Presenting A Prius HEV Of IDR 698 Million At GIIASS, This Is Toyota's Answer To The PHEV Variant That Only Becomes A Pajangan

The PHEV Toyota Prius was launched at GIIAS 2024. (Photo: Bagus Muhammad Hafizh / VOI)

TANGERANG - PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM) officially launched the latest generation of Prius for the Indonesian market through the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

In the event, the manufacturer brought two variants, namely Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) which went on sale in Indonesia and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) to be displayed. However, TAM hopes to sell the PHEV variant as soon as possible.

Marketing Director of PT TAM Anton Jimmi Suwandy, said that he received a number of requests from customers to present the PHEV Prius in Indonesia, although currently it has been offered with the type HEV first.

"I really hope the PHEV variant can be launched because so far what we have received from dealers, many customers are waiting for this type because the market is also quite interesting," Anton said during a question and answer session with the media at ICE BSD, Tangerang, Tuesday, July 23.

Furthermore, Anton said that his party is working on this and hopes that the PHEV variant can be priced no more expensive than the HEV.

"My personal target is that the price of the PHEV Prius is Rp. 100 million above the AV variant. I think with a car of Rp. 800 million is quite interesting, yes," added Anton.

Anton assessed that the PHEV variant or drive was an attractive and potential option for the Indonesian market during the electrification transition period. What's more, the market for pure electric vehicles (EVs) in the country is not as massive as expected.

"Once again we give options because not all customers want BEV, so many also want to try PHEV to have a bigger battery. So, it's flexible to be able to use gasoline and charging," said Anton.

The latest generation of Toyota Prius was launched globally at the end of 2022 and built on the second generation TNGA-C platform which is claimed to be lighter, enhanced stiffness, and has a low center of gravity than ever before.

The Japanese manufacturer also emphasizes the more sporting design element in this fifth generation Prius. The outside resembles the bZ4X model in a more compact form and an elegant back that features elements of urban cars.

In addition to style, Toyota also emphasizes the fun in driving this car. For the HEV variant, the Prius is equipped with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8 liter engine in collaboration with a lighter lithium-ion battery and the latest hybrid Transaxle which is more compact, lighter, and has better fuel efficiency capabilities.

This car is officially sold in Indonesia at a price of IDR 698 million on The Road DKI Jakarta for the AV variant.