Toyota Vios HEV available in two variants, including Vios HEV GR Sport
The UMW Toyota has launched the Toyota Vio HEV in Malaysia in two spec-level: the Vios HEV and the HEV GR Sport which comes with Gazoo Racing-inspired bodykit. The HEV is a hybrid electric powertrain and the Vios is Toyota’s most affordable entry into electrified mobility.
The fourth-generation Vios is built on Toyota’s DNGA architecture. There are reinforcements to accommodate the additional weight from the hybrid battery pack. To compensate for the additional weight, the bonnet, fenders, door panels and boot lid are lighter In addition, there is acoustic glass for the windscreen as well as other measures to cut diwb wind, engine and road noise.
The Toyota Hybrid System (THS) in the Vios HEV consists of two electric motors and a petrol engine. The two electric motors improve operating efficiency. The primary motor propels the vehicle while the secondary motor is for starting and charging the battery pack.
Both the engine and motor are used at the same time. Power drawn from each depends on driving conditions. Usually when moving off from standstill, only the electric motor used but as the speed increases the engine provides additional power. The onboard computer regulates when the motor works alone, in tandem with the engine or just the engine alone is running. The switching and variation of power sources is automatic and seamless and does not require driver involvement.
The HEV runs entirely on petrol without any external charging. Recharging takes place as the car is running. Regenerative braking to recover the energy lost is channelled to the battery pack. Should the energy in the battery pack get low (due to extended high-speed driving), then the engine will have a greater role in running the car. As long as there is sufficient petrol in the fuel tank, the car can continue running – unlike a fully electric vehicle, which would be unable to continue. With THS, the reduced use of the engine significantly increases the range with a full fuel tank, which has a volume of 36 litres.
The Vios HEV has a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 91PS of power with a maximum torque of 121Nm. The motor generator generates 80PS with 141Nm. The combined output of the hybrid engine is 111PS which is almost 5 per cent more than the 1.5G. Claimed fuel consumption is 3.6L/100km or 27.8km/L, around 31 per cent less than the Vios 1.5G. The transmission is an E-CVT.
The motor is powered by a 4.3 Ahr lithium-ion battery pack, installed under the rear seats. The Vios HEV has a similar luggage capacity as the Vios. The THS has been tested extensively in local conditions and to keep it at optimum temperature, it receives cooling air drawn from the cabin. With the cooling system and ability to operate in a wide range of temperatures, the battery pack should last as long as the car under normal usage conditions.
The hybrid battery is made at Toyota’s factory in Bukit Raja. Up to 30,000 battery units are produced annually.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), the active safety system in the Vios, consists of a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) to prevent a collision. In addition there are also:
- Lane Keep Control (LKC)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Front Departure Alert (enhanced with Vehicle Approach Notice)
- Auto High Beam
- Blind Spot Monitor
There is also standard reverse camera and 3D PVM. The fourth-generation Toyota Vios has an ASEAN NCAP five-start rating for safety.
The HEV has the same body styling as the G. To differentiate between the two, some exterior areas have different surface treatments. First is the HEV emblem on the boot lid which also identifies the HEV powertrain. Then there is dark chrome plating around the side windows. Finally, a gun metallic finish for the front grille and boot lid garnish.
Inside the HEV, the look and feel is also the same as the 1.5G with leather seats. However, like the exterior, there are HEV-specific features. Firstly, the infotainment monitor in the HEV is larger at 10.1-inch, compared to nine-inch. Then there is there’s the seven-inch TFT digital instrument panel which doesn’t have a tachometer. The speedometer is a large digital display with a choice of four patterns. There are graphic elements that inform the driver about the operation of the HEV powertrain, the battery charging, and when the car is in EV mode. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Features in the Vios HEV include:
- fully automatic air conditioning system with a clean air filter
- 4K Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
- Smart Entry & Pushstart System (with a Touch Sensor on the front door handle)
- Three USB charging points (two Type C)
Toyota Vios HEV GR Sport
The Vios HEV GR-S shares the same body as the Vios HEV but includes additional accessories for a sportier look. These include a GR-S Aerokit, which lowers the body visually with a sculpted front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper with a diffuser. There is also a spoiler on the boot lid. Designed specially for the Vios HEV GR-S, the Aerokit also provides practical aerodynamic benefits.
Other exterior items specific to this variant include black door mirror covers, a GR badge, and exclusive 17-inch alloy rims with a machined finish and black paint. The 205/50R17 tyres are also exclusive to this variant to provide increased grip and stability.
The interior is similar to the Vios HEV but includes exclusive features such as a black Soft Pad with Silver stitching on the dashboard, and GR-S Leather Suede (Combination Leather) for the seat upholstery. The carpet mats also have the GR-S logo on them, with a black and red GR badge on the 3-spoke steering wheel.
Additional chassis tuning differentiates the driving dynamics of the Vios HEV GR-S from the Vios HEV. The suspension layout is identical, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. For the Vios HEV GR-S, the engineers have tuned the coil springs and shock absorbers for a sportier feel, sharper handling, and quicker response. Rear-end lift is also reduced by the GR-S Aerokit. This improves stability at higher speeds. The steering which is electric is also more responsive.
Exterior colours are Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black Mica, and Scarlet SE. Exclusive to the Vios HEV GR-S is the option of a Black Mica roof with either White Pearl and Scarlet SE bodywork.
The Toyota Vios HEV is from RM103,900, while the Vios HEV GR Sport starts from RM109,900. Both variants have a five-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, along with an eight-year unlimited mileage hybrid warranty covering the battery, inverter, and power management unit. There is also the option to extend the hybrid warranty for an additional two years to a total ten years which is transferable to the next owner.
Toyota Vios HEV
Toyota Vios HEV GR Sport
Interior
