booth makes the Honda City our choice between the two.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially unveiled the much-anticipated all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire models, setting a new benchmark for advanced features and providing a sophisticated and technologically advanced travel experience.
The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire have raised the bar in the competitive MPV segment by offering a plethora of cutting-edge features that distinguish them from the competition. From seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technology to spacious and versatile interiors, these models redefine the driving experience. The introduction of turbocharging paired with a new gearbox has resulted in a significant boost in torque and power, promising an exhilarating and engaging performance for drivers.
Both models strike a perfect balance between efficiency and elegance. Advanced engineering, including the all-new 2.4L 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger and intercooler, ensures top-notch performance without compromising on luxury for the Alphard and makes 274hp and 430Nm of torque. The Toyota Vellfire, in particular, boasts enhanced performance output with the Front Performance Brace, improved handling, and impeccable stability. An existing 2.5-litre, four-cylinder 2AR-FE engine with 179hp and 235Nm of torque powers the Vellfire.
Stepping into the interior cabin of the Alphard and Vellfire is akin to experiencing a private jet. The combination of leather and woodgrain finishes, along with two fixed Panoramic Glass Roofs that flood the cabin with natural light, creates an atmosphere of opulence. The driver’s cockpit is thoughtfully designed for easy access to mechanical switches and controls. First-row passengers, both front and rear, can indulge in the comfort of Seat Heater and Ventilation features. The Alphard Executive Lounge takes luxury a step further, featuring an exclusive massage function in the rear first-row seats.
Equipped with advanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 technology, which includes enhanced Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, and Adaptive High-beam System, safety remains a top priority without compromising the luxurious experience.
Both models are available in four exquisite colors: Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Precious Leo-Blond (exclusive to the Alphard), and Black. To ensure peace of mind and freedom of mobility, the All-New Alphard and Vellfire come with a full 5-year warranty. UMWT serves as the exclusive distributor with official sales and service, offering trusted service and parts guarantees.
With over 74 Sales Service dealers nationwide, premium end-to-end servicing is assured, with dedicated body and paint centres also available. The Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge is priced at RM 538,000 without insurance, while the Toyota Vellfire 2.5 is available at RM 438,000 without insurance.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has unveiled the new Toyota MY app, a comprehensive platform available on iOS and Android devices. This innovative app consolidates the features of the Toyota Drive and Toyota 24Seven apps, presenting a user-friendly interface to redefine the customer experience and vehicle management.
The Toyota MY app seamlessly integrates functionalities from previous Toyota apps, offering users effortless access to crucial vehicle information, scheduling service appointments, viewing Loyal-T membership points, requesting 24Seven roadside assistance, locating nearby Toyota outlets, and much more. This integration simplifies vehicle management, elevating the ownership experience and reflecting Toyota’s commitment to a hassle-free and efficient ownership journey.
UMW Toyota Motor experienced continued growth in August 2023, reporting a total monthly sales figure of 10,275 units for both Toyota and Lexus models. This includes 10,033 units sold under the Toyota brand and 242 units under the Lexus brand. This performance marks a notable increase from the total monthly sales of 8,349 units recorded in July 2023.
Furthermore, when considering the cumulative sales for the year up to August 2023, the total now stands at 67,283 units, in contrast to 61,639 units for the same period in the previous year. This demonstrates a substantial year-on-year growth of 9.2% in year-to-date sales for the first eight months of 2023. Additionally, the monthly sales achieved in August 2023 exhibited a 13% increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the all-new Toyota Corolla GR Sport and improved Toyota Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E into the Malaysian market.
Corolla GR Sport
In October 2019, the latest iteration of the Corolla was launched in Malaysia, presenting two variants: the Corolla 1.8G and Corolla 1.8E. Since then, the model has achieved remarkable global sales, surpassing 50 million units. Its enduring popularity within its segment is particularly evident among international manufacturers. The cars are brought into Malaysia as completely built-up units (CBUs) from Toyota’s regional manufacturing centre in Thailand.
The Corolla GR Sport, also known as the GR-S, becomes the third option in the GR Sport lineup. The current GR Sport models consist of the Vios GR Sport launched in December 2020, as well as the Corolla Cross GR Sport and Hilux GR Sport, both introduced in February 2023.
Improved Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E
The most recent updates to the Corolla encompass both aesthetic enhancements and the introduction or refinement of features.
The refreshed Corolla’s frontal aspect showcases a novel glossy black lower grille that contributes to an elevated sense of sophistication. This grille features polygonal dots that imbue the vehicle with an “active” expression, causing the visual texture and appearance to transform depending on the vantage point and lighting conditions.
Corolla IMP
Across various lighting functions such as headlamps, turn signals, daytime running lights (DRL), rear combination lamps, as well as front and rear fog lamps, the Corolla employs enduring and energy-efficient LEDs.
The Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E variants offer a selection of five body colours: Calestite Gray Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl MC, Attitude Black, and an entirely new exterior colour called Metal Stream ME.
In pursuit of enhanced environmental friendliness, Toyota has adopted the use of Toyota Super Olefin Polymer (TSOP) in various components such as the grille, hook cover, foglamp molding, and bumper. TSOP represents a recyclable thermoplastic resin characterized by its premium surface quality and robust rigidity.
Both versions of the vehicle showcase fresh designs for their lightweight alloy wheels. The Corolla 1.8G model is fitted with 17-inch wheels featuring a multi-axis spoke arrangement that effectively communicates a sense of quality and sporty appeal. On the other hand, the Corolla 1.8E variant’s 16-inch wheels boast a simple yet dynamic twin-spoke style, complemented by a monochrome finish.
The standard tire sizes are 225/45R17 for the Corolla 1.8G and 205/55R16 for the Corolla 1.8E. Additionally, the spare wheels provided are crafted from alloy rims and come equipped with tires of comparable size and type.
With monthly sales of 8,349 units (Toyota + Lexus) — 8,200 units for Toyota and 149 units for Lexus—UMW Toyota Motor concluded July 2023 on a high note. As a result, the total year-to-date sales as of July 2023 were 57,008 units as opposed to 52,548 units for the same period the previous year, an increase of 8.5%. The monthly sales figures for July 2023 were likewise up 25.8% from July 2022.
UMW Toyota Motor maintained its market dominance in June, earning remarkable sales figures of 8,559 units for Toyota and 110 units for Lexus. Toyota and Lexus combined total sales for June 2023 reached 8,669 units, exceeding the 8,004 units reported in May 2023.
Year-to-date sales for June 2023 have shown excellent growth, with a total of 48,659 units sold. This result indicates a strong 6.0% increase over the 45,911 units sold year to date in June 2022.
Another major highlight for the month of June was the unveiling of the highly anticipated all-new Toyota Innova Zenix, featuring both Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models. This introduction was a big step forward in the company’s persistent commitment to carbon-neutrality and sustainability.
The popular Innova line, which was initially one of the models created under the Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) programme, is enhanced by the brand-new Toyota Innova Zenix, an all-new MPV.
The designers abandoned the previous IMV strategy used for the Innova in favour of a completely new design that is still part of the Innova family but bears the moniker “Zenix” to differentiate it as the flagship model.
It will be available in two versions:
Innova Zenix 2.0 V (8-seater) with a 2-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine and CVT
Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV (7-seater) with a Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain
Exterior
The all-new Zenix is more spacious although its dimensions are not much different from the previous model – the Innova CG. The new Innova Zenix offers 20 mm more length and 15 mm more width, 100 mm extra length in the wheelbase, and a similar overall height.
