Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV Revealed In Thailand – 2 Variants, Same HEV Heart As Yaris Cross

Toyota has unveiled the new and now electrified Yaris Ativ HEV, marking the first time said nameplate has received a hybrid powertrain.

At last, Toyota Motor Thailand have taken the wraps off the new and now electrified Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV model for the Kingdom earlier today. For the uninitiated, ‘Yaris Ativ’ is what Toyota christens the Vios compact sedan as in the Land of Smiles.

As reported prior, we’ve long expected the arrival of this electrified and now hybridised iteration of the Vios for sometime. Given the fact in underpins the DNGA platform, its arrival was presumably delayed by the Daihatsu scandal that unfolded last year.

For the Thai market, the Yaris Ativ HEV sees the variants on offer - Premium (left) and range-topping GR Sport (right).

Nevertheless, it finally enters the Thai market now, albeit a year later than planned, and it finally sees hybrid power introduced to the nameplate for the first time. Critically it could make its way across the border and into the Malaysian market very soon too.

Ahead of which, here’s what we car garner from the Thai-spec model that just launched today. Expect much of which to be retained when the model is expanded into other markets across ASEAN in the near future.

Both variants share a new 1.5-litre hybrid 4-cyl petrol mill derived from the Yaris Cross HEV that offers a combined output of 111 PS plus a claimed fuel economy of 29.4 KM/litre.

The powertrain includes both an E-CVT transmission plus a hybrid e-motor with a compact lithium-ion battery pack.

For Thailand, the new Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV sees two variants available, those being a ‘HEV Premium’ and a sporty  'HEV GR Sport’ range-topper. Underneath, both share the same new hybrid petrol powertrain as the also DNGA-based Yaris Cross HEV marketed in the Kingdom.

The powertrain package firstly consists of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl Dual-VVT-i petrol mill rated at 91 PS and 121 NM, Paired with it is a hybrid e-motor and compact lithium-ion battery setup rated at 80 PS and 141 NM.

Altogether, Toyota touts a combined output of 111 PS. The automaker also highlights the powertrain offers three selectable drive modes – Power, Normal and Eco. Managing said outputs is an E-CVT transmission suite that sends power to the front wheels (FWD).

In the Yaris Ativ Premium, Toyota have retuned its suspension to accommodate the hybrid powertrain's heavier weight, and it includes a swap to new 16-inch wheel with five lug nuts instead of four.

On board, there's an enhanced 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity now.

Other notable key changes to note from the regular Yaris Ativ includes the chassis’ retuned suspension to accommodate the new hybrid powertrain’s heavier weight, and fresh new 16-inch alloy wheels design with five lug nuts instead of four now.

On board, the new Yaris Ativ HEV also gains an improved new floating 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment that now boasts both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a newly added wireless charging pad here too.

Besides that, both variants also see their ADAS package beefed up with a newly added Lane Keeping Control (LKC) function. Apart from which, little else has changed in the Premium HEV guise from the regular Yaris Ativ.

The HEV GR Sport variant pictured is easily set apart by its more promiment bumpers, aerokit, and variant-specific 17-inch wheels. It also sits some 15 MM longer at 4,440 MM.

Moving to the new HEV GR Sport guise and this variant brings more prominent and sportier front and rear bumper designs that have also lengthened the car by 15 MM to 4,440 MM – all other dimension figures remain unchanged.

Additionally, this HEV GR Sport guise gains the usual additional styling touches this performance badge brings, namely an aerokit, variant-specific dual-tone 17-inch wheels, along with GR-badged seats and steering wheel, as well as a Pioneer audio system.

Lastly, completing the HEV GR Sport variant is the enhanced chassis tuning said performance badge usually entails. It’s no different in this hybrid compact saloon too as it gains both stiffer springs and dampers plus a recalibrated steering system.

Notably, the GR Sport guise also gains enhanced chassis tuning with stiffer suspension and a recalibrated steering system.

On board, the GR Sport variant also gains a slew of GR-branded goodies and additions plus a premium Pioneer audio system.

New hybrid powertrain and minor equipment changes aside, little else has changed from the regular Yaris Ativ in terms of safety. Headlining things here still are six airbags lining the cabin, ABS with EBD and BA, plus VSC, TRC and HAC all accounted for.

As for ADAS, the Thai-spec new Yaris Ativ HEV continues to offer a barrage of which. Included is an all-speed ACC, PCS LDA with Steering Assist, RCTA, AHB, Front Departure Alert and Improper accelerator pedal prevention system, amongst many.

In terms of price, the news here is equally interesting. For the Thai market, the new Toyota Yaris Ativ HEV is tagged at THB729,000 (approx. RM 94,346) in Premium guise, and at THB779,000 (approx. RM 100,817) in GR Sport flavour.

We can certainly expect the Yaris Ativ HEV to arrive in other ASEAN markets - Malaysia included - soon.

We’ll also point out  that said RRP figures mentioned are the exact same as the rivalling Honda City e:HEV RS marketed in the Kingdom too. In other words, it will be interesting to see how both models compete for market share in the coming months.

No word exactly as to when we’ll see this arrive in Malaysia as the Vios HEV just yet, but we’re certain it will happen soon enough. In the meantime, given what we’ve just detailed, what do you think of the new Yaris Ativ HEV? Hit the comments below then…