While Toyota Philippines continues to enjoy robust sales figures and a rock-solid perception of reliability among Filipinos, the carmaker isn’t about to rest on its laurels. It’s already gearing up to match its 2020 model debuts with even more additions to its lineup this year.
The rumored Yaris Cross could kick off Toyota's 2021 lineup
One of those widely believed and anticipated to arrive here is the Yaris Cross, Toyota’s subcompact crossover that slots in between the Raize and CH-R in its home market of Japan.
A report by automotive website Autoindustriya quotes an anonymous source, saying that several Philippine dealers have placed orders for the model, with Toyota still estimating how many units will comprise the first batch.
Launched in 2020, the Yaris Cross rides on the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-B chassis first seen on the XP-210 Yaris, accommodating both front- and all-wheel drivetrains (in contrast with the current local Toyota Yaris that still uses the older Toyota B platform).
It now rides on the same platform used by the fourth-generation Yaris
If the subcompact crossover does manage to arrive here, expect two power plant choices, both coming from Toyota’s Dynamic Force family of gasoline engines.
One is a 1.5L naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder motor that generates 120 hp and 145 Nm of torque, while the other is a hybrid version capable of a combined 114 hp. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) could serve as the lone transmission option, and all-wheel-drive could be available on the top-spec variant.
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We could be looking at a 3-cylinder hybrid engine
The Yaris Cross is currently assembled in Japan and France. Despite this, Toyota is likely keen on positioning it below the PH-spec Toyota Corolla Cross that’s sourced from Thailand, which could translate to a lower sticker price for the subcompact crossover. Expected to make its local debut late into the first quarter, the Yaris Cross could be gracing local Toyota showrooms by March.
But as exciting as all this sounds, we have to note that nothing about the Yaris Cross’ rumored arrival has been finalized yet, given how Toyota Philippines likes to play its cards close to the chest. We’ll simply have to wait for the company’s updates over the coming days.
What we can confirm are even more automotive stories coming your way at Philkotse.com.