Hybrid for all

Toyota Motor Philippines has added a new subcompact sedan to its lineup. It is called the Ativ. The big news is the hybrid. Toyota says this is now its most affordable electrified model in the country. Retail sales start this October, with a public launch set for 24 to 26 October at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig.

The Ativ sits alongside the Vios and targets first-time buyers and anyone who wants a simple daily car with better fuel economy. The range includes both gasoline and hybrid options. The 1.5 HEV CVT uses a four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 111 hp. 

The rest of the lineup uses either a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, matched with either a CVT or a manual transmission, depending on the variant.

The cabin seats five, with leather upholstery for the HEV and fabric for the non-hybrid variants. A 7-inch digital multi-info display comes standard, while the top variant adds a 10.1-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Push start and smart entry are available across variants. The HEV adds an electronic parking brake with brake hold and a wireless charger. Parking is easier on the HEV and G CVT, which both come with a panoramic view monitor. 

All models come with multiple airbags, ABS with brake assist, vehicle stability control, blind spot monitor, and ISOFIX. The hybrid variant adds Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Prices are positioned to keep the entry point low while opening a path to hybrid ownership. The 1.3 E M/T starts at P916,000, followed by the 1.3 E CVT at P980,000, the 1.5 G CVT at P1,069,000, and the 1.5 HEV CVT at P1,198,000. Two-tone and select paint colors add a small premium on listed variants.

Color choices vary per variant. Gray Metallic is available across all models. Scarlet SE and Platinum White Pearl are offered on most variants, while Metal Stream Metallic is available on the E grades. The HEV can be had in two-tone combinations that pair body colors with Attitude Black Mica.

In a nutshell, the Ativ comes in four variants. These are the 1.3 E M/T, 1.3 E CVT, 1.5 G CVT, and 1.5 HEV CVT. Buyers can choose between gasoline and hybrid versions, with the hybrid producing a combined output of 111 hp. Standard features include LED headlamps, a 7-inch digital display, and up to a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless smartphone integration on the HEV.