It looks like the Toyota Vios Hybrid, which made its global debut in Thailand earlier this year, could be launching soon in Malaysia. Widely shared on social media over the weekend, two units of the current-generation Toyota Vios were spotted on Malaysian roads, with their badges covered. Given that the model is already available here, the blanked-out badges strongly hint at the introduction of new variants for our markets – most likely the Vios HEV.
Based on the photos of the sightings, the Toyota Vios HEV could be made available in at least two variants, one likely comparable to the existing range-topping G variant, and another one donning the GR Sport nameplate, as seen from its unique body kit, blacked-out accents, and the different wheel design, similar to what’s offered in Thailand.
In the Land of Smiles, the Toyota Vios Hybrid’s powertrain comprises an Atikinson-cycle 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine, making 91 hp and 121 Nm, paired to an electric motor (80 hp, 141 Nm) and a small 0.7 kWh battery for a combined output of 111 hp.
As per the Corolla Cross Hybrid, this is a series-parallel system, which means both the electric motor and engine can drive the front wheels – via an e-CVT – individually or concurrently. Toyota claims that this setup is capable of return a fuel consumption rate of 29.4 km/L.
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Although the Vios Hybrid looks similar to its pure petrol-powered counterpart, there are some subtle differences which are exclusive to the hybrid variant in Thailand, including the five-lug alloy wheels, which are 16-inch on the Premium variant, and 17-inch items on the GR Sport variant.
There are also significant chassis changes. Toyota has revised the chassis to include 12% stiffer front suspension, 9% stiffer rear suspension, and shock absorber cores enlarged by 10%, alongside retuned electric power steering. Aside from weight-bearing requirements, these changes could also translate to a more sporty driving experience for the Vios Hybrid.
In Thailand, interior of the Toyota Vios Hybrid is equipped with a 10.1-inch central infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired to a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Other creature comforts on the inside include a six-speaker sound system and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.
In Thailand, the GR Sport variant adds a variant-exclusive door card design, leather and suede upholstery with GR logos, and a Pioneer six-speaker sound system.
For safety features, both variants are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS features, which include pre-collision system and autonomous braking, front departure alert, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality.
It is expected that the Malaysian-bound Toyota Vios Hybrid will mirror the specifications found in Thailand. In Thailand, the Vios Hybrid is priced the same as its chief rival, the Honda City e:HEV. It remains to be seen if UMW Toyota Motor will employ a similar strategy here, but for comparison’s sake, the City e:HEV sedan in Malaysia is priced at RM111,900.
