DNGA-Based Toyota Yaris Cross Debuts in Indonesia – Future Perodua D66B?

PT Toyota Astra Motor (Toyota Indonesia) has expanded its subcompact inventory yesterday by launching the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross SUV. Mind you, this new B-segment SUV is a totally different car from the TNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross available in both European and Japanese markets, as this is a product specifically developed for the ASEAN regional markets.

2023 Toyota Yaris Cross (AC200)

Instead of TNGA, the Indonesian Yaris Cross underpins DNGA platform – the same platform used in many other Toyota models in the country. Measuring 4,310 MM long, 1,770 MM wide and a wheelbase of 2,620 MM, the Yaris Cross is one size above the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky/Perodua Ativa, which is 4,065 MM long, 1,710 MM wide with a wheelbase of 2,525 MM.

This, in turn, puts the Yaris Cross as Toyota’s ‘true’ B-segment SUV fighter, set to go against the likes of Honda HR-V and other segment rivals. For reference, the third-gen Honda HR-V stands 4,385 MM long, 1,790 MM wide with a wheelbase of 2,610 MM – not too far-off from Yaris Cross indeed.

Codenamed AC200, the Indonesian Yaris Cross will be available in six variants, with five of them powered by the marque’s ol’ reliable 2NR-VE 1.5-litre 4-cyl nat-asp mill rated at 105 HP and 138 NM – the same engine used in several Toyota models including the new Vios and Veloz MPV. This mill is mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic gearbox, depending on the variant.

The range-topping Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport Hybrid (HEV)

And no surprise, the Yaris Cross also features a single GR Sport hybrid (HEV) variant, powered exclusively by a series-parallel hybrid powertrain. This petrol hybrid setup comprises of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl nat-asp mill rated at 90 HP and 121 NM that is mated to a electric motor rated at 79 HP and 141 NM, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. With a CVT gearbox facilitating power transfer to its front axle (FWD), the Yaris Cross GR Sport Hybrid boasts a total system output of 110 HP, which is slightly lower than its EU sister.

Visually, the ASEAN-spec Yaris Cross sports a more angular front look compared to its European counterpart, thanks to the sharp LED headlights and the sizable trapezoidal-shaped front grille. Other angular parts include the triangular front fog lights surround, as well as the lower front bumper opening.

At the side part, the Yaris Cross comes standard with prominent underbody cladding, while its typical boxy SUV silhouette is complemented by the roof rails – giving it a more ‘off-roady’ look. And truthfully, Toyota claims this B-SUV can handle some light off-roading, thanks to its taller rocker panel height, as well as the 19-degree approach angle and 28-degree departure angle.

On board, the Yaris Cross is primed with a driver-focused cockpit layout with an asymmetrical central console that leans towards the driver’s side. Crowing above the central air vents is a sizable 10.1-inch touch infotainment screen with wireless mobile connectivity support (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), surrounded by sculpted front dash design wrapped in soft-touch material.

Drivers will get a smaller seven-inch digital instrument display with customisable layout, aside from powered seat adjustment and the familiar-looking steering wheel with multiple ADAS and media control buttons laid on them. Topping off the Yaris Cross cabin amenities list are the panoramic glass sunroof, ambient lighting, powered tailgate, and wireless charging pad.

On the safety front, the Yaris Cross comes equipped with standard passive safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD and VSC. As for the active safety features, this car is bestowed with the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite. You can expect features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and more to be available on the Yaris Cross.

Locally-assembled (CKD) in Toyota Indonesia’s Karawang plant, the Toyota Yaris Cross (AC200) is now for sale in Indonesia, with price starting at IDR 350 million (RM106,000 approx.) for the baseline Yaris Cross G-MT variant. Meanwhile, its range-topping GR Sport Hybrid variant commands a heftier price tag of IDR 460 million (RM140,000 approx.).

As for now, we can’t be sure whether UMW Toyota Motor is planning to bring the AC200 Yaris Cross into our market in the near future. But more importantly, this B-SUV could preview the heavily-rumoured new Perodua SUV model. 

Word around the campfire suggested that this new SUV model, codenamed D66B, is co-developed by both Perodua and Toyota that will sit above the Ativa in the marque’s current line-up. So far, there has been no confirmation by the local automaker regarding this matter. Should this rumour be true, then we can probably expect the ‘Perodua D66B’ will look similar to this newly-launched Yaris Cross.