The RAAT Thailand Rally Championship kicked off the 2024 season at Chacheongsao Province over the weekend and Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand (TGRT) fielded a Toyota Yaris Cross for this year’s competition.

TGRT crossed the finish line on 7 April in 18th place overall out of 52 entries but took home first place in its category. The team entered the RC 2.1 category which is for turbocharged 2WD entries and was also the only team representing that category.

Despite the ‘turbo’ in the category name, the Yaris Cross that competed in the first round of the 2024 Thailand Rally appeared to be similar to the hybrid-only version currently sold in the Kingdom. This was denoted by the HEV badges seen in the photos.

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

There are no turbocharged versions of the DNGA-underpinned Yaris Cross offered. Perhaps the aid of an electric motor for the hybrid powertrain might be seen as a “boost” to the engine by the organisers.

In Thailand, the crossover is only available as a hybrid combining a naturally aspirated (NA) 1.5-litre 2NR-VEX four-cylinder (91 PS/121 Nm) with an 80 PS/121 Nm electric motor.

Also read: Outselling HR-V, Toyota Yaris Cross holds nearly 40% market share in its debut sales month in Thailand

In some markets like Indonesia, Taiwan, and Cambodia, the crossover is also available with a 1.5-litre NA 2NR-VE that makes 106 PS and 138 Nm.

Though no information was released by Toyota Motor Thailand or TGTR on the specifications of the Yaris Cross rally car, it is likely to share the same powertrains as the standard Thai-spec equivalent. Based on the photos, the rally car is fitted with chunkier off-road tyres, a roll cage, mudflaps, and a quick-release front bonnet.

The next round of the Thailand Rally Championship is expected to be held on 25th and 26th May 2024 with the location to be announced later.

The Toyota Yaris Cross could be launched in Malaysia sometime later this year but before its arrival would be the Perodua twin. Codenamed D66B, the SUV is speculated to be called the Perodua Nexis.

It will sit above the Perodua Ativa and could be P2’s first mass-market hybrid model. Expect prices for the Nexis to start around RM 80,000 while the Yaris Cross could be priced from RM 100,000.

Also read: D66B Perodua Nexis rumoured to be launched next month but we don't think so, here's why