In its pursuit of carbon neutrality, Toyota has taken a multi-technology approach to support widely varying customer needs and market conditions around the world. While the Japanese carmaker has taken its first step into the battery electric vehicle (EV) world with the release of the bZ4X, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) continue to be its bread and butter.
In Malaysia, the only Toyota HEV currently in the line-up is the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which was launched last January. Unlike past hybrid offerings like the Prius and Prius c which were fully imported (CBU) models, the crossover is the first petrol-electric model to be locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia.
For 2023, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) says it will add a second HEV model to its range of offerings, adding that hybrid technology is the most suitable form of electrification for our country. “We will continue to evaluate different options and introduce them as appropriate. For now, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians and will add a second HEV model in 2023,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, president of UMWT.
The latest statement echoes what UMWT has said in the past, where it mentioned HEVs are the “most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure.” This is relative to BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
No mention was made as to what the next HEV model coming our way will be or even if it will a CKD product, but one car that has the most potential (at least to us) is the latest Innova, which receives a hybrid powertrain in its third generation.
Over in Indonesia, the hybrid variant of the redesigned MPV is known as the Kijang Innova Zenix Hybrid EV and features a M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that serves up 152 PS at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm.
The mill is helped along by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS. A nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery stored under the two front seats is hooked up to the electric motor and is preferred given Indonesia’s hot weather.
The Innova also swaps out its predecessor’s IMV ladder frame chassis for the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-C version of the platform that is also used by the CKD Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Other Toyota HEVs sold in Indonesia include the Corolla Altis Hybrid, C-HR Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, but we’ll stick to the Innova as the model that is most likely to fit the bill. For now, we’ll have to wait until UMWT makes a formal announcement to find out which hybrid car will join the Corolla Cross Hybrid this year.
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Yup it’s true Tak Nak Geely Anymore (TNGA).
2023 is now
What about Vios HEV?
At least diesel turbo Toyota. Hybrid power is lousy.
Haven’t you heard of the Diesel gate by VW?
All manufacturers are abandoning Diesel engine for passenger car because it is going to be very expensive.
That was what VW did, building diesel cars with cost cutting and cheated on their NOx emission.
The idea of Diesel passenger cars is almost buried by all manufacturers. Toyota never believe in diesel passenger cars other than their heavy vehicles. They choose Hybrid instead.
An obvious answer since fuel is cheap so better make use of it.
Fuel is expensive.
No meaning to pay fuel > household electric bill in a small moving pod,
just to travel from point A to Point B suffering thru daily traffic Jam.
Should launch the latest prius here
That will be more sensible in Malaysia.
Toyota xde kelebihan daya saing pembuatan bateri kereta letrik sebab raw material kena import dari China.
For orang kaya after 5 years change car maybe yes. Like prius c after 5 years maintenance cost u a bomb rather sell car at dirt cheap price. Vios 1st, 2nd gen the best, 4AT 1.5NA timing chain use 10years + no problem.
BEV simply cost a lot too buy and operate. Based on current fuel prices, HEV is the closest being on breakeven with conventional gasoline cars.
Factors in account: very high mileage use, maintenance, additional cost of vehicle and associated financing interest.
I’d think the zenix is a good place to start as the dinosaur Innova is a fuel guzzler with belt driven fan, rwd and riding on old heavy ladder frame. Sure is reliable.
When you don’t have the technology advantage, you’ll say anything to discredit your competitors. Toyota speak like a true politician.
cun plak Innova nie
Don’t talk so much first, by the time it launch 200k for full spec
hai ya ….everyone tok so much…… ended up only. an afford axia or saga…
save some breath and learn to earn or make more money la…
more practical and still within our control .
no point cry baby… make yourself worth with actionable targets
whole world knew CEO stepdown bcoz lack of full electric line-up
(pity with only one model bz4x when other makes sold millions)
Fuelcell and Hybrid isn’t economic to produce anymore compared to electric