Whatever car you choose, and despite all the tech that's loaded into them, your decision ultimately rests on what's under the hood.

Performance and fuel efficiency are usually right up there in the Malaysian buyer's decision making matrix, and the engine that provides these must also be very reliable.

Better yet if it's not a hassle to maintain. Best if it could also hedge against next year's increasing fuel prices.

A tough ask for manufacturers, so usually it's a balance between two or three of the above. But to nail it all? That's Toyota's game, more so with the brand's pioneering Toyota Hybrid Electric series of vehicles.

Stepping into tomorrow, today

Kaizen, best defined as continuous improvement, is the cornerstone of what makes Toyota's Hybrid Electric powertrains and series of vehicles the one to trust.

If there's anyone that knows the system, it's them; after all, being the pioneer of mass-produced hybrid vehicles beginning with the 1997 Prius gives one plenty of time to sharpen the knowledge over the years.

Today's fourth-generation hybrid system in Malaysia's Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric and Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid Electric is a culmination of the experience.

The result are cars that are made more efficient than ever, despite what their size and capabilities might lead you to think at first glance.

Also read: Toyota Prius wins Top Gear UK's Lifetime Achievement Award, for refusing to die

As always, the proof of pudding is in the eating. Having tested both cars in real-world conditions, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric only sipped 5.1 litres of petrol per 100 km (~20 km/l), while the seven-seater Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid Electric aced with a fuel consumption of just 6.6 litres/100 km (~15 km/l).

Though the hybrid technology allows the car to derive power from two sources, most of your urban journeys can be done while gliding on the electric motor. This equates to two good things: less frequent fill-ups, and zero carbon emissions in shorter drives.

This also means torque comes instantly through its electric motor, and at higher speeds the petrol engine provides the top-end push you need. Two is better than one, and it's never been more apparent than here.

Get in, drive, arrive: It doesn't get any simpler

Pertinently all of these come at no heavy habitual change for you. No plugging in is required; the engine charges the battery automatically as you drive, and the switch between electric motor and petrol engine is also done in the background.

Keeping a hybrid car well-maintained is also easier on your wallet. There's less parts within, and the higher reliability of the electric and battery components means scares are virtually non-existent.

Also read: Pros and Cons: Almost perfect, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is why good is good enough

In addition to driving it like you would any Toyota, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric and Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid Electric's engines use regular engine oil, run on RON 95 petrol, and use normal tyres.

As a bonus you won't even change the brake pads as much, as regenerative braking helps in slowing the car down.

Familiar reliability and aftersales support

To ensure you have your Toyota Hybrid Electric vehicle along reliably in all your life's journeys, UMW Toyota Motor supports your vehicle with a 8+2 year warranty that covers the hybrid battery, inverter, and hybrid vehicle control computer.

This is in addition to the usual 5-year, unlimited mileage assurance for the rest for the car.

Feel the difference for yourself

They say the best time to start planting a tree is yesterday, and the next best time is now. Lead the charge and book a test drive of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric or the Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid Electric today, and take advantage of UMW Toyota Motor's December Promotions while it lasts!

This article is sponsored by UMW Toyota Motor