Toyota Vios
Toyota ViosPR handout

The star attraction at Toyota Kirloskar India's pavilion for the forthcoming Auto Expo 2016 would be the new generation Innova MPV. A few reports suggest that Toyota will also showcase the Vios sedan, which will be pitted against Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz sedans.

According to a report in Zigwheels, Toyota will position the Vios sedan in C-segment and it will bridge the gap between Etios sedan and Corolla Altis sedan in Toyota's product portfolio. However, the launch of Vios in India is expected only in 2017-2018. Previous reports suggested that the next generation Vios sedan is being developed by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific in Thailand, with Indian specifications in mind.

The India spec model is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The cars are likely to be imported from Thailand as completely knocked down units (CKD) and will be assembled at Toyota India's manufacturing facility in Bangalore.

The current Vios measures 4,410mm in length, 1,700mm in width and 1,475mm in height, and has a large wheelbase of 2,550mm. Being portrayed as the rival for Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, the Toyota Vios will be packed with comfort as well as safety features. The car is likely to get features such as touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, leather upholstery and start-stop button. Anti-lock brake system(ABS) and dual airbags are expected to be standard option.