The Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV could be a future Toyota Vios Hybrid in Malaysia
Toyota Thailand has recently launched the Yaris Ativ HEV. While Malaysians know this model as the Toyota Vios, it’s worth noting that the hybrid variant is not available in Malaysia. Instead, the cheapest Toyota hybrid here is the Corolla Cross HEV, priced from RM141,000. This new launch in Thailand could hint at exciting future prospects for Toyota’s hybrid lineup in the region.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Yaris Ativ HEV boasts a 1.5-litre hybrid petrol powertrain featuring a 1,496 cc 2NR-VEX naturally aspirated inline-four engine paired with an electric motor. This setup is designed for efficiency, delivering an impressive fuel consumption rate of 29.4 km/l in the Premium variant, positioning it as the best-in-class in terms of fuel economy.
Variants and Pricing
Thai consumers can choose between two variants:
- Premium: Priced at 719,000 baht
- GR Sport: Priced at 769,000 baht
Both offer a mix of advanced features and sporty aesthetics, with the GR Sport variant adding unique styling cues and performance-oriented enhancements.
Design and Features
The Yaris Ativ HEV stands out with its dark chrome upper grille, metallic grey lower grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it offers black and grey synthetic leather upholstery, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a six-speaker audio setup, wireless device charging, an electric parking brake, automatic air-conditioning, and 64-colour ambient lighting.
The GR Sport variant adds exclusive features like power-folding side mirrors, black synthetic leather seats with GR branding, dark silver steering trim, and a premium Pioneer six-speaker audio system. In terms of safety equipment, it is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor, dashcam, parking sensors, and six airbags.
Colour Options
- GR Sport: Platinum White Pearl with a black roof, Red Mica Metallic with a black roof, and Attitude Black Mica.
- Premium: Metal Stream Metallic, Urban Metal, Attitude Black Mica, Platinum White Pearl, and Red Mica Metallic.
While Toyota Malaysia continues to advocate for its multipathway approach without introducing EVs or affordable hybrids, the Yaris Ativ HEV’s debut in Thailand might signal a change in that policy for Malaysia. With chief rival Honda offering multiple ‘electrified’ options, including the City Hybrid and the electric e:N1, Toyota Malaysia might be feeling the heat to move quicker in the direction of electrified mobility.
