The Toyota Vios HEV is now available for pre-sale, starting at RM103,000, with an impressive fuel efficiency of 20 kmL

【PCauto】Toyota recently unveiled the pricing and configurations of the all-new Vios HEV on its official website. Designed as a subcompact car focused on fuel efficiency, the Vios HEV features an optimized powertrain and a variety of upgrades to its interior and exterior design.

The exterior of the Vios HEV retains the familiar silhouette of the current Vios, featuring clean, refined lines that align with modern consumers' preferences for compact sedans.

In terms of body dimensions:
Length: 4,425 mm
Width: 1,740 mm
Height: 1,480 mmWheelbase: 2,620 mm, which adheres to the standard proportions of B-segment sedans.

Compared to the fuel-powered version, the Vios HEV has received subtle adjustments to its appearance, particularly at the front. It features a hybrid-exclusive grille, LED headlights, and unique ambient lighting.

These design elements enhance its modern and technologically advanced appearance, making it particularly appealing to young consumers or families looking for their first car.

Compared to the traditional version, the interior of the Vios HEV has undergone significant improvements.

The center console now houses a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to connect their phones more conveniently. A

dditionally, the interior is upgraded with ambient lighting and a digital instrument cluster, among other high-tech features.

Importantly, the materials used in the Vios HEV’s interior have been upgraded, with less reliance on plastic and the addition of more soft-touch materials, significantly enhancing the overall interior quality.

Furthermore, the Vios HEV comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, offering comprehensive safety for drivers.

Under the hood, the Vios HEV features a 1.5-liter hybrid system with a naturally aspirated engine utilizing Atkinson-cycle technology. This engine produces a maximum output of 91 horsepower (about 67 kW), while the electric motor contributes an additional 80 horsepower (about 59 kW).

The combined output is 111 horsepower (about 82 kW), delivered to the front wheels via an e-CVT transmission system.

According to official data, the Vios HEV offers excellent fuel economy, with a combined fuel consumption exceeding 20 km/L, even under urban stop-and-go conditions.

However, the price of the Vios HEV is notably higher. The top-spec fuel version of the Vios is priced at RM95,500, while the pre-sale price for the Vios HEV 1.5 HEV AT version is RM103,900. The 1.5 HEV GR-S AT version, which comes with a sporty exterior kit, is priced at RM109,900.

Personally, I find it difficult to justify the extra cost of the hybrid version of the Vios just for fuel savings. The petrol version of the Vios also delivers 106 horsepower, which isn't significantly less than the HEV version.

If fuel efficiency is your main priority, you might consider the BYD Seal 6, which is fully electric and doesn’t require any fuel. Its price is also around RM100,000, and it offers a larger body and more luxurious interior features.

However, the petrol version of the Vios continues to sell over 2,000 units per month and remains Toyota's best-selling car in Malaysia.

Even with competition from models like the Proton S70 in the petrol car segment and the BYD Seal 6 in the electric vehicle market, the Vios HEV is likely to retain a loyal customer base, bolstered by Toyota's strong reputation.