Toyota is set to introduce its Yaris Cross SUV to Australia later in 2020, and it will be offered with both petrol and hybrid powertrains.

Entering the new SUV Light segment, the Yaris Cross is, Toyota says, based on a ‘big-small’ design and packaging concept, presenting a ‘roomy and flexible interior within compact exterior dimensions’.

The company says that the Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV with its raised ride height, higher driving position, practicality, interior space and available all-wheel drive (AWD). Compared with the upcoming new Yaris hatch, ground clearance is 30mm higher and the vehicle is taller and wider overall – by 90mm and 20mm respectively.

The SUV is built on Toyota’s new GA-B compact car platform and Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine technology.

While the Yaris Cross has all-wheel-drive technology, in normal driving the SUV operates with front-wheel drive. when low-grip conditions are detected, AWD is engaged automatically.

An intelligent AWD system is available with the hybrid powertrain and Toyota says it is more compact and weighs less than traditional mechanical AWD units. The electric system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. It is expected to achieve better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions than any of its AWD segment competitors.

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety systems can help support safe driving practices by providing driver information, early warnings and, when necessary, automatic braking and steering intervention.

Adding Yaris Cross to the local line-up will expand Toyota’s SUV range in Australia to seven vehicles, spanning the light (Yaris Cross), small (C-HR), medium (RAV4), large (Prado, Kluger, Fortuner) and upper-large (LandCruiser wagon) segments.

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (June 2020)

8 June 2020