Toyota was supposed to reveal the new compact SUV, Toyota Yaris Cross, at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the show was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Toyota has revealed that the compact SUV will be launched this autumn in Japan. It is expected to be launched in Europe in mid-2021. The car will be offered with either a petrol engine or a hybrid propulsion system.
Toyota Yaris was launched in 1999 with an aim to set the benchmark for compact cars globally. Since its launch, Toyota has sold 8.71 million (87.10 Lakh) Yaris cars globally. A sedan version of the car is available in India also. The Yaris Cross is aimed at pushing the Yaris brand to cover the ever popular SUV genre. The Toyota Yaris Cross is based on the TNGA platform, more specifically the (GA-B) platform. The car has compact exteriors but offers ample space inside for five people and their luggage. The Yaris Cross has the butch looks up front with an inverted asymmetric hexagon grille flanked by large vertically stacked LED lamps. The bumper has a simple, flat air dam. The looks are conservative but not boring and all the desirable elements of an SUV, like squared off wheel arches, plastic cladding and tall stance have made their way into the design.
Some pizazz has been added to the rear through the black cladding around the tail lamps. However, the rear side can be easily confused by a non-discerning observer for a Kia Seltos.
The interiors are well laid out but simple and functional. The grey and wine shades of the seat and the dashboard though add some oomph. The steering could as well be from the Kia. The central console is dominated by a touch screen infotainment system.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is 4,180 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall. It is longer than the Maruti Brezza by 185 mm but is narrower than the Brezza by 35 mm and is also shorter than the Maruti Brezza. If price correctly, the car could compete against the compact SUVs from Hyundai, Maruti and Tata in India.
The Toyota Yaris Cross will be offered with two engine options, a 1.5 litre inline 3 cylinder petrol engine with either a CVT or a six speed manual with the drive going to the front wheel. The other option is the same engine clubbed with electric motors to provide a hybrid drive. This is being offered with either a front wheel drive, or an all electric four wheel drive.
The Transport Journal 