![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 01]()
The DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross made its global debut in Indonesia back in May 2023 and since then, it has been launched in Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, and very recently Taiwan. While Malaysians wait for its arrival with rumours being that it might be the basis for Perodua’s upcoming SUV, one market that it would not enter is Japan.
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 02]()
Japan and many mature markets like Australia, Europe, and Singapore already have the Toyota Yaris Cross albeit one that is smaller and sitting on the TNGA platform. The DNGA Yaris Cross is around 100 mm longer and 60 mm taller than the TNGA Yaris Cross.
In Taiwan, the newly launched Yaris Cross is only offered with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine (106 PS/138 Nm) across 3 variants. Fully imported from Indonesia (CBU), the Yaris Cross is priced between NT$ 725,000 TO NT$ 835,000 (~RM 106k-122k) and despite the Taiwan launch, this is still predominantly aimed at the developing markets in ASEAN.
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 01]()
In some markets, the DNGA Yaris Cross is also available with a 2NR-VEX hybrid powertrain that combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre unit (91 PS/121 Nm) with an electric motor (80 PS/141 Nm) mounted on the front axle.
Also read: Hybrids account for over 80 percent of Toyota Yaris Cross and Innova sales at GIIAS 2023
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 02]()
As for the TNGA-based Yaris Cross, it is available with a choice of two 1.5-litre 3-pot Dynamic Force engines – the petrol powerplant makes 120 PS and 145 Nm while the hybrid powerplant pairs a 90 PS/120 Nm engine with up to 2 electric motors depending on the layout (front motor: 80 PS/141 Nm, rear motor: 5.3 PS/52 Nm).
Also read: Singapore is first in ASEAN to launch 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross - hybrid only, TSS, from SGD 102k
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 03]()
Comments on Japanese social media on the DNGA Yaris Cross vary with many preferring its looks over the one sold in the Land of the Rising Sun. One remarked that it looks like a mini RAV4 and is more fashionable than the TNGA Yaris Cross which is also described as too gentle.
But some also commented on the lack of power considering its size. Recall that the JDM Yaris Cross offers more power while losing a cylinder and both units are naturally aspirated too.
Also read: ASEAN's Toyota Yaris Cross debuts; DNGA platform, hybrid available - HR-V rival also previews Perodua D66B
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 04]()
While some hoped for Toyota to introduce the DNGA Yaris Cross into the country, it’s just wishful comments as Toyota currently offers 10 SUVs in Japan. Similarly, while some Japanese comments praise the design of the Perodua Axia and its Indonesian twins, the Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya, these along with the DNGA Yaris Cross are for developing markets.
Also read: Comments from Japanese car buyers for the D74A 2023 Perodua Axia: "I think this will sell well in Japan"
![We always want what we can't have: Japanese social media users prefer ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross over their JDM model 05]()
Their comments do not represent the majority of Japanese buyers and the appeal of some of these Toyota models for the developing market might only attract a few niche buyers. However, with some interesting listings of overseas Toyota and the wild Myvi found in Japanese online classifieds, anything is possible.
Also read: We found a couple of Perodua Myvi for sale in Japan - How did the King get all the way there?
