Ready for hybrid? Next-gen 2022 Toyota Vios to get hybrid powertrain

The current-generation Toyota Vios is in its eighth year of its lifecycle and is due for a replacement model soon. 

Now, a report from AutoIndustriya has revealed that the next-generation Toyota Vios will be launched in Thailand in August 2022, followed by a hybrid version a year later in August 2023.

The next-generation Toyota Vios' codename is D92A - a Daihatsu format model code.

Why Daihatsu, and not Toyota?

The Daihatsu link to the Vios is via an internal Toyota-Daihasu company called Emerging-market Compact Car Company (EMCC). EMCC was formed between Toyota and Daihatsu back in 2016, with the aim of developing compact cars for the wider Toyota Motor group. This is where the D92A project comes in. 

Daihatsu’s local partner, Perodua, has confirmed that they will be the R&D hub for this region.

Also Read: Codenamed D92A, the next-gen Toyota Vios could be developed by Perodua, to debut in 2022?

What platform will the next-gen Toyota Vios get?

With the underpinnings of the current Vios being close to a decade old (the current model is essentially a facelift of the 2013 Vios), a replacement model is definitely on the cards.

The next-gen Toyota Vios is widely believed to be developed on the DNGA platform – just like the Perodua Ativa and next-gen Perodua Alza / Toyota Avanza. DNGA is a cheaper and simpler version of Toyota's TNGA. 

Also Read: At least 10 new DNGA-based Daihatsu models planned for emerging markets; hybrids and EVs too

So the next Toyota Vios will get a hybrid, would it be similar to the Prius?

At this point of time, details surrounding this new hybrid Toyota Vios is unclear, but seeing that the Vios is positioned as a budget model in Toyota's line-up, it is unlikely to get a Prius-like full-hybrid system.

Instead, we believe that the purported Vios Hybrid will get a simpler mild-hybrid system (MHEV) instead.

Back at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (2018 KLIMS), Perodua showcased a mild-hybrid system. It features a battery pack located under the rear seats and an electric motor that sends power to the front wheels. While Perodua or Daihatsu did not reveal engine details, some Japanese sources claimed that the engine will be a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit.

Also Read: Say goodbye to the RWD Toyota Avanza, hello new gen Perodua Alvanza?