Will this compact Japanese crossover take on the HR-V here in Malaysia?
It seems every auto manufacturer nowadays needs to have a compact SUV within its range, and the latest to join the party is Toyota’s latest offering in the form of the Yaris Cross SUV.
Launched in Japan today, the new Yaris Cross compact crossover is set to compete with the ever popular Honda HR-V, and is perhaps Toyota’s latest attempt to seize greater market share in this rapidly growing segment of the market.
Not to be confused with the Thai-market Corolla Cross SUV that was launched a few months prior, the new Yaris Cross SUV is based on the latest generation Yaris hatchback that was launched this February.
Sitting on Toyota’s New Generation Architecture (TNGA) that incidentally also underpins Toyota’s other compact crossover, the funky-looking CH-R, the new Yaris Cross however looks decidedly more conventional looking than its interestingly-styled platform-mate.
Design cues from the RAV4 is clear with the chunky black plastic wheelarches. However, the front of it is more reminiscent of the Toyota Prius C crossover (called the Toyota Aqua in Japan), especially with its rounded headlights and softer overall front end aesthetic.
Under the bonnet of this Japanese crossover will mainly be a 1.5 litre Dynamic Force three cylinder engine mated to a Direct-Shift CVT transmission. Being Toyota, hybrid variants will also be available courtesy of the same 1.5 litre power plant mated to Toyota’s Hybrid System II (THS II) hybrid system. Interestingly for a lifestyle crossover, both engines could made to drive all four wheels, with the Hybrid variants coming with Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system.
Stepping inside the Yaris Cross, the interior layout may be the typical Toyota fare, that is to say not very exciting. That being said, most of the features you’d expect are present. Automatic climate control, a central infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a digital instrument cluster with heads up display functionality are all standard on the Yaris Cross.
In addition to that, the Yaris Cross also comes with Toyota’s active safety suite in the form of the Toyota Safety Sense. Which brings with it the Pre-collision Safety System, Low Speed Acceleration Control, Emergency Steering Assist, Secondary Collision Brake, Blind Spot Monitor, Radar Cruise Control and S-VSC with lateral wind control amongst other safety features.
With prices of the Yaris Cross in Japan ranging from 1,798,000 yen (RM 70,400) to 2,815,000 yen (RM 110,100), this latest Toyota crossover might actually turn out to be a genuine threat to the established players on the market like the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3. Newcomers like the Hyundai Kona and the long-rumoured Proton X50 might also want to take note.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has just announced today, 31st August 2020, the release of the Yaris Cross, a new-model compact SUV. The Yaris Cross will be available through Toyota dealers nationwide immediately.
The development of the new-generation Yaris Cross aims to pursue new value as a compact SUV that not only offers convenience but also carries on the nimble driving, advanced security and safety technology, and superior fuel economy features of the Yaris series.
Specifically, as with the Yaris, the all-new Yaris Cross is Toyota’s first compact vehicle to adopt the TNGA platform (GA-B). As a package that can make full use of this performance, in addition to the “condensed” design, the new model features lean, well-balanced and refined proportions that express the robustness and presence unique to an SUV. Although a compact SUV, the Yaris Cross offers easy-to-use and uncompromising luggage room that supports the active lifestyle of its driver and passengers.
A 4WD (four-wheel drive) system affords a seamless driving performance for a wide range of activities from urban driving to leisure activities. The gasoline-powered model is loaded with functions that offer a satisfying SUV driving performance, including ‘Multi-terrain Select’ that allows the driver to choose between three modes to adjust to road surface conditions. Toyota is also offering HEV models featuring the E-Four (electric 4WD system) for the first time on a compact car. Furthermore, the hybrid variant achieves world-class, top level fuel economy for its class (2WD, 30.8 km/L*1 in WLTC mode) that surpasses what is the typical performance of an SUV.
For security and safety technologies, Toyota Safety Sense, the company’s newest active safety package, comes as a standard feature (excluding X “B package”). The decision from Toyota to equip the all-new vehicle with Toyota’s latest technologies and features came following the Yaris because many consumers choose to drive compact class cars. This includes Toyota Teammate*2 Advanced Park, an advanced driving support system, including Full Speed Range Radar Cruise Control that supports driving behind another car and an Adaptive Hi-beam System (AHS).
The Yaris Cross renews the traditional concept of a compact SUV, including its driving performance, convenience and safety functions. It will provide new value as an urban-type SUV imbued with the individuality and lifestyle of the driver and its passengers.
I hope this car make its.way to Malaysia somehow, although it may be quite competitive for it to slot itself in to, not only small market but also we already have plenty of subcompact SUV here. It’a going to be pretty tight. Even Nissan Juke didn’t make it to Malaysian market. If the Yaris Cross makes it anyway, it’d be probably won’t be coming out so soon. I reckon perhaps in Q3/4, in a much worse scenario next year.