On the road with Toyota’s new compact crossover
TopGear just got out of the new Toyota Yaris Cross. You can read the full test report in our upcoming issue (in stores at the end of September); now the highlights.
Test object: Toyota Yaris Cross
Performance: 1.5 Hybrid Elegant
Location: Brussels area
Weather conditions: dry and summery
A new day, a new compact crossover?
It’s starting to look like that. But hey: ‘we the car buyers’ do it all ourselves. B-segment crossovers are booming, and Toyota rightly wants to claim a piece of the lucrative pie with this Yaris Cross.
What is special about the Toyota Yaris Cross?
Where some crossovers are so bursting at the seams that they bridge the gap to the next segment, the new Toyota remains compact. At 4,180 millimeters, it is 240 millimeters longer than a Yaris hatchback. Of course it is also higher and wider, but the wheelbase is the same. And it has the same hybrid powertrain with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder and electric assistance, good for 116 hp. It is also available as a pure petrol version, but it is estimated that no more than 5 to 10 percent of buyers will opt for this in the Netherlands. (And no, there won’t be a GR version.)
Looks… funky from
Yes, with less than funky you will not get there in this segment. In itself it is very nicely done – the good-natured Toyota face doesn’t look out of place, while its angular wheel arches make it quite tough for such a little one. It is available in different versions, including an extra thick Adventure (not in the photos). Not that buyers of the Toyota Yaris Cross will ever really go off-road. That only makes his black accents dusty.
How is he inside?
nice. It all looks fresh, although it becomes clear that you are shopping in the b-segment when you touch some parts. The seats are fine and the seating position is what you can expect. The space in the back is okay for the average adult, and the trunk has a handy split double floor and a folding parcel shelf. There is a brand new, connected infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
How does he drive?
Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system is already excellent in the regular Yaris. It is not wrong here either. The Yaris Cross is smooth and lively, and the variable transmission manages to mimic a geared automatic. The damping is quite stiff, the suspension soft and the steering light and direct. And boy, it’s economical: we used 4.3 l/100 km in mixed conditions. According to the on-board computer, we drove fully electrically 70 percent of the time.
How much does the Toyota Yaris Cross cost and when is it coming?
The new b-crossover will be available at dealers from September 11. The Dutch price list starts at 24,395 euros for the petrol version and 26,495 euros for the hybrid. For 419 euros per month you have the latter in the private lease.
Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross driving test in TopGear Magazine 196, in stores September 23!