If the word Yaris immediately makes you think of Toyota, the history of the Yaris is closely linked to the French industrial and automotive history. More particularly to that of the Hauts de France region. It was in 1999 that the first Yaris rolled off the assembly line at the Toyota plant in Onnaing, near Valenciennes. Twenty years later, another car from the Japanese manufacturer will come off the same assembly line. It is the Toyota Yaris Cross SUV. This variation, more “crossover” has a real relationship with the Yaris.
More flexibility on the Toyota Yaris Cross SUV
The SUV borrows a number of elements long proven on the Yaris. This new vehicle has the same undercarriage, the same running gear and the same engines as its predecessor. Only the upper parts will be different. The Japanese manufacturer has invested €100 million in this vehicle. Only for the Yaris Cross, in the development of the chain and the TNGA(1) platform.
This new Yaris Cross offers a strong design. This SUV combines both style and practicality in a compact size. A higher ground clearance, larger and squared wheel arches to accommodate wheels with 18″ tires give this Yaris Cross a SUV character. The front and the rear of the car reveal a strong style. Massive and solid front end. A wider rear for increased modularity.
Thus, the opening of the trunk is done hands-free. Very practical, when loaded arms… The trunk floor is adjustable in height. This makes it possible to integrate a double bottom, or to enlarge the trunk to receive bulky loads. In addition, the trunk board itself splits in two. This increases the available space while optimizing the storage space under the floor. For greater cargo capacity, the rear seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 ratio.
Toyota has designed this SUV as a vehicle suitable for both road and city use. With a wheelbase of 2.560 m similar to that of the standard Yaris. However, the length gains 240 mm, divided between the front overhang (+60 mm) and the rear (+180 mm). These gains benefit the interior space.
Advanced engines for the Toyota Yaris Cross
This heritage is reflected in the hybrid technology and SUV engineering. Thus, the Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid technology. The SUV adopts, like the Yaris IV, the latest generation of Toyota’s hybrid system, directly from the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines adopted by recent models such as the Corolla, Toyota C-HR, RAV 4. Its gasoline unit is a three-cylinder 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine, designed to reduce friction and mechanical losses and to optimize combustion speed. As a result, it offers high torque at low rpm and very good fuel economy.
A minimum of 90g/km of CO2
In addition, this engine has a thermal efficiency 40% higher than comparable diesel engines. This contributes to its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system has a maximum power output of 116 hp and its power output is very responsive. In terms of emissions, those of the two-wheel drive version start at less than 90g/km of CO2 and those of the AWD-i all-wheel drive below 100g/km(2).
4WD version available
Note that the uniqueness of the Yaris Cross lies in its driveability. This SUV can be equipped with an optional intelligent all-wheel drive system. This is an exception in its class for a hybrid model. “AWD-i” improves stability and traction in poor conditions and on slippery surfaces. More compact and lighter than a mechanical solution, this electric drivetrain offers lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any other urban SUV in its segment with four-wheel drive.
How does it work ?
When starting and accelerating, the torque is sent to the rear axle. Under normal conditions, only the front wheels are driven, but if conditions deteriorate and the grip is poor, all-wheel drive is automatically engaged (on wet pavement, in heavy rain, on slush, or in sand). Toyota expects to produce more than 150,000 Yaris Cross per year and hopes to achieve more than 8% of the B-SUV segment with this model.
The announced prices of the new Toyota Yaris Cross range from €25,500 for a 116 hp 2WD Dynamic version to €34,500 for a 116 hp AWD-i Première version.
Numerous equipment available
The Yaris Cross comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a group of advanced driver assistance systems that includes:
- Toyota Pre-Collision System, or PCS, which helps the driver identify and avoid other cars, pedestrians and cyclists when a risk of collision is detected,
- Adaptive High Beam System, standard from the Design trim,
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control to standstill,
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Traffic sign reading function.
Toyota Yaris Cross trims
Six trims make up the range, including the Business trims dedicated to businesses:
The Dynamic trim, available only with front-wheel drive, includes Toyota Safety Sense, rearview camera, automatic A/C, the Smart Entry & Keyless Start, an 8″ touchscreen, smartphone integration & connected services, and a leather steering wheel.
Dynamic Business includes, in addition to the Dinamic trim; 16″ alloy wheels, front and rear parking radars, the Toyota Touch&Go navigation system and the Hybrid Academy course (eco-driving support program for buyers of a Business trim vehicle)
With the Design trim, the vehicle is equipped with 17” alloy wheels, full LED and adaptive lights, sequential LED turn signals, tinted rear windows, electrochromatic interior mirror and Toyota Smart Connect with 9” touch screen.
The Trail trim level is a stylish proposition with 17″ alloy wheels, roof rails, front and rear bumper reinforcements. But also front and rear parking radars, blind spot warning and rear traffic warning. This trim is equipped with head-up display, half black leather upholstery with lumbar adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, among others.
The Collection trim level is also available on the Yaris Cross with its two-tone bodywork and equipment similar to that of the Trail trim.
Finally, the Première trim, available only with all-wheel drive, offers a unique two-tone paint and specific 18″ two-tone alloy wheels. Moreover, it comes with black leather upholstery, power tailgate with foot release, panoramic roof, 8-speaker JBL audio system and induction charger. Finally, Première offers the Teammate Advanced Parking with 8″ screen and Touch&Go navigation.
(1) Toyota New Global Architecture
(2) Figures in correlated NEDC cycle; in WLTP cycle: from 120 g/km for two-wheel drive and 135 g/km for AWD-i; all figures pending final homologation.
