Toyota that tide through energy emergencies
Going to the fuel pumps nowadays is a punishing endeavor, as of press time.
As one colleague put it, filling up with a full tank of fuel (especially diesel) is almost like paying for the amortization of a brand-new car – prices have practically doubled since the breakout of the Iran conflict as the Philippines imports nearly all of its fuel. The government has even declared a national “energy emergency,” while the private sector has been searching for stock.
Although some have resorted to commuting (an excellent impetus to overhaul our public-transport system), some Filipinos really need their own cars for their work or business. And for those eyeing a brand-new ride, the immense fuel efficiency of hybrid-electric and battery-electric vehicles (EV) is a prime consideration.
We take a look at some models from the country’s largest automaker, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), that make the most out of every drop of fuel.
Cheap commutes
Subcompact sedans have traditionally been lauded for their sensational fuel economy, especially in gas-hungry, bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The Toyota ATIV HEV literally goes further with its hybrid-electric powerplant that combines a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a 0.7-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack for a combined output of 109 horsepower.
But the most important figures here are TMP’s claimed 18 to 20 kilometers per liter in the city and 21 to 29 kilometers per liter on the expressway – there’s even an EV Mode that allows you to use only battery power, which is especially useful when you’re stuck in urban gridlock or driving very slowly (like in a parking lot).
Put another way, the ATIV HEV promises over 1,000 kilometers of range from its 36-liter tank. And to sweeten the deal, this sedan is also TMP’s cheapest hybrid-electric car, with prices starting at P1,198,000.
Frugal family hauler
But what if you need a large five-seater for your family or small business?
There’s the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV with its practical, crossover body. It gets a 1.8-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a 4.03-Ah, lithium-ion battery pack for a combined output of 120 horsepower.
But the real surprise is its fuel consumption – TMP claims a stellar 21 to 27 kilometers per liter in the city and a sensational 31 to 38 kilometers per liter on the expressway. That means a potential range of nearly 1,400 kilometers from its 36-liter fuel tank, plus the flexibility of EV Mode.
Prices for the Corolla Cross HEV start at P1,514,000, while the sporty GR-S variant with its variant-specific suspension starts at P1,943,000.
Fuel-sipping 6-seater
Thinking of finally replacing your turbodiesel multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or sport-utility vehicle?
The Toyota Zenix HEV retains the utility of a large, three-row vehicle with the frugal grunt of a hybrid-electric powertrain. This MPV gets a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a 6.5-Ah, nickel-metal-hydride battery for a combined output of 183 horsepower.
TMP claims 13 to 19 kilometers per liter in the city and 17 to 23 kilometers per liter on the expressway. Sporting a 52-liter fuel tank, this electrified six-seater can potentially take you up to 1,200 kilometers on one full tank.
Prices for the Zenix HEV start at P1,991,000.
Zero fossil fuel required
TMP even offers models that will never, ever need a gasoline station (so that you’re no longer at the mercy of global fuel prices).
The recently launched Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV is powered by 61-kWh, lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack and an electric motor for a combined output of 172 horsepower. TMP claims a maximum range of 475 kilometers on a full charge, with the all-electric crossover being priced at P2,135,000.
And if you need a bigger EV, there’s the Toyota bZ4X that combines a 73.11-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors for a total of 338 horsepower and 338 Newton-meters of torque through all four wheels. The bZ4X starts at P2,699,000 and has a claimed maximum range of 570 kilometers on a full charge.
So, if you were once hesitant to get an electrified vehicle, but can no longer stomach pump prices, you can bank on TMP’s lineup and legendary reliability to see you through all sorts of energy emergencies.
