Toyota Vios Hybrid hits Thailand roads; What about Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has finally launched the electrified version of its most sought-after nameplates, the Yaris Ativ (known as the Vios in Malaysia), in Thailand. Placed neck-to-neck against the Honda City Hybrid, the Yaris Ativ HEV aims to set new standards in the subcompact hybrid segment with its powerful performance and a fun-to-drive experience. 

Variants and price

Toyota Thailand offers the electrified sedan in two variants - the HEV Premium and the sportier, more exhilarating HEV GR Sport. The prices are as follows - 

Variants	Price	Promotional price valid until 31 December 2025
Yaris Ativ HEV Premium	THB 729,000 (approx. RM 95k)	THB 719,000 (approx. RM 93k)
Yaris Ativ HEV GR Sport	THB 779,000 (approx. RM 101k)	THB 769,000 (approx. RM 100k)

Engine and performance

Both variants of the sedan are powered by the same hybrid drivetrain combining a 91 PS/121 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder 16-valve Dual VVT-i petrol engine, an 80 PS/141 Nm electric motor and a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Together, the setup kicks out a maximum power of  111 PS, with a maximum fuel efficiency of 29.4 kmpl.

Power is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT automatic transmission, enabling the sedan to hit a top speed of 160 kmph.

Design and features 

While the hybrid sedan looks almost identical to the regular Yaris Ativ, subtle tweaks such as a dark chrome upper grille, a metallic grey lower grille, and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels confirm its unique identity. 

With the Yaris Ativ GR Sport trim exclusively comes -

• Newly designed front grille featuring the GR logo 
• Full GR-S body kit, including front bumper skirt, side skirt set, rear bumper skirt and rear spoiler
• Newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black roof with black power-adjustable side mirrors with LED turn signals and automatic folding
• Black synthetic leather seats with the GR logo
• Specially tuned suspension and Electric Power Steering

Features kit comprises - 

• 10.1-inch infotainment unit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Wireless charger
• 7.0-inch full digital instrument cluster
• 6-speaker sound system
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Automatic air-conditioning 
• 64-colour ambient lighting system
• Six airbags
• Digital video recorder (dashcam)
• Parking sensors
• Toyota Safety Sense ADAS package, bundling features like Adaptive Cruise Control All-Speed ​​with Stop and Go, Pre-Collision System, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Reversing and Lane Keep Control

Will the Vios Hybrid come to Malaysia? 

As of now, UMW Toyota has not revealed any information regarding the Vios Hybrid’s introduction in Malaysia. However, considering the automaker’s push towards sustainable mobility, it may happen soon.

2025 Toyota bZ4X pre-registrations open

Alongside introducing the Yaris Ativ HEV, Toyota also opened pre-registrations for the new bZ4X Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in the Land of Smiles. The bZ4X is Toyota’s first mass-market EV, which debuted globally in 2022. It was also planned for launch in Malaysia, but has yet to materialise.

Upon introducing new models, Mr. Noriaki Yamashita, President of Toyota Motor Thailand, said that  "Toyota has maintained its position as the No. 1 brand with a high market share and achieved the No. 1 position in 7 segments this year. Furthermore, Thailand's automotive industry is facing major changes, such as the further expansion of xEVs and SUVs. With the introduction of new models, BEVs are expanding in the xEV segment, but considering practicality, we believe that HEVs will continue to play an important role in line with global trends.”

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