Toyota has taken the wraps off its smallest SUV for Europe, the new Yaris Cross. As the name suggests, the new Yaris Cross SUV is based on the latest-gen Yaris hatchback that's available in the European market. According to Toyota, the new SUV has been designed keeping European customers in mind and will feature a hybrid powertrain as well as all-wheel-drive tech. The Yaris Cross was expected to have its world premiere at this year's Geneva motor show but the show was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Yaris Cross SUV will be positioned below the popular C-HR globally. The SUV is 4,180mm long and has the same 2,560mm wheelbase as the latest-gen Yaris hatchback.
In terms of the Yaris Cross' design, traditional Toyota SUV styling cues have been blended well with some design bits from the C-HR and other Toyota crossovers like the recently unveiled Harrier. A high ground clearance and chunky wheel arches add to the SUV stance. Top-spec variants will have unique paint schemes and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The SUV gets a stylish interior with ambient lighting, a free-standing infotainment screen and lots of bits from the European-spec Yaris hatchback. Additionally, the cargo area is said to have an adjustable floor and split-folding rear seats for added practicality, according to Toyota.
The Yaris Cross comes with a single hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine working together with an electric motor. According to the manufacturer, the combustion engine has a thermal efficiency of up to 40 percent and can power the SUV in front-wheel-drive mode. Once the in-built sensors detect poor grip, the AWD system kicks in to tackle different terrains like rain, sand and snow. The combined powertrain makes a combined 116hp.
Toyota will build the Yaris Cross SUV in France and sell it in Europe first. Key rivals to the Yaris Cross include the Nissan Juke and the European-spec Renault Captur.
Closer to home, Toyota has already upgraded its line-up to meet BS6 norms and will introduce at least one product based on Suzuki later this year.
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