Toyota Vios 2020

The Vios is a workhorse of Thai roads.

The main difference from the Yaris ATIV is the engine: 1.5 litres instead of 1.2. On paper the gap is small. On the climb to Karon View Point with four passengers and luggage you feel it clearly. The Vios pulls more confidently and the transmission is less noisy. You pay for this with about half a litre more fuel per 100 km.

The boot of roughly 475 litres is a proper family size: two large suitcases plus hand luggage.

The air conditioning deserves a separate note. It is powerful and built for Thai taxi duty, which means all day operation without a break. A cabin that has been standing in the sun cools down in a few minutes. White paint is the most common colour here for a reason: less heat inside and better visibility in traffic at dusk.