DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross rumoured for Indonesia, replacing Toyota Rush?
CY Foong · Sep 9, 2022 04:20 PM
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As cool as the Toyota Yaris Cross is in looks, unfortunately, the SUV that’s built on the TNGA-B platform is unlikely to make it into most markets in Southeast Asia including Malaysia. But don’t lose hope just yet because according to some sources, the name might be applied to an entirely different model that seems to be unique for the region.
An unnamed source told Indonesia’s OtoDriver that the Yaris Cross name could be introduced in the country and it would be completely different from the one sold in Europe, Japan, and Singapore.
The source said that the Indonesian-bound Yaris Cross would be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. Specifically, DNGA-B which also underpins the newly-launched Yaris Ativ/Vios as well as the Toyota Veloz and Perodua Alza.
Aside from a different structure underneath, the source also told the Indonesian publication that there could also be some significant differences in terms of design. This is a similar approach to both the TNGA Yaris and the Vios-based Yaris.
OtoDriver also speculates that the DNGA Yaris Cross could be built by Toyota in Indonesia instead of Daihatsu alongside the Veloz. Though the DNGA platform points to a FWD layout that seems to be the clue in replacing the current Rush/Terios, it’s probably unlikely that this is the droid replacement you’re looking for.
The next-gen Rush/Terios would maintain the 7-seat layout as the current generation and it sounds like the DNGA Yaris Cross could very well be a sub-compact 5-seater SUV that might slot above the Toyota Raize.
Though the rumoured DNGA Yaris Cross might be bound for the archipelago, it might be offered overseas too including across the Straits of Malacca to Malaysia. Perhaps as a Perodua?
Besides 7-seaters, SUVs are also seeing a sales boom in Indonesia and Toyota seems to be banking on this trend. The Japanese giant is currently offering 7 SUV models in Indonesia; could the DNGA Yaris Cross be number 8?
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.