Quite a bit, although it's predominantly cosmetic items, starting with larger 20-inch 'Montero' alloy wheels and an exterior styling package with different bumpers featuring vertical chrome stanchions. There are also smart I.Q LED Matrix headlights allowing the use of high beams that deactivate pockets of light so as to not blind other road users. The rear lights are LED units housed behind darkened covers, with dynamic indicators. The interior receives Vienna leather comfort seats, brushed aluminium dashboard inserts and ambient lighting with a choice of 30 colours. Rear privacy glass, keyless entry and an electric tailgate are welcome additions, but ought to be standard on a car in this segment, we reckon. You will need to dig deeper into your pockets if you want to have all the technology that's available. That gorgeous Innovision display costs €3,643, while the nifty night vision system adds a further €2,362. A Technology Package groups together the panoramic sunroof, Dynaudio sound system and head up display for €3,500, whereas ordering these items individually would cost €5,679. More substantial items that help make the Touareg drive at its best add more to the bottom line price. The Suspension Professional package costs €7,652 and features air suspension, the active roll stabilisation, adaptive chassis control including driver profile selection and the rear wheel steering. In comparison to the car it replaces, the new Volkswagen Touareg is light years ahead. It offers more, but a lot of the good stuff brings with it a hefty price tag for what remains a five-seat SUV. If you don't need seven seats, however, this Volkswagen proves it is every bit as good as the offerings from established premium brands.
Myk Belmonte finds a car that fits the above criteria. All you need to do is find one that is in good condition. Initially, only two variants were available, the E and the G. In late 2005, the J variant was added while a facelift contemplated the remaining variants. In 2007, a limited edition called the S was introduced; with different set of wheels, a different grille, and some body kits. With price increases of its bigger brother, the Corolla Altis, it proved to be a bestseller. From private owners to cab drivers, it nearly became a staple car in the country. Sales continued up to the middle of 2007 with the second generation Vios being introduced later that year. Currently, a first generation Vios can be obtained from P290,000-380,000 given the vehicle's state of condition and variant. I advise buyers to steer clear of ex-taxi units since they tend to be more abused. Another thing is to check the digital speedometer and tachometer present on the G variant, if these function properly and accurately.
Buyers are advised to check various units since there are plenty of examples out there. Outside, the Vios was adapted from the Toyota Platz with modified side panels, which gave the vehicle an easy-to-the-eye impression, much to its direct competitor. It may not possess a daring styling but it gives an elegant look without being mistaken as a luxury car. The Vios can fit five passengers in a squeeze but four will be perfectly fine. One novelty is its center located instrumental display, which one must take time to be accustomed with. Everything had been pulled out from its hatchback sibling, the Echo, but some were tweaked such as the placement of the gauges to the hazard light. One thing, the controls (air conditioning and hazard lights) and even the parking brake are out of reach for the driver. The silver interior trim and the standard 2DIN radio may look tacky but it will grow on you, same with the exterior styling. Two engine choices are available for the Philippine market, the 1,298cc 2NZ-FE that propels the J and E variants and the 1,497cc 1NZ-FE that powers the G variant.
