Toyota has started selling the Yaris Cross in Japan, a miniature crossover based on Yaris chassis. The 4,180mm (13.7ft.) long SUV is marketed below the affordable C-R model.
Compared to the Yaris hatchback, the Cross is 24cm (9.4”) longer , 2cm (2”) wider and 9cm (3.5”) taller with 20cm (7.8”) of ground clearance. This makes it more off-road friendly than the regular Yaris with its 17cm (6.6”) of clearance. The wheelbase stays identical at 2,560 mm (100 inches / 8.4 feet).
Despite the outward similarities, the newcomer boasts all-new bodywork with not a single body panel shared with its donor. The TNGA-B platform is common for both, but the Cross has optional AWD.
The base spec ships with a 120hp (90kW) non-turbo engine. The hybrid spec improves upon that by combining a 91hp (67kW) gasoline engine with an 80hp (60kW) electric motor. Their cumulative output is capped at 116 hp (87 kW), but the powertrain is said to be 40% more efficient than that of standard ICE designs. Fuel consumption is as low as 3.25 liters per 100 km (UK: 87 MPG; USA: 72 MPG).
The E-Four AWD system relies on an electric motor (5.3hp / 4kW, 52 Nm /38 lb-ft) to drive the rear axle whenever the road grip is less than adequate. The system engages automatically and only at low speeds (or during acceleration). The FWD Yaris Cross boasts a semi-dependent rear axle suspension, while its 4x4 counterpart benefits from independent multi-link suspension.
Toyota hopes to be able to sell at least 4,100 cars per month in Japan.