THE Toyota Crown Sport, which is one of the four models in the Crown lineup, is now available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in its home market, where it is priced from 7.65 million yen (RM248,030).
Similar to the hybrid version, the aforementioned powertrain employs the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine, but in this version, the engine is assisted by a pair of electric motors.
On its own, the engine develops 177 PS and 219 Nm of torque, while the front and rear electric motors generate 182 PS/270 Nm and 54 PS/121 Nm, respectively.
The ICE-electric motor combo provides the Crown Sport PHEV with an E-Four all-wheel drive system and a healthy total system output of 306 PS.
With a 51-Ah lithium-ion battery, the SUV is capable of traveling up to 90 km without using a drop of fuel.
Not only that, it is also said to offer a fuel consumption rate of about 20.3 km/l and with a 55-litre fuel tank, it boasts a total cruising range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank.
According to Toyota, the Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging, with the latter enabling a charge to 80% power in 38 minutes.
The exterior may appear to be unchanged from the hybrid version, but underneath the gorgeous sheetmetal lies an additional braces to the floor tunnel to ensure an optimal balance of body rigidity.
Furthermore, the damping characteristics of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system have been retuned for smoother and more stable ride.
The Crown Sport PHEV comes standard with 21-inch aluminum rims, 20-inch ventilated disc brakes with red calipers on all four corners, black and red interior colour scheme, paddle shifters and sports seats.
Other features include the Vehicle to Home (V2H) that can provide enough electricity for about 6.5 days of use in emergency situations, and My Room Mode, which allows users to enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from an external power source.
FROM mid-2024 onwards, the European-market Toyota Hilux will be offered with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that which offers improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.
Marketed as the Hilux Hybrid 48V, it features the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional power of 16 PS and 65 Nm to help with the acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The aforementioned engine puts out 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, just like in the Hilux Rogue.
According to Toyota, the engine drives a compact generator using a belt drive system, which in turn charges a 48-volt lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats and weighs just 7.6 kg.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration. Once charged, the battery sends the output through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.
The motor generator has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments, while the engine gets a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material to adapt to the hybrid system.
With an enhanced start-stop system, the powertrain helps improve the Hilux’s fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
Electrification aside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its towing and payload capacity at 3,500 kg and 1,000 kg, respectively.
Its off-road credentials also remain intact with a ground clearance of 310 mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. It can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the battery and DC-DC converter.
Safety-wise, there’s the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense comprising enhanced features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High Beam (AHB).
TOYOTA will introduce a simulated (virtual) manual gearbox for its electric vehicles (EVs). However, it appears it will be quite fun, as it will not be limited to just six or seven speeds.
In a patent application published a few days ago, it shows that there is no limit to how many gears the transmission can have. Images published with the technical document show it could have up to 14 gears. But how does it work? Toyota has also provided an explanation.
The patent reveals many details about this system. In simple terms, drivers will be able to select how many gear ratios they want.
“The number of virtual gear stages may be six or more, or less than six,” the document states. “Drivers will be able to select the desired form according to their preferences.”
However, Toyota does not explain any electro-mechanical system that will make up the physical gear setup. Instead, there will be a fixed number of gears, possibly six, but Toyota uses four as an example. Gears are selected as with a regular manual, although the gear button will return to its original position after use.
When the driver shifts gears, the virtual pathway shape changes to the next ratio. So if there is a pattern of six gears and the sixth gear is selected, a display will change the ratio to allow the driver to shift to gear seven and beyond, or down to gear five in the same set.
Confusing? In fact, this arrangement is similar to the manual gear setup of a truck trailer, so off-road enthusiasts will likely understand easily.
In any case, there must be a reason why car makers do not offer manual gears with too many gear ratios. A 14-speed gearbox is not practical with an internal combustion engine.
But for EVs, it’s a different story. Toyota believes there’s no harm in offering more options to buyers.
TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.
The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.
Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.
According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.
With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).
Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).
Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.
THE segment-B sedan category is quite critical in our country as these cars are considered affordable and serve as the main vehicles for many families. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to be sensitive to users because even a small ‘deviation’ could invite criticism. However, by adding premium or new features to this segment, manufacturers can receive high praise for several weeks after the launch news is still hot.
The 2023 Toyota Vios, launched last March, represents an entirely new generation with a completely new interior and exterior. We will discuss its performance later.
Three major issues
However, if you are looking into or researching cars in this segment, you would know that the new Toyota Vios has two major issues – the rear seats cannot be folded, and there is no spare tire.
Why? Well, regarding the non-folding rear seats, the Toyota Vios development team shared with the media that according to their market research, most users do not use this function. MOST. Are you among this group, or are you a minority who will complain? So, they did not include this function, and as a result, the car is 10kg lighter due to the absence of a folding mechanism.
For the lack of a spare tire, they stated that it is to provide more storage space. If you look under the boot floor, there is Styrofoam storage space for small items. The absence of a spare tire also further reduces the car’s weight.
Overall, this new generation Vios is about 110kg lighter than the previous model. This time, the 1.5 G variant weighs only 1,035kg.
In fact, there is a third issue, which is the lower engine power. Compared to the previous Vios, which had 105hp and 140Nm from the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE engine, the new Vios is powered by the 2NR-VE engine with an output of 104hp and 138Nm of torque.
These figures decreased by 1hp and 2Nm, but in all honesty, you won’t feel the difference. But considering the lighter weight as mentioned earlier, the new Vios actually has a better power-to-weight ratio than before.
So, overall and theoretically, the new Vios is definitely more fuel-efficient. According to Toyota, the Vios has a fuel efficiency of up to 5.2 liters per 100km or 19.2km per liter.
Regarding major issues like non-folding rear seats and the lack of a spare tire, we should look at it this way: Toyota may be in a dilemma choosing between facing criticism from many people for not having a spare tire, or a few people complaining about the non-folding rear seats. We also believe fuel efficiency is more important for cars like this. So, let’s move on to the next topic.
Becoming more upmarket
One crucial aspect for Segmen-B sedan cars is style and appearance. In this regard, the new Toyota Vios does not disappoint. Its overall look can be described as more ‘upmarket.’ The front end now resembles larger Toyota sedans (such as the Toyota Corolla), featuring larger 17-inch rims (in the G variant) and a rear roof design akin to a fastback, which is currently on-trend.
The front appearance with its slanted LED headlights is still challenging for the writer to grasp, but, importantly, it gives a fresh image, markedly different from before. The larger rims not only complement the overall shape but also have a positive impact on handling.
This upmarket feel extends to the interior, where the Vios dashboard now looks modern and not cheap. If it used to be filled with hard gray plastic, the 2023 Vios now boasts softer touches, different color tones, and textures.
Simultaneously, the button and switch layout is still neat, easily accessible, and more pleasant to the touch. Additionally, the instrument display is now fully digital, with electronic parking brakes coming standard.
An interesting touch for the writer is the positioning of the window switch surfaces on the left and right door panels. They are glossy black, like most cars, but instead of being plain, they feature a diamond texture and a slightly recessed surface.
This is an easy and cost-effective solution, yet effective in adding a sense of premium and sophistication to the Vios. This is important because many buyers of cars in this category are upgrading from budget cars.
Have you been driving the Myvi since you started working, and now with a family and a promotion, you’re upgrading to the Vios? A common scenario, isn’t it?
Oh, we know that because the Vios is built on the DNGA platform (Daihatsu New Global Architecture), it shares the dashboard with models like the Axia and Alza. So, one way to position the Vios in a higher tier is the inclusion of wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration.
Solid look, solid driving?
For driving dynamics, perhaps not many Vios buyers emphasize this aspect, even though UMW Toyota has used this car for the Vios Challenge event for several years.
Nonetheless, the fact is that this all-new Toyota Vios has seen an improvement in terms of driving dynamics, whether you need it or not. The first thing the writer noticed is the more precise and responsive steering with increased feedback.
It doesn’t feel unnecessarily heavy, but just enough for a natural feel. This makes the new Vios more enjoyable to drive, whether cruising slowly in the city or taking corners at triple-digit speeds.
The 205/50 tire profile and 17-inch rims also contribute to a better steering feel; it’s not just for looks. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of replacing tires will increase, so this is something to keep in mind. Approximately RM380 to RM400 for one tire of this size.
For a delightful driving experience, some investment is necessary, right? Most importantly, this ‘delightfulness’ comes from the factory’s R&D, not just a gimmick by the car enthusiasts.
The chassis is now more robust and stable, thanks to the use of DNGA. When taking S corners while descending from Genting Highlands, the suspension and tires work more consistently and clearly, a result of the sturdy chassis.
The writer honestly no longer enjoys ‘testing’ cars in Genting because there are too many wannabe ‘racers’ there now, but happened to have work there, so took the opportunity to drive the Vios.
Sufficient power? 104hp and 138Nm of torque is more than enough even when driving up to the peak of Genting Highlands. The new D-CVT gearbox with a combination of physical gears and a belt assists in efficiently transmitting the overall power to the front wheels. You feel the full force of the 104hp without any power wastage.
The engine noise will enter the cabin when revved beyond 4,000rpm, which is normal. But when the rpm stabilizes and you’re cruising at a constant speed, the Vios is fairly quiet and comfortable to drive for long distances.
Even when pushed, we will begin to reach the limits of the engine, tires, and gearbox. The tires supplied are Continental PremiumContact 7, not performance tires, so they start to struggle when you’re not smooth enough with steering inputs. This doesn’t mean the tires are not good; they are perfect for daily use in the Vios.
The engine and gearbox also work hard to keep up with the writer’s accelerations and climbs, then brake into corners, then accelerate again. The TCU (Transmission Control Unit) tries to provide the best gear ratios according to speed, rpm, and right foot input. But there are no issues with the chassis.
Additional information: Toyota already has a unit for the use of the Vios Challenge based on this new platform. Surely, it uses semi-slick tires and a manual transmission, so maybe next season we will be able to see how the performance of this new generation Vios holds up in actual races.
Not races at the Genting International Circuit, of course. Always drive carefully on public roads!
Safety features are not forgotten; the Vios now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes systems like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, and Front Departure Alert. The G variant also includes Lane Keeping Control, Auto High Beam, and Adaptive Cruise Control. For the writer, the G variant is the way to go as these three features are highly useful for everyday driving. Additionally, the price difference in monthly installments isn’t significant.
In conclusion, the 2023 Toyota Vios is indeed a significant shift in all aspects compared to the car it replaces. It is now more modern and dynamic to drive, and most importantly, it makes you feel it offers better value for money.
