Upcoming hybrid cars in Vietnam: both fuel-efficient and no worries about charging stations
Due to the limited infrastructure for electric vehicles, using hybrid cars is currently considered the most fuel-efficient solution. Here are 4 hybrid models expected to appear on the Vietnamese market this year.
Toyota Corolla Cross
On May 6th, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross will officially debut in the Vietnamese market. Earlier, in early April 2024, this model had disclosed its price. The HEV version with a hybrid engine is listed at 905 million VND, while the gasoline version is priced at 820 million VND.
The new upgraded Corolla Cross mainly features improvements in the exterior, including new LED lighting clusters, and a honeycomb grille inherited from the Lexus RX model. Some notable interior features include a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel, a 10-inch infotainment screen (increased by 1 inch), automatic parking brake hold, wireless charging feature, and panoramic sunroof.
Although the hybrid engine of the car has not been announced, it is likely to still use a 1.8L gasoline engine combined with an electric motor. If similar to the version sold in Thailand, this electric motor will have a power output increased from 53 horsepower to 71 horsepower. The previous version had an average gasoline consumption of about 4.3 liters/100 km, and the new upgrade is expected to maintain similar consumption due to advanced technology.
Haval Jolion
Haval Jolion has been confirmed to have a hybrid version. Currently, this model has opened a deposit-taking period and is imported from Thailand. The estimated tentative price from the dealer is below 700 million VND.
The Jolion is positioned below the H6 segment and has quite a different design compared to its sibling models. The interior of the Jolion is designed to be simple with some prominent features such as a 7-inch screen behind the steering wheel, a 10.3-inch center screen, HUD, independent dual-zone air conditioning, a 6-speaker sound system, rotary gear selector, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging feature, and panoramic sunroof. Jolion's safety technology also includes ADAS features similar to the Corolla Cross.
The hybrid engine combines a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of about 190 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque, combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The fuel consumption announced by the manufacturer is only 4.2 liters/100 km, similar to the Corolla Cross.
Jaecoo J7
Jaecoo J7 has been confirmed to debut in the Vietnamese market this year with a hybrid version. Moreover, this is a PHEV version, capable of charging. This model is likely to be imported from Indonesia first and then transferred to assembly processes by 2026.
Jaecoo J7 has a rugged exterior design similar to Land Rover SUVs. Its size is comparable to Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson. The interior of the Jaecoo J7 is designed to be simple like an electric car, with a 14.8-inch tablet-style screen, a 10.25-inch screen behind the steering wheel, and few physical buttons.
The hybrid engine combines a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine with an electric motor. The car can run entirely on electricity for approximately 98 km. The car's battery can be charged while driving or by plugging in. The total operating range of the hybrid system is about 1,200 km, after refueling with gasoline and fully charging the battery. The fuel consumption announced is 1 liter/100 km.
BYD Seal
Among these hybrid models, BYD Seal is the only sedan. The Chinese automaker has announced that they will bring a hybrid model to the market, and it seems that BYD Seal is the top candidate. This sedan is equipped with both hybrid and electric systems in China.
In terms of the hybrid models' segment, BYD Seal will compete directly with the Toyota Camry. In terms of appearance, this model has a sporty style with the appearance of a coupe, similar to the Porsche Panamera. Inside the car, the design is simplified like electric models, with two large screens, including a 15.6-inch screen that can rotate. The car is equipped with modern technology with many ADAS features.
The hybrid engine of BYD Seal combines a 1.5L gasoline engine (with 2 options of natural aspiration or turbocharging) with an electric motor. The fuel consumption is announced to be only 3.9 liters/100 km.
Original article and pictures by AutoPro
