See all Motoring NewsToyota is set to enter the B-SUV class for the first time with the all-new Yaris Cross, a car that combines Toyota’s small car expertise with its rich SUV heritage. The B-SUV class is one of the fastest growing segments at the moment, and the Yaris Cross will compete against popular models such as the Skoda Kamiq, Ford Puma, Renault Captur, Volkswagen T-Cross and Nissan Juke.
The Yaris Cross aims to be an SUV on a smaller scale, and as such it boasts a higher driving position, with extra interior practicality and space. Boot space is 390 litres with the rear seats in place, while there is a 40:20:40 foldable rear seat system for when extra storage space is required. SUV styling features include a higher body, larger wheels with higher ground clearance and a longer platform than the conventional Toyota Yaris. The Yaris Cross is based on Toyota’s new GA-B platform which gives the car extra rigidity, while Toyota’s Sense active safety systems and advanced driver assistance functions are also featured.
The Yaris Cross will be launching exclusively as a hybrid model and it utilises Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid technology, with a 1.5-litre hybrid system for strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system has a power output of 116hp and the Yaris Cross is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD-i) variants. AWD-I offers added stability and traction in poor driving conditions and it is an electric system, which Toyota claims offers lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than conventional all-wheel-drive systems.
Commenting on the launch of the new Yaris Cross, Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland commented “We are delighted to announce the launch of the new Yaris Cross. This is a vibrant and stylish new model to add to the range, and it will suit our customers who are sophisticated and energetic. It combines small car design with SUV engineering, and with our rich heritage in SUV cars customers can expect practicality delivered with comfort and style. We are launching the Yaris Cross exclusively as a self-charging hybrid and it will have the latest and most efficient hybrid technology. So customers can benefit from lower NOX and CO2 emissions with excellent fuel efficiency. It’s another example of “No more boring cars” from Toyota and we are looking forward to the arrival of this car in the second half of 2021.”
