Toyota Veloz Gains New Hybrid Variant In Indonesia – Malaysia Next?

Launched in neighbouring Indonesia this week is the new Toyota Veloz Hybrid (HEV) variant. (Image: Kompas.com)

Some interesting news from our neighbours just across the Malacca Strait. Making its debut at the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week (GJAW) expo this week is the new Toyota Veloz Hybrid (HEV) – the third Toyota hybrid model to be produced locally in Indonesia.

Full specifications weren’t released, but various Indonesian sources online report the model shares the same setup as the Vios (Yaris Ativ) HEV and Yaris Cross HEV models. 

Full specifications remain undisclosed, but sources online indicate the Veloz Hybrid (HEV) uses the same powertrain as brimmed in the Vios (Yaris Ativ HEV) and Yaris Cross HEV models. (Image: Kompas.com)

This means the three-row crossover MPV employs a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill paired with an e-motor and compact 0.7 kWh battery, altogether outputting 111 PS. Paired with the mill too should be Toyota’s E-CVT automatic box.

Sourced online in Indonesia further report that the range-topping Modellista variants also come brimmed with the automaker’s TSS (Toyota Safety Sense) ADAS package.

Promotional artwork for the new Veloz Hybrid (HEV) by Toyota Indonesia. Early-bird buyers in said republic have until Dec 31 to enjoy the special prices listed.

Beyond which, little else is known in terms of specifications still. Nevertheless, this new hybrid variant detailed is expected to largely mirror its non-hybrid twin for the most parts. What was reported instead though were the model’s prices.

Until the year-end (Dec 31) at least, Toyota is offering early bird buyers of the new Veloz Hybrid in Indonesia with special price tag of IDR299 million (RM74,533) for the V grade, IDR335 million (RM83,507) for the Q grade, IDR350 million (RM87,246) for the Q Modellista grade, and IDR390 million (RM97,217) for the Q TSS Modellista grade.

Could Malaysia be next to receive this electrified three-row crossover MPV? Will it instead arrive wearing a Perodua badge? (Image: GridOto.com)

Said prices sees this DNGA-based and now electrified three-row crossover MPV undercut the Yaris Cross Hybrid compact crossover that’s also marketed in said republic priced from IDR437 million (RM108,933) onwards.

With its debut in Indonesia, it’s easy to speculate that perhaps Malaysia could soon be the next market for Toyota to introduce which. Presently, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) offers just three electrified HEV models – Camry, Innova Zenix and Corolla Cross.

Moreover, the Veloz Hybrid could also instead enter Malaysia wearing a Perodua badge – the second-gen Alza is essentially a rebadged iteration with a lower, less crossover-like ride height. If so, would you fancied it better if it was a hybrid instead? A usual, hit the comments below...