Toyota Yaris to get hybrid SUV offshoot

The Toyota Yaris is to receive an SUV offshoot. Like the new Yaris, the newly presented Yaris Cross is based on the small car platform TNGA-B hybrid system and will have 116 HP system power. The new model is to be launched in Europe in summer, 2021.

++ This article has been updated. Kindly continue reading below. ++

Toyota was originally going to present the hybrid SUV at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but was forced to re-plan their presentation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Yaris Cross will be manufactured at Toyota’s factory in Onnaing, France. The plan is to sell 150,000 Yaris Cross models next year, with the aim to take an 8% share of the European B-SUV segment. The company further estimates that the Yaris range, which includes the supermini, SUV and upcoming GR Yaris hot hatch, will eventually account for a third of all its European sales.

The vehicle was specially designed for the European market, and it is unlikely that the Yaris Cross will be available in other places in its initial form. With the fourth generation of their hybrid drive, a “new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed”, Toyota aims for high torque at low engine speeds and improved fuel efficiency.

Emissions data for the Yaris cross was also added in the communication, which determined WLTP figures starting from below 120 g/km for four-wheel drive and below 135g/km for all-wheel drive. More technical specifications and prices will be revealed over the course of the year.

Update 22 April 2021: The new Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid compact SUV will go on sale in the UK next month, with prices starting from £22,515. First deliveries are due to take place in September. The hybrid SUV will be available to order from 4 May in five versions.

toyota.eu, autocar.co.uk, motor1.com, carscoops.com, autocar.co.uk (update), toyota.co.uk (update)