Toyota has regionalized its “small medium SUV” the Yaris Cross for the ASEAN market. Not to be confused with the European/Japanese Yaris Cross (or the Suzuki Vitara-based Urban Hyryder for that matter), the Yaris Cross that we’ll get is based on a Daihatsu platform that sits above the Raize, but below the Corolla Cross in terms of size and positioning.
Built on the DNGA platform, the ASEAN Yaris Cross measures Yaris Cross measures 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. That makes it substantially longer than its European namesake (4,180 mm long x 1,765 mm wide x 1,560 mm tall, with a 2,560 mm wheelbase), and almost the same size as the Honda HR-V.
Completing Toyota’s SUV range for its launch market of Indonesia, the Yaris Cross sports two 1.5-liter engines. The conventional combustion engine, the 2NR-VE (also used in the fourth-generation Vios), serves up 106 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The bigger news is the introduction of a true (strong) hybrid setup that pairs the 2NR-VEX 1.5-liter engine (91 horsepower, 121 Nm) with a 80 horsepower, 141 Nm electric motor. It also uses a compact lithium-ion battery placed under the rear passenger seat.
In terms of design, the ASEAN Yaris Cross carries the concept of, “Solid & Dynamic.” For that, it’s all about giving it chiseled exterior proportions while maximizing interior space. It features a large trapezoidal grille upfront, slim LED headlights and taillights, and even available two-tone paint schemes. Also, Toyota touts a rocker panel height of 260 mm, an approach angle of 19 degrees, and a departure angle of 28 degrees making it suitable for light trails.
There will be various colors available: Super White 2, Silver Metallic, Greenish Gunmetal, Altitude Black Mica, Dark Red, Platinum Pearl White Premium and Scarlet Premium. Going for the two-tone paint option nets you Silver Metallic, Scarlet Premium, or Platinum Pearl White Premium with an Altitude Black Mica roof.
Inside, the Yaris Cross takes on the familiar DNGA design theme with its wide, horizontally laid out dashboard. The driver gets a 7-inch digital TFT cluster, while at the center is a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The equipment list includes panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity, a powered hands-free tailgate, a powered driver’s seat, fabric or leather seats, a wireless charger, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a 360-degree camera.
In terms of safety, it comes with a full set of airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, and yes, even Toyota Safety Sense.
No official pricing of the ASEAN Yaris Cross has been released yet, but it has been confirmed to go on sale soon in the region starting in Indonesia, where it will be built. Expect the model to slot between the Raize and the Corolla Cross—potentially giving the likes of the Nissan Kicks e-Power some competition for being one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs available in the region.
As long as its better than the Raize.
ReplyDeleteNice features, but toyota ph, hyundae ph, mitsu ph, honda ph has a habit of stripping features compared to what they offered in indonesia/malaysia/thailand. I think its only ford who offered same specs across asean.
ReplyDeleteMore and more DNGA based models are coming to ASEAN markets.
ReplyDeleteIt'll replace rush?
ReplyDeleteLikely no. The current Rush is a 7-seater SUV...this one is purely a 5-seater one. It's more like Toyota's plugging every market gap they could find. And given how the Corolla Cross is priced? They could potentially undercut the Kicks in terms of price. Also, Honda should wake up and bring in the WR-V.
DeleteHard to replace the Rush as its been consistently at the top 10 in sales in the mkt.
Deleteif Honda PH can convince the head honchos of Honda to fast track left hand drive production of the WR-V then I'll be really impressed :P
Delete