In its latest batch of tests, ASEAN NCAP has awarded the new Toyota Vios a five-star rating in its crash tests. The Thai-made Vios, also sold as the Yaris Ativ (with a smaller 1.2-litre engine), had scored four stars adult occupant protection and two in child occupant protection back in 2012, showing improvement.

The 2018 model achieved an overall score of 81.63 points – from an accumulated 44.70 points in adult occupant protection, 21.66 points in child occupant protection and 15.28 points for its safety assist technologies.

In terms of safety equipment, the model for Singapore and Thailand comes with seven airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and Isofix child seat mounts.

The Vios is bound for India by mid-2018, with Toyota aiming to launch it by Diwali. The Honda City rival is expected to be heavy localised to keep costs in check. It is expected to be powered by a 108hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, though there is potential for the Corolla’s 88hp, 1.4-litre diesel to be introduced as well.