Finally, the new crossover from Toyota has been revealed and it looks promising! This new model was meant to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Toyota to postpone the reveal. Toyota, instead, opted to reveal the new model with a digital press conference.
Now, the wait is over and here it is, meet the Yaris Cross, Toyota’s new B-SUV! It’s based on the new Yaris hatchbackwhich is underpinned byToyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and while it shares its wheelbase at 2 560 mm, the Yaris Cross is longer by some 240 mm and stands 20 mm wider and 90 mm taller than its hatchback sibling. The Yaris Cross is smaller than the CH-R will slot in below it in Toyota’s crossover/SUV offerings.
The Yaris Cross employs a 4th-generation hybrid powertrain consisting of a new 3-cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine which combines with an electric motor to produce a maximum power output of 85 kW. The Toyota Cross Hybrid will be offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive formats.
The Yaris Cross takes interior design inspiration from the new Yaris hatchback.
The Yaris Cross’ crossover styling is accentuated with 18-inch wheels and bold wrap-around cladding that gives it some rugged appeal. In terms of practicality, the Yaris Cross is equipped with 40:20:40 split rear seats as well as handy features such as an electric tailgate and an adjustable load space and a belt system to secure goods in the load bay.
The Yaris Cross Hybrid will be built in France alongside the new Yaris and Toyota expects to build more than 150 000 per annum with this new model expected to account for a third of Toyota’s European sales volume.
Europe is a key market for the Yaris Cross Hybrid and hybrids have historically sold poorly in South Africa and therefore it's unlikely that we will see the new Yaris Cross Hybrid in our market. What a pity!
Do you like the look of the Yaris Cross and do you want to see it in South Africa?
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