DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross launched for ASEAN markets

Remember when Toyota Indonesia announced they will be launching a new crossover last week? We initially thought they were going to reveal the Urban Cruiser Hyryder for the ASEAN market. It turned out to be something completely different.

This is the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross, and it's actually different from the TNGA-based Yaris Cross in Europe and Japan. That's because this particular crossover is underpinned by the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) that's found in the all-new Vios, Raize, Wigo, Avanza, and Veloz.

Available with either a hybrid or internal combustion engine (ICE), the Yaris Cross for ASEAN markets is set to meet the demands of those looking to get a crossover that's bigger than the Raize but still smaller than the Corolla Cross.

Starting with its exterior, Toyota says the 2024 Yaris Cross features the Solid & Dynamic design language. It gets a chiseled and muscular exterior that is paired with distinct character lines that bring out the vehicle's unique appearance. The front fascia, meanwhile, appears to have been inspired by the Toyota Highlander. With its trapezoidal grille, wraparound LED headlights, sharp foglight bezels, and sporty front bumper, the all-new Yaris Cross is a looker.

Toyota Highlander for comparison

Size-wise, the Yaris Cross for ASEAN measures 4310mm long, 1770mm wide, 1615mm tall, and has a 2620mm wheelbase. It also has a turning radius of 5.2 meters which makes maneuvering along tight roads easier, as well as an approach angle of 19 degrees and a departure angle of 28 degrees.

Moving inside, and it's apparent that the 2024 Yaris Cross is based on the DNGA platform. With its horizontally laid-out dashboard, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen, sleek aircon vents, and stylish center stack, the Yaris Cross oozes function and style.

Other available features present inside the Yaris Cross include a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, fabric/leather upholstery, LED ambient lighting, a hands-free tailgate, an electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Yaris Cross is available with two engine options. First is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter 2NR-VE four-cylinder that's shared with the Vios. It makes 106 PS with 138 Nm of torque and can be coupled to a CVT or 5-speed manual transmission.

The other powertrain is the hybrid version and gets a 1.5-liter 2N-VEX. The engine alone makes a humble 91 PS with 121 Nm of torque while the electric motor provides an extra 80 PS with 141 Nm. It is then connected to a CVT and is assisted by a lithium-ion battery pack placed under the seat

When it comes to safety, the 2024 Yaris Cross gets a host of airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, ESP, and even Toyota Safety Sense.

With the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross set to go on sale in Indonesia very soon, can we expect the new crossover to make its way here in the Philippines? Watch this space for more.