DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross rumoured for Indonesia, replacing Toyota Rush?

As cool as the Toyota Yaris Cross is in looks, unfortunately, the SUV that’s built on the TNGA-B platform is unlikely to make it into most markets in Southeast Asia including Malaysia. But don’t lose hope just yet because according to some sources, the name might be applied to an entirely different model that seems to be unique for the region.

An unnamed source told Indonesia’s OtoDriver that the Yaris Cross name could be introduced in the country and it would be completely different from the one sold in Europe, Japan, and Singapore.

The source said that the Indonesian-bound Yaris Cross would be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. Specifically, DNGA-B which also underpins the newly-launched Yaris Ativ/Vios as well as the Toyota Veloz and Perodua Alza.

Also read: The Perodua-Daihatsu developed DNGA-based 2023 Toyota Vios makes you want to buy the current one

Aside from a different structure underneath, the source also told the Indonesian publication that there could also be some significant differences in terms of design. This is a similar approach to both the TNGA Yaris and the Vios-based Yaris.

OtoDriver also speculates that the DNGA Yaris Cross could be built by Toyota in Indonesia instead of Daihatsu alongside the Veloz. Though the DNGA platform points to a FWD layout that seems to be the clue in replacing the current Rush/Terios, it’s probably unlikely that this is the droid replacement you’re looking for.

Also read: Toyota Rush rumoured to be replaced by a FWD 7-seater - could it be a jacked-up Veloz?

The next-gen Rush/Terios would maintain the 7-seat layout as the current generation and it sounds like the DNGA Yaris Cross could very well be a sub-compact 5-seater SUV that might slot above the Toyota Raize.

Though the rumoured DNGA Yaris Cross might be bound for the archipelago, it might be offered overseas too including across the Straits of Malacca to Malaysia. Perhaps as a Perodua?

Also read: The D66B Perodua B-SUV could be a Myvi Cross, twins with ASEAN specs DNGA Yaris Cross

Besides 7-seaters, SUVs are also seeing a sales boom in Indonesia and Toyota seems to be banking on this trend. The Japanese giant is currently offering 7 SUV models in Indonesia; could the DNGA Yaris Cross be number 8?

Also read: Toyota Yaris Cross design patent registered in Indonesia but is it Indo bound?