BANGKOK: The 2026 Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV (familiar to Malayians as the Vios) was launched recently in Thailand, with a 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i hybrid engine combined with a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Toyota says this hybrid powertrain paired with an E-CVT automatic transmission, delivers 111hp and fuel efficiency of 29.4km per litre.
It is offered in two variants - HEV Premium priced at 729,000 baht (RM94,465) and HEV GR Sport priced at 779,000 baht (RM100,944).
On the HEV Premium variant, the exterior features a dark chrome upper grille, a metallic grey lower grille, and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels.
The interior includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless charger.
As for the HEV GR Sport variant, it offers a sleek, sporty aesthetic with a newly designed front grille featuring the GR logo and a full GR-S body kit, which includes 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.
The interior features black synthetic leather seats with the GR logo.
The driving experience is made even more thrilling with a specially tuned suspension and electric power steering (EPS).
Toyota Motor Thailand president Noriaki Yamashita said, "We aim to sell 20,000 units hybrid units in the first year. Our local content ratio for ATIV hybrid will start at 65%, but we plan to expand it further and export to 23 countries."
