Growing Popularity of Mass Market Hybrid Cars

Kuala Lumpur: Hybrid cars generally carry a higher price tag as compared to the conventional cars. The main reason for this is the investment which goes into the development of hybrid technology. Worldwide, hybrid cars have been trying to gain popularity in every car segment. Under the 2012 Budget, the Malaysian government offered full exemption on import and excise tax in order to encourage the usage of hybrid vehicles. Earlier in November 2015, JATO which is a leading authority on vehicle sales and data published a report which stated that electric vehicle sales figure would reach a 5.5 million mark by 2025. Nowadays, even many automakers are trying to produce mass market hybrid cars to provide an affordable range. These cars are not only easy on pockets but also provide an impressive fuel economy. Moreover, the CO2 emissions of these cars is also low.

So, now if you are convinced enough, let's have a look at some popular mass market hybrid cars which brought the green revolution.

1.Honda Jazz Hybrid

Honda Jazz Hybrid is one of the most likeable hybrids ever. In malaysia, it was launched for the first time in March 2012. With its growing popularity, the Japanese automaker even took the decision of assembling this green car in Malaysia itself. The assembling started in November 2012 and this made Jazz Hybrid the first hybrid to be assembled in Malaysia. With this, the revolution of mass market hybrid cars started in Malaysia. Powered with a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine along with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the hatchback offers a decent power output. The combined output from this hatch measures a maximum power of 102 PS along with a peak torque of 121 Nm and 78 Nm respectively. This hybrid system enables the Jazz to deliver an impressive fuel economy along with enhanced performance. Further, it is mated with a CVT transmission which produces more torque along with an infinite number of effective gear ratios. In Malaysia, it was rolled out with a starting price tag of RM89,912.

2.Toyota Prius C

Known as one of the most affordable hybrids in Malaysia, this car was launched in February 2012 just before the launch of Jazz Hybrid. 2012 was the year, when automakers were trying to make affordable hybrid cars and that is why the mass market segment was targeted. With its growing popularity, a facelift was also launched in November, 2014. Talking about the car, under the hood it is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is further paired with two electric motors that combinely churn out a maximum power of 100 PS. This engine is mated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which sends power to its front wheels. Its impressive fuel economy makes it worthwhile for those who wish to join the green revolution. But what makes it an ultimate money saving machine is its reasonable price tag of RM97,313.

3.Toyota Sienta

In coming months, Toyota is again going to try it’s hands on mass market hybrid car. A new Toyota hybrid MPV dubbed as Sienta is all set to get launched in Malaysia by August 2016. Moreover, the Malaysian-spec Sienta is likely to come from Indonesia. The estimated price tag of Toyota Sienta is quoted to be RM89,880 which makes it a good competitor in mass market segment. The engine specifications are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre engine which churns out a maximum power of 74 PS along with a peak torque of 111 Nm and is mated with an electric motor. Further, this hybrid powertrain would be coupled with an eCVT transmission.

The biggest disadvantage of hybrid cars is their high cost. But with many automakers trying to work on mass market hybrid cars, this segment is on a rise in Malaysia.