Toyota launches Yaris Cross Dynamic 29 | 03 | 2021
THIS IS TOYOTA’S new Yaris Cross. Available to order from May, with first deliveries scheduled for September, the new B-segment hybrid-powered crossover will go head-to-head with the likes of the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Skoda Kamiq and Peugeot 2008. (Related: Scot Rory Butcher's Toyota BTCC car revealed)
Sharing its wheelbase with the Yaris supermini, the Yaris Cross is 240mm longer overall and 90mm taller. It also enjoys an extra 30mm of ground clearance. Worth highlighting too that it’s 45mm longer overall than the rival Juke, and has a 30mm longer wheelbase. (Related: Review — Toyota Yaris 2021)
While a flagship Excel trim will also be included in the Yaris Cross range, Toyota has so far only released the specification of the mid-range Dynamic spec. This includes a rugged body kit that includes front and rear skid plates, silver roof rails and 18in alloys. Inside the cabin there’s faux-leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and gear selector gaiter, plus piano-black dashboard trim and a black headliner. (Related: Toyota Aygo X Prologue)
There will also be a limited-run Premiere Edition version of the Dynamic, which will only be available for the first 12-months of Yaris Cross sales. Includes in the upgrades will be two-tone paint, a head-up display, a power-operated tailgate, leather seats, and a unique set of 18in alloys. (Related: Toyota reveals Yaris Cross)
Power comes from the same hybrid powertrain found in the Yaris hatchback; and that’s certainly no bad thing. The combo combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a compact electric motor and a new lithium-ion battery pack.
Generating a total of 114bhp, the power can be fed to the wheels directly through a CVT transmission or charge the battery pack for what Toyota calls a “generous” all-electric driving range. (Related: Toyota Yaris named Euro Car of the Year)
The carmaker hasn’t yet released economy figures tor the Yaris Cross, but claims strong fuel economy and low emissions for the new powertrain. Int has though released a provisional CO2 figure of below 120g/km (WLTP) for front-wheel-drive versions of the Yaris Cross. Even the all-wheel-drive versions, equipped with Toyota’s AWD-i system, will sit below 135g/km.
Toyota has yet to release further engine details, but we know the latest Yaris will eventually be available with conventional petrol drivetrains with manual gearboxes. It’s likely the Cross will follow that route. (Related: New 2020 Toyota Hilux)
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Jim McGill