Toyota Yaris Cross DNGA

Toyota Yaris Cross launched in Thailand; 1.5L hybrid only; from RM101k – Perodua D66B in Malaysia soon?

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 9 October 2023 4:13 pm / 33 comments
The Toyota Yaris Cross, which first debuted in Indonesia, has been launched in Thailand, with three variants being offered to customers there. All of them come with a hybrid powertrain, and the line-up starts with the base HEV Smart priced at 789,000 baht (RM100,637), which is followed by the HEV Premium at 849,000 baht (RM108,290) and the range-topping HEV Premium Luxury at 899,000 baht (RM114,668).

In terms of size, the Yaris Cross is comparable to the current Honda HR-V and much larger than the Perodua Ativa. Here are the official dimensions listed in the Thailand brochure:
- Length: 4,310 mm
- Width: 1,770 mm
- Height: 1,615 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,620 mm
- Ground clearance: 210 mm
- Minimum turning radius: 5.2 metres
As mentioned at the start, every variant of the Yaris Cross sold in Thailand is a hybrid with an electric motor, and the specifications of the front-wheel drive powertrain are as follows:
- Engine: 2NR-VEX 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol (E20-compliant)
- Engine output: 91 PS (90 hp or 67 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 121 Nm from 4,000-4,800 rpm
- Transmission: E-CVT, FWD
- Electric motor output: 80 PS (79 hp or 59 kW) and 141 Nm
- Total system output: 111 PS (110 hp or 82 kW)
- Hybrid battery: 4.3 Ah lithium-ion
- Rated fuel economy: 26.3 km/l
- Fuel tank capacity: 36 litres
Regardless of variant, the Yaris Cross comes equipped with front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam (with coil springs and stabiliser), while disc brakes are deployed all around. In terms of the individual kit list for each variant, the HEV Smart comes with automatic LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED DRLs, LED front fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and synthetic leather seat upholstery.

The list continues with keyless entry and engine start, a 10.1-inch touchscreen head unit (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a six-speaker sound system, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an electronic parking brake, automatic air-conditioning (with PM2.5 filter and rear vents), ABS, EBD, brake assist, VSC, traction control, hill start assist, six airbags, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and three drive modes (Power, Normal and Eco).

The HEV Premium builds upon the HEV Smart by adding 17-inch brushed two-tone alloys, silver roof rails, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, seat upholstery featuring Quole Modure to reduce head buildup, two front parking sensors and a front-facing dashcam.

The mid-spec option also brings with it the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes front departure alert, pedal misoperation control, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, all-speed adaptive cruise control, pre-collision safety (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning and automatic high beam.

Moving on to the top-spec HEV Premium Luxury, this variant gets the same goodies as the HEV Premium, but with the addition of 18-inch polished dual-tone alloys, welcome lamps on the side mirrors, a fixed panoramic roof with powered curtain, a six-speaker Pioneer sound system, a Qi wireless charging pad, a powered tailgate with hands-free access, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a rear-facing dashcam and a panoramic view monitor.

Customers in Thailand have no shortage of cost options when ordering their Yaris Cross, and for the HEV Smart, the catalogue includes special colours (Dark Turquoise, Platinum White Pearl and Spicy Scarlet) that are an additional 7,000 baht (RM893). No-cost colours are Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Urban Metal.

The HEV Smart’s hues are also shared with the HEV Premium, although the latter is also offered with two-tone options featuring a black roof, which are Platinum White Pearl for an additional 12,000 baht (RM1,530) and Metal Stream Metallic for 8,000 baht (RM1,020).

The HEV Premium’s Luxury range of options is even larger, as this variant can be ordered with either a black or grey/black interior. Go with the all-black cabin and the exterior themes offered include the no-cost Metal Stream Metallic and Urban Metal, while cost options are Spicy Scarlet (7,000 baht or RM893), Spicy Scarlet/black roof (12,000 baht or RM1,530) as well as Metal Stream Metallic/black roof (8,000 baht or RM1,020)

With the grey/black cabin, the sole no-cost option is Attitude Black Mica, while everything else will be a paid add-on. They include Dark Turquoise and Platnium White Pearl (7,000 baht or RM893) as well as Dark Turquoise/black roof and Platinum White Pearl/black roof (12,000 baht or RM1,530).

Aside from the colours, the Yaris Cross can also be ordered with two accessory packages, including the Urban Sport at 15,200 baht (RM1,938) and Modellista at 22,900 baht (RM2,919). Both add a body kit to the B-SUV, with the former also introducing additional garnishes throughout the exterior.

The Yaris Cross is an important model to keep our eye on because it has been reported that the DNGA-based model serves as a preview for Perodua’s long-rumoured B-segment SUV positioned above the Ativa. It has been suggested by Kenanga Research that the model (currently codenamed D66B) will enter the market early next year.

Are you impressed by the specifications of the Yaris Cross in Thailand? It certainly makes for a good competitor to the HR-V, don’t you think? For now, there’s no word from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) whether or not the Yaris Cross will come to Malaysia, and Perodua is keeping on the proposed D66B. In any case, share your thoughts on the Yaris Cross in the comments below.

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross (Thailand market)

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross HEV Premium Luxury (Thailand market)

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross HEV Premium (Thailand market)

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Urban Sport package (Thailand market)

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Modellista package (Thailand market)

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Thailand launch event
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GIIAS 2023: Toyota Yaris Cross – B-SUV directly takes on Honda HR-V, previews Perodua’s D66B ‘Nexis’?

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Danny Tan / 10 August 2023 6:00 pm / 27 comments

This is our first look at the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross, which made its Indonesian debut in June. Our ASEAN neighbour is the manufacturing hub for this all-new model, and will be exporting it to various to Asian and South American markets. Perhaps not to Malaysia though, if the rumours of Perodua coming up with its own version of this B-segment SUV is true.

Yes, it’s yet another SUV in Toyota’s ASEAN range, which until not long ago was lacking in crossovers. Where to peg it? At 4,310 mm long and 1,770 mm wide, the Yaris Cross is in the ballpark of the Honda HR-V, which is 4,330-4,385 mm long and 1,790 mm wide. The Toyota’s 2,620 mm wheelbase is 10 mm longer than the Honda’s, and its 210 mm of ground clearance is higher than the HR’V’s GC, which tops out at 196 mm.

This means that the Yaris Cross can go head-to-head with the HR-V, something that the smaller Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky/Perodua Ativa can’t, as it’s a fair bit smaller. By right, the Corolla Cross, which is a price point rival to the popular Honda in Malaysia, is a C-segment crossover. It’s all a bit confusing, but I guess the more bullets you shoot, the more likely you are to hit a target.

Three variants are offered to Indonesians, starting with the G that goes for Rp 351 million (RM105,688), followed by the S at Rp 407.7 million (RM122,761) and the range-topping S HV at Rp 440.6 million (RM132,667).

For the G and S, power comes from a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that makes 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque. The DOHC Dual VVT-i 2NR-VE sends drive to the front wheels via a CVT automatic, with the G getting an option of a five-speed manual. The stick shift option is unusual to us, but not Indonesia.

The S HV is a hybrid that features an Atkinson cycle 1.5 litre NA engine with 91 PS/121 Nm. The 2NR-VEX is paired ton an e-motor rated at 80 PS/141 Nm. The hybrid’s 36L fuel tank is smaller than the regular 42L, but it has an extra lithium-ion battery onboard.

As for kit, the G gets 17-inch alloys (215/60 tyres), LED headlamps, front fog lamps, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.0-inch infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, manual air-con, fabric upholstery, six airbags, blind spot monitoring, hill start assist, front/rear parking sensors and rear cross traffic alert.

The S adds on 18-inch alloys (215/55 tyres), a powered tailgate with hands-free access, powered driver’s seat, paddle shifters, drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power), dashcam, leather, automatic air-con, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, pedal misoperation control and a panoramic view monitor. Toyota Safety Sense ADAS and auto high beam starts from here.

The flagship S HV variant further adds on a panoramic glass roof with powered sunshade, hybrid-specific displays for the infotainment system, a wireless phone charger and ambient lighting. Toyota Astra Motor also offers a GR Parts Aero Package that adds a front grille garnish, rear bumper garnish and rear ducktail spoiler – these are fitted on the Platinum White Pearl and Spicy Scarlet examples you see here.

Word is that Perodua is developing a ‘D66B’ SUV a.k.a. Nexis that will be bigger and pricier than the Ativa – if so, how accurate a preview is the Yaris Cross? I quite like the junior RAV4 looks, you?

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Cross at GIIAS 2023

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross, Indonesia spec

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2023 Toyota Yaris Cross launched in Indonesia – 1.5L NA and hybrid; AEB, ACC; B-SUV priced fr RM109k

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 14 June 2023 10:07 am / 31 comments

The Toyota Yaris Cross has been launched in Indonesia, one month after its ASEAN debut in the country. Three variants are offered to customers there, starting with the G Type that retails at 351 million rupiah (RM109k), which is then followed by the S Type at IDR407.7 million (RM126.7k) and the range-topping S HV Type at IDR440.6 million (RM136.9k).

For the G and S, motivation comes from a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 106 PS (105 hp or 78 kW) and 138 Nm of torque. The DOHC Dual VVT-i mill sends drive to the front wheels via a CVT automatic, with the G gaining an additional option of a five-speed manual.

Meanwhile, the S HV is the only hybrid variant in the line-up and features an Atkinson cycle 2NR-VEX 1.5 litre NA four-cylinder with 91 PS (90 hp or 67 kW) and 121 Nm. This setup is automatic-only and includes an electric traction motor that is rated at 80 PS (79 hp or 59 kW) and 141 Nm, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery. It should be noted the hybrid variant’s fuel tank capacity is 36 litres, which is less than the pure internal combustion options that pack 42 litres.

In terms of dimensions, the Yaris Cross measures 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. This places Toyota’s SUV in the ballpark of the current Honda HR-V that is 4,330-4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. The Yaris Cross also has more ground clearance at 210 mm compared to the HR-V that ranges from 183 to 196 mm depending on variant (following Malaysian specifications).

All variants of the Yaris Cross in Indonesia have a turning radius of 5.2 metres and come equipped with electric power steering (EPS), tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, front MacPherson struts, a rear torsion beam as well as front and rear disc brakes.

As for standard equipment, the G gets 17-inch alloy wheels (with 215/60 profile tyres), LED headlamps, front fog lamps, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a nine-inch Display Audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), manual air-conditioning, fabric upholstery six airbags, blind spot monitoring, hill start assist, vehicle stability control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, front and rear parking sensors and rear cross traffic alert.

The S improves upon the base variant by gaining 18-inch alloys (with 215/55 profile tyres), a powered tailgate with hands-free access, a powered driver’s seat, paddle shifters, selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal and Power), a dashcam, leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, a 10.1-inch Display Audio system, pedal misoperation control and a panoramic view monitor.

Also on is the Toyota Safety Sense suite which includes systems like Pre-Collision Warning and Braking (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Control and Automatic High Beam.

At the very top, the S HV gets the same features as the S, but with improvements to the kit list so it includes a panoramic glass roof with powered sunshade, hybrid-specific displays for the infotainment system, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting,

PT Toyota-Astra Motor also offers the GR Parts Aero Package for the S and S HV, which adds a front grille garnish, rear bumper garnish and rear ducktail spoiler. Other optional accessories that are available include a cargo net, air purifier, and for the G, a dashcam.

All variants can be ordered in Super White II, Greenish Gunmetal, Attitude Black Mica and Dark Red, but only the non-hybrids have the additional option of Silver Metallic. The S specifically gets two additional hues that are exclusive to the variant, which are Platinum White Pearl and Spicy Scarlet, while the S HV is the only one to be offered with two-tone paint schemes of Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic and Spicy Scarlet, all paired with an Attitude Black Mica roof.

The introduction of the Yaris Cross (reportedly codenamed D03B) is notable because it is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which is also used for the Raize in Indonesia and Perodua Ativa in Malaysia. It’s been rumoured that Perodua is working on a B-segment SUV that will sit above the Ativa, which is reportedly codenamed D66B (the name Nexis has been thrown around).

If such a model does come into existence, the Yaris Cross would serve as a preview of what to expect. Are you impressed by the Indonesian-spec Yaris Cross?

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Indonesian brochure

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross world debut

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2023 Toyota Yaris Cross debuts in Indonesia – DNGA B-SUV; 1.5 litre NA, hybrid; previews Perodua D66B?

In Cars, Global Car Launches, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 15 May 2023 4:20 pm / 61 comments

The Toyota Yaris Cross has made its official ASEAN debut in Indonesia as a new B-segment SUV positioned above the Raize, which is the sister car to the Perodua Ativa we have here as well as the Daihatsu Rocky.

Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the Yaris Cross measures 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,620 mm. That makes it larger than the Ativa, which is 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, 1,635 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,525 mm.

If the name sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of the other Yaris Cross that is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) sold in Europe and Japan. That version is smaller than the ASEAN one presented today, measuring in at 4,180 mm, 1,765 mm, 1,560 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm.

Toyota touts a rocker panel height of 260 mm, an approach angle of 19 degrees and a departure angle of 28 degrees, which it claims makes the Yaris Cross suitable as a light off-roader. For something more relevant to everyday driving, the SUV has a turning radius of 5.2 metres.

The ASEAN Yaris Cross differs in terms of design from its identically-named counterpart as it features more angular elements on its face, represented by the headlamps and fog lamp surrounds. Other highlights of the ‘Solid & Dynamic’ approach include a large trapezoidal-shaped grille, slim two-piece taillights, available a two-tone paint schemes as well as obligatory body cladding.

Inside, you’ll find a sculpted dashboard and an asymmetrical centre console, the latter contributing to a driver-focused cockpit. A large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits above the central air vents, with the air-conditioning controls placed below the latter near the gear selector. Toyota says the cabin some with soft-padded panels, a customisable seven-inch digital instrument panel and enough boot space to hold up four large suitcases.

Available equipment for the Yaris Cross include a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity, a powered tailgate with hands-free access, a powered driver’s seat, a wireless charger, T intouch telematics, six airbags, an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), a panoramic view monitor, a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, passive safety systems (VSC, ABS, EBD) as well as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems.

In terms of powertrains, the Yaris Cross will be offered with two petrol-powered options. The first is the 2NR-VE that is also used by the latest Vios, and the 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit serves up 106 PS (105 hp or 78 kW) and 138 Nm of torque, with a CVT or five-speed manual used to drive the front wheels.

The second option is more interesting as it is a hybrid system featuring an Atkinson cycle 2NR-VEX 1.5 litre normally aspirated four-cylinder engine making 91 PS (90 hp or 67 kW) and 121 Nm. This setup is CVT-only and includes an electric motor that is rated at 80 PS (79 hp or 59 kW) and 141 Nm, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery – a first for a hybrid Toyota vehicle in Indonesia. The electric motor is beefy enough to move the car on electric mode with the engine shut off, so this is a full hybrid and not just a ‘mild’ hybrid.

For now, there’s no official pricing of the Yaris Cross in Indonesia, but the model is expected to be launched soon. There will be various colours available – Super White 2, Silver Metallic, Greenish Gunmetal, Altitude Black Mica, Dark Red, Platinum Pearl White Premium and Scarlet Premium. You can also have it with a dual-tone paintjob, where you can have the body done in either Silver Metallic, Scarlet Premium and Platinum Pearl White Premium with an Altitude Black Mica roof.

The introduction of the Yaris Cross (reportedly codenamed D03B) is notable as it has been heavily rumoured that Perodua is working on a new SUV (codenamed D66B; rumoured to be called the Nexis) that will sit above the Ativa in its line-up.

So far, there has been no confirmation from Perodua that it plans to launch such a model, but if it turns out to be true, the Yaris Cross is a good indicator of what we can expect.

As far as first impressions go, what do you think of the Yaris Cross?

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