Toyota Vios HEV Launched in Malaysia, Equipped with Fourth-generation Hybrid Technology

Toyota launches locally produced Vios hybrid model in Malaysia

The new car is equipped with the fourth-generation hybrid system, emphasizing fuel efficiency, smooth performance, and practical features

Its affordable pricing fills a gap in the local market, highlighting its high cost-performance ratio

[PCauto] Recently, Toyota officially launched the locally produced Toyota Vios Hybrid model in the Malaysian market. The new vehicle is assembled at the Bukit Raja, Klang factory, filling the gap of locally produced hybrid compact sedans in the region. It also marks a key step for Toyota in deepening its electrification strategy in Southeast Asia.

2026 Vios will launch in two versions

• Base Version: Vios 1.5 HEV, priced at RM103,900
• Sport Version: Vios 1.5 HEV GR Sport, priced at RM109,900

The fourth-generation hybrid system in Vios delivers better fuel efficiency and smoother driving

As a core highlight of the new car, the 2026 Vios hybrid is equipped with Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system, eliminating the stuttering feel and high fuel consumption of traditional hybrids.

The powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter 2NR-VEX Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor. The engine provides 91 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque, supporting power for high-speed driving, while the electric motor outputs 80 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, focusing on low-speed pure electric driving and initial acceleration.

This system is paired with an E-CVT transmission, achieving a direct mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels. This design not only further minimizes the shift traces of the transmission, making the power transfer smoother, but also overcomes the drawbacks of traditional hybrids, such as weak power and high fuel consumption at high speeds.

It truly allows for electric-powered low fuel consumption for city driving and fuel-based power boost at high speeds, achieving both smooth operation and fuel efficiency without compromise.

It’s worth mentioning that the new car abandons the commonly used nickel-metal hydrid battery in traditional hybrids and is upgraded to a 0.76 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is not only smaller in size and lighter in weight but also supports short-distance pure electric driving.

And thanks to this efficient hybrid system, the official combined fuel consumption of the new car is as low as 3.6 liters/100 kilometers.

Vios is based on the fourth-generation hybrid system with detailed body modifications

To complement the fuel-saving and smooth-driving effects of the fourth-generation hybrid system, the 2026 Vios Hybrid has made targeted adjustments to its body details.

• Firstly, the body weight is slightly heavier than the previous gasoline version, and the fuel tank capacity has been adjusted to 36 liters, compared to 40 liters in the gasoline version.
• Secondly, the trunk capacity remains at 460 liters because the lithium-ion battery is smaller and lighter, taking up less space and making the overall appearance more spacious.

Upon entering the car, upgrades are primarily focused on convenience, comfort, and technology, aligning with the high-efficiency features of the fourth-generation hybrid system, better catering to current consumer habits.

The core upgrades are as follows:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Equipped with wireless phone charging function
• Instrument panel interface can display real-time power output, battery level, and other information
• 64-color ambient lighting added to the interior

However, in terms of safety, all versions come with the same configurations to ensure comprehensive protection for passengers, matching the reliability of the hybrid system.

All trims are equipped with Toyota TSS Intelligent Safety Suite, including features such as Pre-Collision Safety System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, as well as 6 safety airbags and Vehicle Stability Control system, to minimize driving risks as much as possible.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this facelift introduces the GR Sport version. Based on the fourth-generation hybrid system, it further enhances the sense of sportiness, with the suspension and steering systems being retuned for more precise handling and smoother cornering.

Then combined with the quick starts of the hybrid system, the driving experience is better; it also comes equipped with 17-inch wheels. The exterior features additional black accents, including a black grille, black trim, and a black rear diffuser. The interior adopts an all-black design, complemented by a GR-branded steering wheel.

Vios Hybrid: Spend the money for a gasoline car, but drive a hybrid

Currently, in the Malaysian subcompact sedan market, there is actually a very obvious pain point.

• Although traditional fuel vehicles are relatively low in price and affordable for most ordinary consumers, their fuel consumption has always remained high.
• Imported hybrid models, with similar configurations to the Vios hybrid, can also achieve low fuel consumption and smooth driving performance, but their pricing has always been very high.

The Vios hybrid is different. It is a locally produced hybrid small sedan in Malaysia, where the vehicle components reduce production costs, making its pricing more affordable.

Additionally, it has the advantages of low fuel consumption and high configuration, perfectly filling the gap in the local market. Consumers don’t have to spend extra money—just by paying the price of a traditional fuel vehicle, they can easily enjoy the fuel-saving, smooth, and environmentally friendly driving experience brought by a hybrid model.