In the Philippines, the Toyota Vios and Yaris are known to be practically twins. They share the same engines and underpinnings, and the only difference is that the Vios is a four-door sedan, while the Yaris is a five-door hatchback.
Based on our insiders, that narrative could soon change, as Toyota Motor Philippines is expected to add another crossover called the Yaris Cross this year. While TMP has remained mum about this, our sources say the stylish crossover will likely be launched by Q1 this year.
The Yaris Cross we're talking about is a completely separate model from the new Vios, as it is made in Japan and utilizes the TNGA-B platform, unlike the new Vios that has the DNGA platform, and is made in the ASEAN region.
But apparently, the latest bit of information we've come across looks like the new DNGA Vios will follow in the footsteps of the TNGA-B Yaris in having its own crossover counterpart.
As we all know, Toyota already has a B-segment crossover for the ASEAN market with the Raize, which is underpinned by the DNGA platform. But according to our friends at headlightmag, Toyota Motor Thailand is reportedly working on another B-segment crossover for emerging markets under the project code D03B, and will be based on the new DNGA Vios.
Moreover, the Vios-based crossover could prove to be a step higher than the Raize in Toyota's model lineup, as it could be offered with either a pure 1.5-liter gasoline engine, or a 1.5-liter e-Smart hybrid that has practically the same working principle as that of Nissan's e-Power technology.
According to reports, the launch schedule in Thailand for the Vios-based crossover is likely to take place around the third or fourth quarter of 2023. The question now is, will it be offered, or even be made here in the Philippines alongside the new DNGA Vios? Or will it be reserved for right-hand-drive markets like Honda's WR-V?
In addition, the model name remains undefined as of this writing. If anything, it's likely to cause a lot of confusion especially if Toyota Thailand names it the Yaris Cross. So would it be the Vios Cross instead? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Headlightmag
