Toyota has added another hybrid model to its fleet – the Toyota Ativ. The Ativ debuts as Toyota’s entry into the subcompact sedan market, meant to complement the Vios in the Japanese marque’s local lineup. It’s available in a range of trims, from the minimalist ‘E’ variant to the top-of-the-line hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version.
Powering this compact sedan is Toyota’s 1.3-liter 1NR-VE engine for the E versions and the 1.5-liter 2NR-VE engine for the G and HEV models, with the latter gaining an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, similar to the setup found in the Yaris Cross HEV. The 1NR produces 96 hp and 122 Nm of torque, while the 2NR produces 89 hp and 121 Nm of torque on its own. When coupled with the electric motor, which delivers 78 hp, the hybrid’s combined output is 111 hp. The E variants offer the option of sending power to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the G and HEV variants send power only to a CVT, with the latter using an e-CVT.
For the exterior, the Ativ gets a muscular makeover – from the smaller, sharper headlights highlighted by the DRLs, angular body lines flowing from front to back, vents on the lower section of both the front and rear bumper, to the fastback roofline. The Ativ looks like a smaller version of the Corolla Altis.
Tires for the Toyota Ativ depend on the version you’re getting, as the G version sits on 17-inch alloys on 205/50 tires, while the HEV and E variants sit on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 195/60 rubber.
The Toyota Ativ doesn’t just stop impressing on the outside; step inside, and it’s a noticeable step up from its predecessor, the Vios. Toyota opted to keep the dashboard nice and clean, with the highlight being the 10.1-inch center screen. There’s also ample storage for any items you need to bring with you. Last but not least, the seats ensure a comfortable ride in the cabin.
Toyota has a strong reputation for vehicle safety, and the Ativ carries that reputation with pride. It comes with Toyota Safety Sense, stability control, and six airbags as standard. Add Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, and the Ativ stands out as another strong contender in the lineup.
Pricing for the Ativ starts at P916,000 for the base ‘E’ trim with a manual transmission, and goes up to P1,198,000 for the HEV, or P1,208,000 if you opt for the Premium Color option.
Now, with all that said, you might be thinking, “Another affordable compact from Toyota? Is this the end for the Vios?” Although it looks that way, fret not: Toyota says it plans to sell the Ativ alongside its non-hybrid sibling, the Vios, in a similar vein to the Zenix for the Innova.
So far, our fellow neighbors in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, have also managed to get their hands on the Toyota Ativ. This only makes expectations for the new subcompact sedan in the Philippines even higher.
Considering the reputation of the Toyota Ativ’s predecessor, the Vios, a vehicle known for its ubiquity in the Philippines – be it in the garages of Filipino homes, on the streets from Manila to Batangas, or even on the race track at Clark – will the Ativ live up to the pedigree the Vios has left behind? Only time will tell once we see the Toyota Ativ on the road in Filipino hands.
