Here comes another compact vehicle from Toyota. This is the Yaris Cross that comes hot on the heels of the Corolla Cross. Yes, this is two different vehicles if you are thinking they look relatively the same. The Corolla Cross was launched as a local assembled vehicle for the Thailand market in July 2020 and there were hints that it would soon arrive in Malaysia.
The Corolla Cross is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, specifically the GA-B platform. This is the same platform as the Corolla Altis sedan and CH-R. The styling however, follows many of the cues set by the 5th generation Toyota RAV4 with squared wheel arches and thick body cladding.
The very latest Yaris hatchback was released in Japan February 2020 and this is a newer version of the Yaris over the Yaris model that is currently sold in Malaysia. Sized to compete with the Proton X50 and Perodua’s upcoming ‘Rocky’ crossover, this latest Toyota Crossover might not arrive in Malaysia as it will probably be the Corolla Cross that will be launched in Malaysia.
This is why middle class Malaysian car buyers will always be left with less choices to choose from as the ‘national’ car programs will prevent immediate competitors from being launched due to customized tax incentives that will not work in the favor of NON-National car brands.
Take the Daihatsu Taft crossover which was launched in Japan recently with an impressive 18,000 units sold in just the first month. This compact fun sized vehicle uses a 658cc 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 51hp or a mighty 63hp if the turbo option is ticked. Both engines are mated to a CVT transmission that either drives only the front wheels or all four wheels on select models. Starting at just 1,353,000 yen (about RM53,500) this would have been a hit with young single Malaysian drivers and some one child families. Think about it, this could be the replacement model for the ageing and forgotten Perodua Kenari.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has just announced today, 31st August 2020, the release of the Yaris Cross, a new-model compact SUV. The Yaris Cross will be available through Toyota dealers nationwide immediately.
The development of the new-generation Yaris Cross aims to pursue new value as a compact SUV that not only offers convenience but also carries on the nimble driving, advanced security and safety technology, and superior fuel economy features of the Yaris series.
Specifically, as with the Yaris, the all-new Yaris Cross is Toyota’s first compact vehicle to adopt the TNGA platform (GA-B). As a package that can make full use of this performance, in addition to the “condensed” design, the new model features lean, well-balanced and refined proportions that express the robustness and presence unique to an SUV. Although a compact SUV, the Yaris Cross offers easy-to-use and uncompromising luggage room that supports the active lifestyle of its driver and passengers.
A 4WD (four-wheel drive) system affords a seamless driving performance for a wide range of activities from urban driving to leisure activities. The gasoline-powered model is loaded with functions that offer a satisfying SUV driving performance, including ‘Multi-terrain Select’ that allows the driver to choose between three modes to adjust to road surface conditions. Toyota is also offering HEV models featuring the E-Four (electric 4WD system) for the first time on a compact car. Furthermore, the hybrid variant achieves world-class, top level fuel economy for its class (2WD, 30.8 km/L*1 in WLTC mode) that surpasses what is the typical performance of an SUV.
For security and safety technologies, Toyota Safety Sense, the company’s newest active safety package, comes as a standard feature (excluding X “B package”). The decision from Toyota to equip the all-new vehicle with Toyota’s latest technologies and features came following the Yaris because many consumers choose to drive compact class cars. This includes Toyota Teammate*2 Advanced Park, an advanced driving support system, including Full Speed Range Radar Cruise Control that supports driving behind another car and an Adaptive Hi-beam System (AHS).
The Yaris Cross renews the traditional concept of a compact SUV, including its driving performance, convenience and safety functions. It will provide new value as an urban-type SUV imbued with the individuality and lifestyle of the driver and its passengers.
*1 As evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. WLTC (World Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle) is an internationally recognized test cycle, and is based on average usage ratios for urban, suburban, and highway driving. 30.8 kilometers per liter is the fuel efficiency for the HYBRID X grade.
*2 A general term for intelligent driving support technologies for highways, which was developed based on the Mobility Teammate Concept. This is Toyota’s automated driving concept in which the car and driver act as partners, without the system taking over the driving, or as being a simple alternative to a human driver.
Sales Outline
Monthly sales target for Japan is 4,100 units. The KINTO ONE*3 “beloved car” subscription service allows customers to complete the entire purchasing process online, from requesting a quote, submitting the application to concluding the contract. It is available from just 21,010 yen (incl. tax) monthly*4 if using the seven-year lease plan with added bonus payments.
