Toyota has launched the Yaris Cross in Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) with 4 petrol and 3 hybrid variants. The Yaris Cross made its world premiere earlier this year and is slotted below the C-HR crossover in Toyota’s product portfolio.
Related: First Real-Life Images of 2020 Toyota Yaris Cross
Based on the same TNGA-B modular platform which underpins the 4th gen Yaris, the Yaris Cross shares most of its parts with the new Yaris hatchback, however the exterior design is completely different than its hatchback cousin.
Toyota Yaris Cross measures 4,180 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall while having a 2,560 mm wheelbase. Although the Cross retains the same wheelbase as that of the Yaris hatchback, but is longer by 240mm thus offering better interior space, and is 90mm higher and 20mm wider than the hatchback version. Adding to its practicality, the ground clearance is also 30mm higher than the hatchback.
The front end features trapezoidal headlights, a large grille and a broad center intake, while the rising shoulder line is claimed to give a hint of roominess. According to Toyota:
“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 similarities with the Yaris are more apparent on the inside, where the Cross sports the same dashboard and door cards. There is a freestanding 7-inch touchscreen head unit and distinctive door pulls that curl around the handles. Perceived quality is improved through the use of soft-touch slush moulding on the dashboard, along with a felt lining in the doors. There is also a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that will even pivot outwards for better ingress and egress. At the back, there is 390 liters of boot space, 60:40-split floor, along with a 40:20:40-split rear seat and a hands-free powered tailgate.
Interior of Toyota Yaris Cross
Under the hood, the petrol version gets a 1.5 liter Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine, producing 120 hp of power and 145 Nm of torque & comes paired to a Direct Shift CVT and a choice of two- or all-wheel drive, with a combined fuel economy figure of up to 20.2 km per liter for 2WD and 18.5 km per liter for AWD.
Related: Toyota Corolla Cross Coming to Pakistan?
Hybrid versions get an Atkinson-cycle version of the engine, making 91 hp and 120 Nm combined with an 80 hp/141 Nm electric motor to deliver a total output of 116 hp. The E-Four version adds a 5.3 hp/52 Nm rear motor to provide AWD. Claimed fuel economy figures are up to 30.8 km per liter with 2WD and 28.7 km per liter for the E-Four, both on the WLTP cycle.
Available colors in Yaris Cross
There are 8 exterior colors available– 7 of them being offered with the dual-tone scheme too whereas the wheel options range from 16” to 18” depending on the trim.
Related: On Papers: Kia Sportage vs Toyota Corolla Cross
Excluding the base variant, the Yaris Cross comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking with nighttime pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection. Other features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, adaptive high beam, traffic sign recognition, low-speed acceleration control, emergency steering assist & parking assist.
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