The Toyota Vios Hybrid is expected to arrive in two variants, priced from RM 103,900.
A short while after its international debut in Thailand late last year, Toyota is now apparently gearing up to launch the Vios Hybrid in Malaysia as well. This direct rival to the Honda City Hybrid is said to be offered locally in two variants, with estimated pricing as follows:
- 1.5 HEV AT: RM103,900
- 1.5 HEV GR Sport AT: RM109,900.
Now the headline feature with this Vios Hybrid is of course what lies under the hood. Based on the Thai-market specification at least, this fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, which in turn drawing power from a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the rear seats.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT automatic transmission, with a combined system output of 111 PS. Though what will perhaps be more appealing to prospective buyers is Toyota’s claims of an NEDC-rated fuel consumption of just 3.6 litres per 100 km for the Vios Hybrid, which is incidentally lower than the Honda City e:HEV’s 3.77 l/100 km figure.
Worth highlighting too here on the powertrain front is the series-parallel nature of this hybrid system, which allows the petrol engine and electric motor to drive the front wheels either independently or together via the e-CVT. And as with any car with a dedicated EV mode, the Vios Hybrid does come with an audible vehicle approach warning system to alert pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds.
In terms of visual differentiation, the standard 1.5 HEV variant features a dark chrome upper grille, while the rest of the exterior remains largely identical to the conventional petrol-powered Vios. The GR Sport version in turn ups the visual aggression with a GR Sport-specific front bumper and grille with aerokit, in addition to a set of larger 17-inch wheels, which underneath it hides a sportier tune for its springs and dampers.
Moving along inside, the electrified Vios gains new ambient lighting and a larger 10.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Vios Hybrid GR Sport further distinguishes itself with leather and suede-upholstered front seats, complemented by silver accents against an otherwise black interior theme.
Finally as for colours, the Vios Hybrid 1.5 HEV will be available in Platinum White Pearl, Spicy Scarlet SE, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, and the Vios Hybrid-exclusive Celestite Grey Metallic. The GR Sport variant comes in Platinum White Pearl, Spicy Scarlet SE, and Attitude Black, with the former two also offered in GR Sport-exclusive two-tone finishes paired with a black roof.
As with Toyota’s other electrified models in Malaysia, the Vios Hybrid will be covered by a five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, along with an eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, inverter, and power management control unit.
