Toyota adds yet another compact-crossover to their lineup as they unveiled the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross yesterday, which is essentially a small-SUV version of the B-segment Toyota Yaris hatchback.

Chassis and powertrain

The Yaris Cross rides on Toyota’s TNGA-B platform and is offered with two powertrains and drive options:

The 1.5-litre mills here are derived from larger-displacement Dynamic Force engines found in the Camry and the RAV4. 

What's special about these engines is the way they're engineered - employing advanced, high-speed combustion technologies and a variable control system that result in relatively high output but with reduced energy loss through exhaust and cooling systems.

Dynamic Force engines are also capable of producing increased torque across all engine speeds while returning good fuel economy - Toyota claims the 2WD Yaris Cross can do 3.25-litres/100km.

In short? Responsive engines with low emissions.

Buyers of any variant will have the option to choose between front-wheel or four-wheel drive options. Drive mode selection for mud and sand, rock and dirt terrains are also available.

Exterior

This new compact-SUV is by no means a jacked-up Yaris.

There’s more than a hint of the hotly-discussed Toyota Corolla Cross and RAV4, especially in the front fascia with its gaping grille. Angular, pumped wheel arches and a blocky rear-end with swooping tail lights complete the look.

Round the sides are also black cladding that toughens up the Yaris Cross a bit. Depending on spec, it rolls on 16- or 18-inch wheels.

Eight colours are available, and seven of them are two-tone with a black roof and side mirrors.

Interior

Pretty much like the Corolla Cross, the Yaris Cross’s interior shares more than passing resemblance to the standard Yaris.

Part of it is due to the similar-looking dashboard and door cards being used inside. 

To lend the crossover a more premium feel, Toyota used soft padding on the top-half of the dashboard and added felt lining on the doors.

Infotainment is handled by either a 7- or 8-inch (depending on variant) touchscreen which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

The boot is accessible via its powered tailgate, and can fit 390 litres worth of stuff with the rear seats up.

Maximum boot space is 1,083 litres when the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats are folded and the 60:40 split adjustable deck board is removed.

Safety

Barring the base variant, all Yaris Cross variants will receive Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite as standard fitment.

The ADAS suite comes with these functions: 

• Pre-collision Safety System
• Low Speed Acceleration Control
• Emergency Steering Assist
• Full Speed Range Rader Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)

Prices

The Yaris Cross starts at JPY 1,798,000 (~RM 70,520) all the way to JPY 2,815,000 (~RM 110,408).

It’s unlikely to come here, but even if it does, the prices won’t be the same due to different tax structures. 

What do you think, like what you see?