Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are working on new mid-size SUVs that are expected to launch during the festive season this year. Now, Toyota Yaris Cross has been spotted on Indian roads. It is probably here for some component testing that will eventually be used in the upcoming SUVs from Toyota and Maruti Suzuki.
The Yaris Cross will probably not launch in India as it measures 4.1 metres which is longer than the sub-4-metre Urban Cruiser but shorter than other mid-size SUVs. So, it does make sense for Toyota to launch a mid-size SUV that is longer than the Yaris Cross.
Internationally, Yaris Cross is offered with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to an electric motor. The engine produces 91 hp of max power and 120 Nm of peak torque. With help from the electric motor, the total output stands at 116 hp. It can hit 100 kmph in 11.2 seconds and the transmission on duty is a CVT unit.
New mid-size SUV
Toyota has codenamed its mid-size SUV, D22 which is currently being tested alongside Maruti Suzuki YFG. It will be going against the Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki YFG. There are some media rumours that the new SUV could be called Corolla Quest because the Corolla sedan has now been discontinued in India.
The new SUV will be based on Toyota’s DNGA platform which is a derivative of the TNGA platform. The design will be inspired by the SUVs that are sold in the global market by Toyota. So, it can have some design elements of the RAV4, Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross. So, expect the D22 to have a slightly boxy shape with a bit of rugged look.
From the spy shots, we know that there will be split headlamps. Above will be LED Daytime Running Lamps that should integrate with the grille that can look like the Corolla Altis. We have already seen a similar design with the Toyota Glanza. The spy shot also revealed the huge honeycomb mesh air dam and squared-off wheel arches on the side.
Toyota will use a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a strong hybrid system. So, expect the Toyota D22 to be quite fuel-efficient. You would be able to get it with a manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox of some type. There will be no diesel engine on offer.
Upcoming Toyota EV
Toyota is also co-developing an electric mid-size with Maruti Suzuki. It will make its global debut in late 2024 and is expected to go on sale in India in January 2025. It will be based on an electric skateboard platform.
The wheelbase will measure 2,700 mm, the length will be 4,275 mm, the width will be 1,880 mm and it will be 1,640 mm tall. There will be two battery sizes, a 48 kWh and 59 kWh. The 48 kWh will be two-wheel drive and will have a driving range of 400 km whereas the 59 kWh will be offered as two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and will have a driving range of 500 km.
Keyword: Toyota Yaris Cross SUV spotted in India [Video]