As we reported before, the Toyota Vios Hybrid (Yaris Ativ) has made its debut in Thailand. It comes in two variants which include a HEV GR Sport and HEV Premium.
In terms of design, the HEV Premium has the same styling as the internal combustion model that is currently present in Malaysia. However, the car comes standard with new 16-inch wheels with five lug nuts instead of four. The GR Sport variant, on the other hand, adds new 17-inch wheels and a more aggressive body kit which includes a slightly bigger spoiler, front lips and larger air intakes.
The HEV Premium retains the same overall design as the internal combustion model currently available in Malaysia. However, it now comes standard with new 16-inch wheels featuring five lug nuts instead of four and a newly designed upper dark chrome and metallic lower grey grille.
The GR Sport variant further distinguishes itself with sportier 17-inch wheels and a more aggressive body kit, which includes a newly designed front grille with GR badging. It also comes with a front and rear skirt, rear bumper skirtings and a slightly bigger rear spoiler. It also features a new black roof.
Interior-wise, it still retains most of the same elements. Nevertheless, the cabin of the car comes with new black and grey synthetic leather seats. It also comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other than that, it also has a new wireless charger, EPB (Electric Parking Brake) with ABH (Auto Brake Hold) and ambient lighting with 64 colours.
In terms of performance, the HEV Premium variant comes with a 1.5-litre hybrid engine that is paired with a lithium-ion battery. Together, it produces 111 horsepower, with power handled by an e-CVT automatic transmission. It also comes in a front-wheel drive setup and, according to the automaker, it has a fuel efficiency of 29.4 km/L.
As for the GR Sport, it is powered by a 1.5-litre 2NR-VEX inline four-cylinder DOHC engine with 16 valves and Dual VVT-i that is paired with a lithium-ion hybrid battery. Its e-CVT automatic transmission seamlessly integrates the engine and electric motor to deliver a maximum output of 111 horsepower, while achieving fuel consumption of up to 29.4 km/L. Drivers can also choose between three driving modes which include Eco, Normal and Power.
Both variants come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Key features include a Pre-Collision System with Automatic Braking, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality. One notable upgrade is the Lane Keep Control.
Now coming to the price, the Toyota Vios Hybrid is priced at THB729,000 (~RM95,103) for the HEV Premium while the GR Sport is priced at THB779,000 (~RM101,626). At the moment, the sedan is offered at a promotional price until 31 December at THB719,000 (~RM93,799) and the HEV GR Sport at THB769,000 (~RM100,322).
Now, the question is, will the Toyota Vios Hybrid make its debut in Malaysia? Considering that Malaysia has become a country that is currently adopting hybrid technology rapidly, there is a high possibility that the sedan could be available locally too.
(Source: Toyota Thailand Newsroom)
