Toyota Vios gets hybrid powertrain in Thailand; PH when?

If there’s one vehicle that the general motoring public has long been waiting for, it’s the all-new Toyota Vios.

The new model that’s now based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture has already been out for more than three years in other markets. But somehow in our country, where the Vios is consistently the best-selling model, Toyota Motor Philippines is still taking its time to introduce the fourth-generation version.

Well, this latest development could be a good reason why TMP is still holding out on launching the new one. Toyota Motor Thailand has premiered the electrified version of the Yaris Ativ, the model name for the fourth-generation Vios in the Land of Smiles.

Powered by the same 1.5-liter 2NR-VEX engine shared with the Yaris Cross HEV, Toyota says the Vios hybrid promises fuel efficiency of up to 29.4 km/l. The powertrain delivers a maximum output of 111 PS.

Toyota Thailand reserves the hybrid powertrain for the HEV Premium and the HEV GR Sport variants, where the latter gets sportier accents both inside and out. Of note, this is the first time that the GR Sport variant was added to the Yaris Ativ lineup in Thailand.

The HEV GR Sport model receives a new front grille featuring the GR logo and a full GR-S body kit. This consists of a front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt, and rear spoiler. Other exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a black roof, and auto-folding side mirrors.

The interior features black synthetic leather seats with the GR logo for the GR Sport, while the HEV Premium gets an identical interior to the top-spec non-hybrid. Apart from that, the Thai-spec model also gets interior tech enhancements like a wireless charger.

Toyota Thailand also claims the GR Sport gets a specially tuned suspension setup and retuned electric power steering to offer a more fun experience behind the wheel. Interestingly, the HEV models get a five-lug pattern, unlike the non-hybrid versions that come with four.

That said, we’re still left to admire the Vios hybrid from a distance as Toyota Motor Philippines is yet to announce details about the fourth-generation model. Our fingers have been crossed for over three years now, so here’s to hoping we finally get it soon.