New SUV from Toyota is squarely aimed at the Hyundai Creta; is completely different from the Yaris Cross sold in Europe.
Toyota has taken the wraps off the all new Yaris Cross SUV that will go on sale in Indonesia first, and was previously previewed as the Urban Cruiser Icon. Not to be mistaken by the Yaris Cross SUV that is sold in Europe and a few other markets, the all-new SUV that has been unveiled today will be sold primarily in ASEAN regions.
- New Yaris Cross sits on DNGA modular platform
- Has nothing in common with the European-spec Yaris Cross
- Gets pure petrol, petrol hybrid engine options
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: What exactly is it?
This all-new SUV from Toyota sits on the modular DNGA platform (a low cost derivative of the tech laden Toyota TNGA architecture) that underpins multiple cars, SUVs and MPVs in the Indonesian and ASEAN region. Key models that sit on this platform are the Toyota Avanza MPV, the latest-gen Yaris sedan (successor to the Yaris that was sold in India) and the popular Toyota Raize SUV.
The new Yaris Cross SUV sits above the Toyota Raize and wil be a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta in markets like Indonesia. The Yaris Cross is 4310mm long which makes it a tad longer than the Creta. It get a 2620mm wheelbase which is again 10mm longer than the Creta.
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: exterior and interior styling
The Yaris Cross SUV gets fresh yet familiar looks comprising of an upright nose which is slightly angled towards the front, flanked by stylish wraparound headlamps that actually look a tad similar to the E60 BMW 5-series. The bumper is tall and has a prominent chin that sits below the trapezoidal grille replete with gloss black treatment. The fog lamp inserts are rectangular bits placed vertically and add to the SUVs looks. On the sides, the SUV has as simple yet butch looking stance with large squarish wheel arches outlined with decent amount of contrast black cladding. The front and rear door look large and there is a small quarter glass on the aft of the rear door just ahead of the slightly slanted D-pillar. The roof is quite upright and tapers just slightly at the back to give that sporty effect. At the back, the Yaris Cross has quite an angular look with sharp looking horizontally placed taillamps and a flat-ish tailgate. The overall look of the Yaris Cross, especially from the back looks a lot like the larger and globally popular Corolla Cross SUV. On the inside, the Yaris Cross SUV gets a five-seat cabin and minimalistic dashboard design which is similar to the latest-gen Yaris sedan sold overseas.
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: powertrain options
The Yaris Cross SUV gets a 104hp, 138Nm 2NR VE 1.5-liter four cylinder pure petrol engine. The second engine option is the petrol hybrid 2NR-VEX engine that delivers 80hp and 141Nm and 90hp and 121Nm from the electric motor.
Toyota Yaris Cross SUV: will it come to India?
Toyota is banking heavily on its partnership with Suzuki for made-in-India cars, SUVs and MPVs sold locally and for exports. While the new Yaris Cross SUV has a lot in common with Toyota and Daihatsu models sold in Indonesia and other ASEAN regions, it has hardly anything similar with the Toyota SUVs sold in India and thus, is not expected to be launched here. Toyota’s arch rival to the Creta, for the Indian market is the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV which already has a decent order backlog.
Additionally, Toyota India, already has its hands full with the rising demand of the of the Innova Hycross and the reintroduced Innova Crysta as all these vehicles already have a massive order backlog which is currently being catered to.