Since its global debut in Indonesia in May, the DNGA-based 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross has made its way to some of its neighbours in Southeast Asia including Cambodia and the Philippines. Thailand is its next destination as it was reported that the compact crossover would be launched on 5 October 2023.

According to Autolife Thailand, the Yaris Cross would only be offered with a 1.5-litre hybrid engine. It seems the 1.5-litre petrol variants are not likely to make their way into the Kingdom for now.

The Yaris Cross Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 2NR-VEX petrol unit that makes 91 PS and 121 Nm working in tandem with an electric motor (80 PS/141 Nm). This system is paired with an E-CVT automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels.

Although the Yaris Cross’ production hub is in Indonesia, the Thai-spec compact crossover is reportedly assembled (CKD) in the Kingdom according to Autolife Thailand.

Also read: Made-in-Indonesia Toyota hybrids see increasing appeal in international markets

In the archipelago, the Yaris Cross Hybrid outsold its petrol-powered counterpart with the variant accounting for 86.5% of the model’s total sales in July.

Also read: Toyota Yaris Cross outsold HR-V in Indonesia in July 2023 but it's not the best-selling SUV that month

Details for the Thai-spec Yaris Cross Hybrid will only be revealed later during its launch but it could be similarly equipped as the Indonesian variant. In Indonesia, the Yaris Cross is offered with:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate with kick sensor
• 7-inch TFT instrument panel
• 10.1-inch infotainment display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS

The Thai publication also reported that the Yaris Cross Hybrid could be priced below THB 1 million (~RM 131k). Its chief rival, the Honda HR-V is priced between THB 979,000 to THB 1.179 million (~RM 129k-155k) which is only available as a hybrid in the Kingdom.

Also read: Even though Toyota pioneered hybrid cars, it's Honda that are winning over Thais

As for Malaysia, the Yaris Cross’ arrival won’t be so soon as it is rumoured that Perodua’s upcoming SUV, codenamed D66B, might be based on it. Perodua’s President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, has also confirmed that there will be no more new launches in 2023 so perhaps its arrival might be in 2024?

Also read: What other new Perodua models to launch in 2023? D66B SUV? This is the CEO's answer