The highly-anticipated Toyota Yaris Cross is lastly right here in Malaysia, and with Perodua curbing the tools record of the Traz, this upgraded B-segment SUV is the “Traz AV” that individuals have been ready for. The upper specs and the addition of the coveted T badge does incur a big premium, however are the variations value the additional value?
First, let’s take a look at how way more you’ll be paying to get behind a Toyota-badged steering wheel as an alternative of a Perodua one. The Yaris Cross begins at a conveniently-priced RM99,900 on-the-road with out insurance coverage for the 1.5S petrol, rising as much as RM109,900 for the 1.5S Hybrid variant that’s unique to Toyota. That makes the petrol mannequin RM18,800 costlier than the equal Traz 1.5 H – and don’t overlook, the Perodua begins from simply RM76,100 for the bottom 1.5 X.
So, what precisely are you spending the additional cash on? Nicely, it’s obtained nothing to do with what’s below the bonnet, that’s for certain. You continue to get the identical 1.5 litre 2NR-VE four-cylinder engine that produces 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Ditto the Daihatsu-derived Twin Mode CVT (D-CVT) – though the Yaris Cross beneficial properties a sequential mode with seven digital ratios – and front-wheel drive setup.
A further RM10,000 buys you a hybrid powertrain, headed by an Atkinson-cycle 2NR-VEX engine that makes 91 PS at 5,500 rpm and 121 Nm of torque from 4,000 to 4,800 rpm. That is paired with an 80 PS/141 Nm electrical motor and an E-CVT planetary gearset for a complete system output of 111 PS. This technique is shared with the Vios Hybrid, and actually, the 1.5S Hybrid prices precisely the identical as a top-spec Vios Hybrid GR Sport.
Fairly a handsome crossover, isn’t it? To our eyes, the Yaris Cross’ design is prettier and fewer fussy, whereas it’s nearly as if Perodua’s designers couldn’t cease twiddling with the Traz’s styling. The Toyota’s trapezoidal grille bears some resemblance to the pre-facelifted Corolla Cross; it additionally sits happy with the headlights slightly than being forcefully joined to them as is the case with the Traz’s hexagonal opening.
Beneath it, the air consumption is wider, whereas the triangular LED fog gentle surrounds give the Yaris Cross excessive “cheekbones” versus the Traz’s barely awkward-looking L-shaped inserts. There are smaller modifications, too – the sharp LED headlights look very related on each fashions, however the Toyota beneficial properties some chrome trim below the projectors for a classier look.
The wheels are additionally totally different – the Yaris Cross rolls on snazzier (and simply plain better-looking) 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels which might be an inch larger than the Traz’s, wrapped in 215/55 R18 tyres (215/60 R17 for the Traz). The Perodua counters with a wider spare tyre, at 205/60 R16 versus 195/65 R16.
On the rear, the Yaris Cross ditches the Traz’s pointless black bar between the LED taillights, which provides to the Perodua’s busy look. The rear bumper can be barely totally different, with a larger proportion of it rendered in unpainted black plastic. The silver “skid plates” on the entrance and rear bumper and the aspect skirt strips add a little bit of “jewelry” to complete off the Toyota’s design; the Traz seems to be a bit of plain with out them.
One space the place the Traz scores a uncommon victory over the Yaris Cross is the provision of a black roof as an choice, which isn’t provided on the Toyota even on the costlier Hybrid. The Yaris Cross’ color palette is sort of just like that of the Perodua, with Darkish Turquoise (blue), Silver Metallic, Perspective Black, Spicy Scarlet SE and Platinum White Pearl (a RM400 choice) all shared with different Toyota fashions.
The multitude of tweaks huge and small proceed on the within. Most noticeable within the Yaris Cross is the entire lack of garish gloss crimson trim, changed by sober gloss black. The soft-touch panel on the dashboard additionally swaps the crimson stitching and piping for blue, whereas the seats acquire customary fake leather-based (with a “breathable mesh” design for the Hybrid mannequin) and eight-way energy adjustment for the motive force.
Past that, the Toyota will get an improve from the Traz’s analogue gauges (an actual sore level, particularly for these used to Perodua’s AV fashions constructed on the DNGA platform) to a fully-digital seven-inch instrument show. The ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen can be an inch bigger than the Traz’s and gives wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the necessity to plug up your telephone.
Talking of which, the Hybrid mannequin additionally will get a factory-fitted Qi wi-fi charger below the air-con controls. The petrol model will get an non-obligatory aftermarket unit costing RM550, however oddly it’s an upgraded 25-watt Qi2 charger – that means it has magnets for extra constant charging and may cost sure iPhones sooner. Which additionally means the costlier mannequin will get an inferior charger…
Then we come to the smaller modifications. The Yaris Cross will get a standard-fit 360-degree digicam (provided solely on the Traz H) however loses the devoted button for it on the steering wheel. Its door lock/unlock buttons are on the motive force’s door; the Traz’s are on the decrease sprint subsequent to the air-con controls. Auto air conditioning, six audio system (no Pioneer branding, in contrast to in Thailand) and a hands-free powered tailgate additionally come customary right here, with the petrol model gaining paddle shifters for the CVT’s aforementioned sequential mode.
At evening, the Yaris Cross additional one-ups the Traz with ambient lighting on the doorways and centre console. The Hybrid model provides illuminated footwells and aspect sill scuff plates. Past all that, the inside is shared throughout each fashions, with tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, black headlining, an digital parking brake, rear air-con vents and entrance and rear USB-C ports all coming as customary.
Probably a very powerful distinction is to the motive force assists. Each vehicles include autonomous emergency braking, lane protecting help, blind spot monitoring, rear cross site visitors alert, entrance departure alert, pedal misapplication management and auto excessive beam. Nevertheless, solely the Yaris Cross will get adaptive cruise management with cease and go and lane centring help for Degree 2 semi-autonomous driving performance.
These have been the objects that have been controversially reduce from the Traz’s package record and left as exclusives for the Yaris Cross, which didn’t go down nicely. Six airbags and stability management are customary fitment, in fact.
The record of locally-fitted equipment are largely shared throughout each fashions, together with a entrance sprint cam (H solely on the Traz) and photo voltaic and safety window tinting. However the Yaris Cross beneficial properties door visors and the choice of a rear sprint cam (RM380), whereas the Traz might be specced with a wide range of GearUp visible and utility elements.
Over to you now – do you assume that the Yaris Cross’ neater styling and upgraded package are well worth the increased worth over the Perodua Traz? Tell us within the feedback.
GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5S in Malaysia
GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5S Hybrid in Malaysia
GALLERY: Perodua Traz 1.5 H in Malaysia
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