Toyota is seeking to replace the popular but ageing Toyota Rush with an extended version of the Toyota Yaris Cross but there is a huge probability that it would be different from the SUV that is currently available in Japan, Europe, Singapore, and Australia.
Though the rendering in the cover photo envisions what a 7-seater Yaris Cross could look like, sources told Indonesian automotive publication, OtoDriver, that the elongated Yaris Cross is currently undergoing testing in the archipelago and is completely different underneath.
Despite sharing the name as the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) Yaris Cross, the 7-seater Rush replacement is rumoured to use the same DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform as the all-new Vios. The DNGA-B platform is also used on the all-new Avanza, Veloz, and Daihatsu Xenia.
The 1.5-litre 2NR-VE as shown in the Veloz
OtoDriver’s anonymous source also revealed that the upcoming DNGA Yaris Cross could carry over the same naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine as the outgoing Rush. The 2NR-VE dual VVT-i unit (104 PS/136 Nm) is said to be paired with either a manual transmission or a D-CVT.
The 7-seater DNGA Yaris Cross is also rumoured to be launched in October 2023 with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout similar to the current Avanza/Veloz/Xenia.
While the Rush name will likely be discontinued, Daihatsu could maintain the Terios name for the next generation. It’s still too early to say if Perodua will keep the Aruz name for its potential replacement though it has trademarked a few names before including Nexis and Traz.
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.
