Toyota Veloz HEV previewed, will PH get it?

Toyota wants to continue offering affordable and economical hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for the masses. While Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) already offers the Yaris Cross HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, and the recently launched Vios Ativ HEV as its entry-level hybrid models, another HEV could make its way to the Philippines in the not-so-distant future.

This comes after Toyota Astra Motor of Indonesia recently previewed the all-new Veloz HEV. That's right, the Daihatsu-built 7-seater MPV will soon be available with an electrified powertrain. No exact specifications were mentioned by Toyota, although we won't be surprised if it has the same hybrid powertrain that's seeing use in the Vios Ativ HEV and Yaris Cross HEV.

That means we can expect the hybrid 7-seater MPV to be powered by the 1.5L 2NR-VEX inline-four that's paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The engine uses the Atkinson cycle and makes a decent 91 PS with 121 Nm of torque and delivers a combined system output of 111 PS thanks to the electric motor. Like the Yaris Cross HEV and Vios Ativ HEV, the Veloz HEV will most likely come with an e-CVT that drives the front wheels.

For now, Toyota Astra Motor is accepting reservations for the new Veloz HEV, which will be available in V and Q variants. There will also be a Toyota Safety Sense version to provide additional peace of mind while on the road.

There's no clear timeline yet as to when Toyota Astra Motor will officially launch the Veloz HEV. But given that Toyota Motor Philippines sources the Zenix HEV and Yaris Cross HEV from Indonesia, we're hoping that the automaker eventually brings the electrified Veloz to the country. After all, the Veloz is already a popular MPV as it is and will most likely generate more sales for Toyota as a hybrid.