For over three years, some of our Southeast Asian neighbors have been receiving the new Yaris Ativ, based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. Others, including the Philippines, stuck with the tried-and-tested XP150-based Vios, which still has a place in fleet services.

However, Toyota Motor Philippines dropped the ball and announced that the new subcompact sedan would reach our market with three powertrain options—simply called the Ativ.

On the sole internal-combustion models, the new Ativ will start with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 97hp and 122Nm, followed by a 1.5-liter engine delivering 105hp and 138Nm. While the 1.3 has a manual option, the rest are fitted with a CVT.

Meanwhile, the top-spec HEV variant has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery, producing a total output of 109hp and mated to a CVT.

The Ativ offers enhanced cabin space and legroom with a wheelbase of 2,620mm, along with a modern dashboard, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, and automatic climate control on all models. While the ICE models are equipped with a nine-inch infotainment screen, the HEV comes with a 10.1-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also exclusive to the HEV is Toyota Safety Sense, which contains the pre-collision system, the automatic high beam, the lane-tracing assist, the lane-departure warning, and the adaptive cruise control.

The new Toyota Ativ is priced such that it avoids overlapping with the current Vios, which will continue to be locally assembled for the foreseeable future.

• 1.3 E MT – P916,000
• 1.3 E MT (premium color) – P931,000
• 1.3 E CVT – P980,000
• 1.3 E CVT (premium color) – P995,000
• 1.5 G CVT – P1,069,000
• 1.5 G CVT (premium color) – P1,084,000
• 1.5 HEV CVT – P1,198,000
• 1.5 HEV CVT (premium color) – P1,208,000

The premium color options, Scarlet SE and Platinum White Pearl, will have an additional cost depending on the variant. The official launch is set for October 24 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

After what felt like an eternity, is the Ativ now part of your list of upscaled subcompact sedans to consider?