Toyota Yaris Cross SUV Unveiled for ASEAN Markets; Will it Come to India?
Toyota has introduced a new SUV for the ASEAN market. The Hyundai Creta, among others, will be a competitor of the new model, which is known as the Yaris Cross. The Yaris Cross offered in ASEAN nations differs from the model sold in Europe. It is built on the modular DNGA platform.
By Reetika Bhatt
Toyota has unveiled the brand-new Yaris Cross SUV. The SUV, which will mostly be sold in Indonesia, is based on the Urban Cruiser Icon, which was previously displayed. The Japanese carmaker has said that it will progressively enter other Asian markets. The compact SUV market, which includes popular models like the Hyundai Creta, is where this new SUV hopes to make an impact. The new Yaris Cross, which has the same name as the Yaris sedan, has a powerful design and is supported by the automaker's modular DNGA architecture, a less expensive version of the technologically-advanced Toyota TNGA platform. The Yaris Cross is built on the same platform as the Yaris sedan and the Raize SUV. In addition, the recently debuted SUV designed for Asian markets is quite different from the Yaris Cross offered in European nations.
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Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: Exterior Styling
In the Indonesian market, the Yaris Cross directly competes with the Hyundai Creta. The SUV is somewhat longer than the Creta, measuring 4,310mm in length. The wheelbase of the Toyota SUV is 2,620mm, which is 10mm longer than that of the Hyundai Creta. In terms of visual appeal, the Toyota Yaris Cross SUV sports a modern appearance. It has an upright front fascia and wraparound headlights, which give it a look reminiscent of the E60 BMW 5-Series. The SUV includes tall bumpers and a noticeable chin below its trapezoidal front grille, finished in gloss black. Additionally, there are vertically-positioned gloss black accented fog lamps. At the base of the front profile, a large skid plate is precisely positioned.
The Toyota Yaris Cross SUV's broad, squarish wheel arches with contrast black cladding and an upright top – which tapers slightly towards the back – give it a dynamic appearance. The Yaris Cross's rear end sports an edgy appearance with horizontally positioned taillights.
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: Interior
Speaking of the cabin, the Yaris Cross has a multi-layered dashboard. The centrepiece of the interior is a big free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. The instrument cluster is fully digital, while the central console contains several physical buttons and dials for different tasks.
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: Engine and Gearbox
The Toyota Yaris Cross SUV has both a gasoline-only and gasoline-hybrid drivetrain. It is powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-litre 2NR-VE petrol engine, which offers 138Nm of peak torque and 104bhp of maximum power. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor work together to power the petrol-hybrid model. The electric motor by itself is capable of producing 79bhp of peak power and 141Nm of maximum torque, while this petrol engine is capable of producing 90bhp and 121Nm. The SUV's transmission duties are handled by an e-CVT gearbox.
Will the new Toyota Yaris Cross Make its Way to India?
Toyota is relying largely on its collaboration with Suzuki for the sale of domestically and internationally exported vehicles, SUVs, and MPVs that are built in India. The new Yaris Cross SUV shares many characteristics with Toyota and Daihatsu vehicles offered in Indonesia and other ASEAN nations, although it bears little resemblance with Toyota SUVs offered in India, where it is unlikely to make a debut.
