The launch of the Toyota Yaris Cross in Malaysia is around the corner as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has dropped a teaser of the B-segment SUV on its social media channels. However, the twin to the Perodua Traz will likely be better equipped when launched here and might even have a hybrid powertrain under its
The launch of the Toyota Yaris Cross in Malaysia is around the corner as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has dropped a teaser of the B-segment SUV on its social media channels.
However, the twin to the Perodua Traz will likely be better equipped when launched here and might even have a hybrid powertrain under its Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform.
It should be noted as well that the Yaris Cross slated for Asean will be a different model than the one sold in Europe.
The Yaris Cross measures in at 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,615 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,525 mm. These figures are identical to the Traz save for the height, which the latter is 40 mm taller.
Apart from the teaser, little is known about the Yaris Cross, especially its powertrains. The Traz gets the 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol mill with 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque, sent to the front via Daihatsu’s D-CVT (Dual-Mode CVT). Over in Indonesia, the Yaris Cross sold there gets the same powertrain but with a five-speed manual option as well.
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Aside from that, Indonesia also gets a hybrid powertrain for the Yaris Cross. Here, the setup is powered by the 2NR-VEX naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre engine. On its own, it makes 91 PS and 121 Nm of torque, helped by an electric motor delivering 80 PS and 141 Nm of torque for a total system output rated at 111 PS. Sending power to the front is a CVT.
Once here, the Yaris Cross should be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS functions. These functions are glaringly omitted from the Traz, likely to not cannibalise Toyota sales. In a similar vein to the Veloz and Alza twins, the Yaris Cross will likely be priced higher to reflect its more premium positioning.
The local B-segment SUV market is already filled with planet of options, making the Yaris Cross’s late entry a challenging one but something that UMWT has definitely prepared for. Among its chief challengers will be the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Cherry Tiggo Cross, Jaecoo J5 and the recently launched Mitsubishi Xforce.