Toyota Yaris Cross Coming To Malaysia This Year?

Word from the grapevine is that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) could introduce the DNGA-based Yaris Cross model in Malaysia this year.

According our fellow industry colleagues at local Mandarin automotive portal AutoMachi.com, they’ve reported that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will expand its line-up this year by introducing the new Toyota Yaris Cross crossover SUV.

The site does not verify its source on the matter, noting instead of a possible launch sometime between Sept and Oct this year. The same report further indicates that the crossover SUV offering will be locally assembled (CKD) as well – presumably at UMWT’s Bukit Raja facility alongside the Veloz and Vios.

A local source reports that this larger-sized twin to the Ativa/Rocky/Raize could arrive in Malaysia anytime between Sept and Oct this year as a CKD offering.

This is a fairly interesting development following the fallout of the Daihatsu Scandal that also affected second national carmaker Perodua. As a refresher, the scandal revolved largely around internal malpractices related to crash-testing involving models based on the DNGA platform.

Should this pan out as reported, this mid-sized crossover SUV offering based on said Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) should arrive with a Toyota badge first before we eventually see its reported Perodua-badged twin – the D66B or ‘Nexis’ model we tracked prior.

The same source reportedly alleges that a starting price of around RM100,000 for the Yaris Cross could be announced thanks to CKD status.

Moreover, the same report also predicts that this new Toyota offering could enter the local market with a starting price of around RM100,000 thanks to CKD status via its localisation mentioned. However, this possibility remains to be seen still given the current global and regional economic state.

Developed with the ASEAN market in mind, the Yaris Cross model sits 4,310 MM long with a 2,620 wheelbase, 1,770 MM wide, 1,615 MM Tall, and boasts a 210 MM ground clearance. As a result, the Yaris Cross stands slightly larger the similar-platformed Perodua Ativa/Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky.

For Malaysia, UMWT is expected to debut the Yaris Cross with a hybrid (HEV) powertrain option alongside a traditional ICE-powered choice, both offering similar 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill bases.

AutoMachi.com’s report further adds that UMWT will offer the Yaris Cross locally with two petrol powertrain options – one traditional combustion (ICE) type alongside an electrified hybrid (HEV) alternative. The model is marketed in neighbouring - Thailand and Indonesia - markets with both powertrain options too.

The ICE-powered option appears straightforward featuring a 1.5-litre 4-cyl mill with 104 HP and 138 NM outputs plus CVT automatic box setup. The hybrid (HEV) instead adopts a series-parallel hybrid setup featuring both a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill and a compact e-motor and battery with an e-CVT box outputting 109 HP and 138 NM.

Though based on the same DNGA platform base, expect the Yaris Cross - and its supposed Perodua-badged twin that's now delayed - to offer a slightly larger and more spacious package on board.

The Yaris Cross is also widely tipped to enter the local market featuring the TSS ADAS suite primed as standard. 

Both options are touted as low-emissions, high-efficiency units by Toyota, promising smooth operation and performance without compromising on fuel economy over long distances. Also, unlike the smaller Ativa/Raize/Rocky, the Yaris Cross is set to offer a larger-sized package with a 390-litre boot.

That aside, the Yaris Cross is also expected to offer things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with the a slew of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features via the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite. Expect both to come as standard equipment in the Yaris Cross too.

Expect other key amenities such as Apple CarPlay and Android auto to come as standard kit in the Yaris Cross.

For now, your guesses on both price and launch date is as good as ours, and but we’ll know for sure should UMWT announces it in the reported launch window mentioned. In the meantime, would you fancy this slightly larger but electrified and better-kitted twin to the Ativa? Hit the comments below…

Source: AutoMachi.com