Toyota has finally unveiled the Yaris Cross which was originally scheduled to make its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show however the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Based on the same TNGA-B modular platform which underpins the 4th gen Yaris, the small SUV shares most of its parts with the new Yaris hatchback. It will be built alongside its hatchback sibling at Toyota’s factory in France to be sold in European markets where it will compete against the likes of Nissan Juke and Ford Puma. Toyota is looking ahead to sell 150,000 Yaris Cross in Europe next year. Toyota says:
“The new Yaris Cross offers a ‘robust and minimalistic’ design, with the intent to offer the “high-riding qualities of an SUV, but tailored to suit urban areas.”
The Yaris Cross will slot below the C-HR in Toyota’s product portfolio, but just because it’s small doesn’t mean its cutting corners. The car’s hybrid setup combines fuel and electric motors for lower emissions; while the option of AWD-i (all wheel drive ‘intelligent’) gives the small SUV some genuine off-road capabilities.
Toyota chose to use the Gold color theme which reminds of the original 1st gen Yaris that too was painted in Gold when debuted way back in 1999
The Toyota Yaris Cross will be offered with the same 1.5-liter, 85kW petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as the regular Yaris. Toyota claims that the powertrain will feature emissions of less than 90g/km on front-wheel-drive models, and 100g/km for all-wheel-drive variants. Toyota says it has tuned the powertrain with a focus on power delivery to make the Yaris Cross more response to drive.
Toyota Yaris Cross interior
The interior shows a cabin that is dominated by a large central screen, which appears to show the inclusion of Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Plus there is a multi-function steering wheel, engine start/ stop feature and ambient lighting to complement the new Yaris Cross.
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Riding on 18-inch wheels, the Cross retains the same 2,560mm wheelbase as that of Yaris hatchback, but is longer by 240mm to have a total length of 4,180mm thus offering better interior space. The ground clearance is 30mm higher, and with 1,765mm width and 1,560mm height, it is 90mm higher and 20mm wider than the hatchback version.
The 4th gen Toyota Yaris range
With this latest addition, the 4th gen Yaris range now comprise of regular Yaris hatchback, the performance oriented GR Yaris and now the Yaris Cross which is expected to go on sale later this year as a 2021 model.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
