According to data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA), a total of 26,575 vehicles were sold in June 2024 by VAMA members, including 576 hybrid vehicles that utilize a combination of gasoline engines and electric motors (encompassing mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid technologies).
Japanese automakers have been focusing their efforts on developing hybrid vehicles as a means to reduce fuel consumption. Notably, in the segment of vehicles priced below VND 1 billion, prominent brands such as Suzuki, Toyota, and Nissan have made significant strides.
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid (VND 538 million)
The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is a versatile family vehicle equipped with a hybrid engine, and it has emerged as the best-selling model in the Vietnamese market for 2024, with cumulative sales reaching 465 units.
The Ertiga Hybrid is imported from Indonesia and is offered in two variants: the MT version, priced at VND 538 million, and the automatic version, priced at VND 608 million.
Under the hood, the Ertiga Hybrid boasts a powerful hybrid engine that delivers 103.5 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion battery enhances acceleration, and the vehicle impresses with its fuel efficiency, consuming just 5.05 liters per 100 km on highways and 5.38 liters per 10 km in mixed driving conditions, as per manufacturer data.
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid.
When compared to other multi-purpose vehicles on the market, the Ertiga Hybrid holds its own in terms of features and even surpasses them with its hybrid engine and competitive pricing. However, despite its numerous advantages, this model has yet to gain widespread popularity among domestic consumers.
Suzuki XL7 (VND 599.9 million)
Suzuki officially launched the Suzuki XL7 hybrid in Vietnam on August 20, offering it in a single variant priced at VND 599.9 million, the same as the previous version. The two-tone color option incurs an additional cost of VND 8 million. This model continues to be imported from Indonesia.
Suzuki XL7 2024.
Under the hood, the Suzuki XL7 is equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated VVT engine, complemented by an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a small lithium-ion battery pack located under the passenger seat. This setup generates 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Due to the small battery capacity (12 V, 6 Ah), the motor on the XL7 hybrid does not have the capability to operate independently like other pure hybrid models. Instead, the motor intervenes in specific situations such as starting, idling, and assisting the internal combustion engine during acceleration.
With the addition of the ISG system, the XL7’s 1.5-liter engine achieves improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, although the difference is not significant. In mixed driving conditions, the previous model consumed approximately 6.62 liters of gasoline per 100 km, while the mild-hybrid version consumes 5.9 liters per 100 km, a reduction of about 0.72 liters per 100 km.
Nissan Kicks (starting from VND 789 million)
Introduced to the Vietnamese market in late 2022, the Nissan Kicks e-Power stands out with its youthful and sporty exterior, delivering a dynamic driving experience while optimizing fuel efficiency. It is currently available in Vietnam through official distributors in two variants: the E and V, priced at VND 789 million and VND 858 million, respectively.
The highlight of the Nissan Kicks is its e-Power drivetrain, which consists of a 3-cylinder, 1.2L gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. Interestingly, the gasoline engine does not directly power the vehicle but instead functions as a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery pack. The propulsion is handled by a potent electric motor that generates 134 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.
Nissan Kicks.
The Nissan Kicks offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Thanks to its innovative drivetrain, the vehicle boasts impressive fuel efficiency, consuming just 2.2 liters per 100 km in city driving, 6.1 liters per 100 km on highways, and 4.6 liters per 100 km in combined driving conditions.
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8HEV (VND 878 million)
The Toyota Corolla Altis has undergone a comprehensive transformation, from its chassis and exterior design to its convenience features. Notably, in its 12th generation, the Corolla Altis introduced a hybrid engine option and the advanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS2) safety package. On October 4, 2023, the model received a minor upgrade with the inclusion of cutting-edge technologies.
Similar to the hybrid version of the Camry, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8HEV originates from Thailand and is sold in Vietnam at a price of VND 878 million.
Corolla Altis 2023.
The 1.8G and 1.8V variants are powered by a 1.8L gasoline engine that produces 138 horsepower. On the other hand, the 1.8HEV variant utilizes a hybrid powertrain that combines a 97-horsepower gasoline engine with a 72-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a total output of 142 Nm of torque. The Corolla Altis is the only vehicle in its segment in Vietnam to offer a hybrid option.
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8HEV (VND 905 million)
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8HEV is now available for purchase at a reduced price of VND 905 million, representing a significant decrease of VND 50 million compared to its predecessor, despite enhancements in design and added features.
Apart from the distinctive hybrid logo and “HEV” lettering on the side, this hybrid version closely resembles its gasoline-powered counterpart.
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8HEV.
The 1.8HEV variant also boasts additional features not found in the gasoline version, such as wireless charging and two driving mode buttons (EV mode and Drive mode) conveniently located in front of the gear lever.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Corolla Cross 2024 1.8HEV is equipped with a 1.8L gasoline engine that generates 97 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque, complemented by an electric motor that adds 71 horsepower and 163 Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of 120 horsepower. It comes with an eCVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
According to Toyota Vietnam, the hybrid version boasts an impressive fuel economy of just 3 liters per 100 km for urban driving conditions.
Toyota Innova Cross HEV (VND 990 million)
The Toyota Innova offers two engine options: gasoline and hybrid. The combined output of the gasoline and electric motors is approximately 183 Nm. This is a full hybrid system, similar to the one found in the Camry, which means it can be driven solely on electric power in certain situations.
Toyota Innova Cross HEV.
The new Innova Cross HEV showcases a softer, more youthful, and sporty design compared to its predecessor, with hints of the Highlander SUV in its styling. It features a hexagonal grille with chrome accents, LED lighting all around, and newly designed wheels (18-inch for the HEV and 17-inch for the V variant). The body is accentuated by muscular lines, and exterior color options include five different choices.
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After Lunar New Year, Japanese car companies have all entered a massive discount promotion cycle, with discounts of up to over 300 million VND to attract customers in the context of declining purchasing power in the Vietnamese market.
Unexpected comeback from Suzuki’s MPV duo in the first month of the year
The Suzuki duo, Ertiga and XL7, witnessed a significant surge in sales in January 2024, while their Toyota counterparts experienced the steepest decline.
Reason for a sharp decline in imported cars in Vietnam
In January, car sales in Vietnam reached only 19,243 units, half of the previous month. This decline can be attributed to many individuals tightening their spending and focusing on Tet holiday shopping.
Many major companies reveal their hybrid car sales figures in Vietnam for the first time
This helps Vietnamese consumers to some extent grasp the popularity level of these car models.
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