Nothing seems to be appealing Thai buyers like a subcompact SUV especially if it bears a Toyota badge. According to Autolife Thailand, the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross received 5,168 orders within a week of its launch, far exceeding the projected sales target of 2,000 units a month.

Sitting on the DNGA platform like the all-new AC100 Vios, the Yaris Cross for the developing markets has been a hit in Indonesia and it seems Thai buyers are sharing the sentiment. The Thai-spec Yaris Cross is assembled locally (CKD) in the Kingdom at the Gateway Plant in Chachoengsao alongside the Vios which is sold there as the Yaris Ativ.

Just like the Thai-spec Honda HR-V, the Yaris Cross is only available in Thailand with a petrol-hybrid unit. The system combines a naturally aspirated (NA) 1.5-litre 2NR-VEX 4-cylinder engine (91 PS/121 Nm) with an electric motor (80 PS/121 Nm).

Also read: Price equals up to RM 115k, 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross launched in Thailand; 1.5L hybrid-only, TSS

There are three variants offered for the Yaris Cross in Thailand which are priced between THB 789,000 to THB 899,000 (~RM 101k-115k). By comparison, the Honda HR-V starts from THB 979,000 (~RM 128k).

A 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, automatic air-conditioning, and a 7-inch driver digital display are offered as standard along with 6 airbags on all 3 variants of the Yaris Cross in Thailand.

A panoramic sunroof is only available on the highest Premium Luxury variant as well as a 6-speaker Pioneer audio system, a 360-degree camera, and a kick-activated tailgate.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, there have been rumours that the Yaris Cross could be the basis for Perodua’s upcoming second SUV model, currently codenamed D66B. If the rumours are true, perhaps we might see the Yaris Cross be given a similar treatment as the Perodua Alza/Toyota Veloz and expect a launch in 2024.

Also read: What other new Perodua models to launch in 2023? D66B SUV? This is the CEO's answer