As reported a few times, the upcoming Indonesia-bound 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross will be different to the existing model sold in developed markets like Europe, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. It also seems that the Indo-spec Yaris Cross is getting ready to start production by the first half of the year.
Based on a scoop obtained by OtoDriver, the DNGA-based Yaris Cross is said to start production in June 2023. Furthermore, the source also informed the Indonesian automotive publication that the upcoming Yaris Cross will be replacing the Toyota Rush.
Unit shown is from the MY-spec Vios
The source also told the publication that the Indo-spec Yaris Cross could be powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine that is also found in the all-new AC100 Toyota Vios and the Toyota Avanza. Power output for the 2NR-VE is rated to produce between 102-105 PS and 136 Nm-140 Nm depending on the application.
Yet, when OtoDriver asked Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) for comment, Toyota remained mum and simply replied “Hopefully, there will be more models in store in the future.”
TNGA Yaris Cross shown
Though they both share the same name, the upcoming Yaris Cross that will be introduced in Indonesia will be completely different from the existing Yaris Cross. For one, the Indo-market Yaris Cross will be built on a Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform as opposed to the existing one that is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
Still, the possibility of the Yaris Cross eventually replacing the Rush might hold water. The current Rush and Terios have been on sale since 2017 but remain popular in Indonesia. Based on other speculations, the Indo-spec Yaris Cross might be a 7-seater crossover which is in growing demand in the archipelago.
As for the fate of the Daihatsu Terios, the name might soldier on rather than being replaced with a new name. Back home, the Perodua Aruz might continue on perhaps with an update later this year as Perodua is planning to introduce one more new model in 2023 following the launch of the D74A Axia.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
