Earlier in February 2023, when we reported that Toyota was getting ready to launch a hybrid variant of the Yaris ATIV in Thailand, some amateur bloggers representing the top portals of the country proudly labeled the report as “fake” only because they couldn’t Google the information and were unable to find anything on Toyota Thailand’s official website.
Bear in mind, that no official website of any carmaker in the world ever posts about spy photographs or vehicles in development phases; such information, whether official or unofficial, is always disseminated through journalistic channels. Thanks to our strong connections with well-known bloggers throughout the world, CarSpiritPK is frequently the first to publish such information, which tends to sound phony to novice bloggers.
The new Toyota Yaris ATIV HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is now undergoing testing in Thailand, and Chatchawan Phanthong has provided us with the first spy photos of the vehicle. The test mule had its fascia and rear end camouflaged suggesting that there can be minor changes in bumper & light signatures. Still as evident in the images, the Yaris Ativ HEV emulating the GR treatment, wears side skirts, a ducktail spoiler, new 17-inch wheels, and hybrid badging on the sides.
Under the hood, it will reportedly get the same setup as the Yaris Cross HEV which recently debuted in Indonesia and will be launched in Thailand during the first week of October. There will be a 2NR-VEX gasoline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve 1.5-liter Dual-VVT-i engine for a maximum power of 89 hp and peak torque of 121 Nm working in tandem with an electric motor of 79 hp and 141 Nm. Power will be transmitted through the E-CVT gearbox.
Toyota introduced the all-new Yaris Ativ sedan in Thailand in August 2022 and thus far it was only available with a 1.2L engine in the Thai market. The hybrid variant will help the Yaris ATIV compete more efficiently against the likes of Honda City which comes in 1.0L turbocharged as well as hybrid engine options.
Since that inexperienced blogger complained last time that our post did not include the timeline of the Yaris ATIV hybrid debut, be happy because we now have that information. Toyota will launch the Yaris ATIV HEV in Thailand during the first quarter of 2024. According to our information, the price will be around 100,000 baht higher than the gasoline variants. This means that the flagship Premium Luxury variant which is available for 689,000 baht (PKR 54.23 lac), the hybrid variant might cost around 789,000 baht (PKR 62.10 lac). Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more information on the Toyota Yaris ATIV hybrid.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
