The new Toyota Yaris-based SUV was initially scheduled for a debut at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in March, but the reveal was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Could debut tomorrow

Despite that setback, a post by Spanish publication Auto Nocion has claimed that Toyota will be launching the new SUV tomorrow (23-April), though the publication did not cite any sources.

Wait, wasn’t the Yaris Cross announced last year?

The difference between the upcoming Yaris-based SUV and the earlier-announced Yaris Cross is the fact that the former is based on the recently-introduced, TNGA-based Yaris, different from the ASEAN-market model we’re familiar with.

As such, the Yaris Cross that was introduced last year in Thailand is exclusive for that country.

What about positioning?

From what we gathered, the upcoming Yaris-based SUV will be slotted below the Toyota C-HR, competing directly with segment rivals such as the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

Will it be coming to Malaysia?

Chances of the new Yaris-based SUV to be introduced here is really slim, due to several factors.

The first is the fact that Toyota is already planning to introduce the Corolla Cross for the ASEAN region, which, like the Yaris-based SUV, will be positioned below the C-HR.

Furthermore, considering that the all-new Yaris is aimed at developed countries, it makes little sense for the SUV derivative to be introduced here, when the position will be filled by the Corolla Cross.