After the Toyota Mirai, we will present the Toyota Yaris Hybrid next week. The most important issue is fuel consumption. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is expected to prove itself with (combined) 3.2 – 2.8 l/100 km content. Goes that? The new Yaris Cross is longer, wider and higher than the Yaris.
Economical, more economical, hybrid
We have already presented numerous hybrids here. Most important finding: Hybrid makes sense especially in the city. Because braking was yesterday – recuperation is today.
Off on an adventure: The new Toyota Yaris Cross, a particularly versatile model, will be added to the product portfolio from 2021 onwards. The small SUV, which has now been presented to the world public for the first time, masters the urban jungle with the proven Toyota virtues.
The Yaris Cross, which was developed for Europe and will in future be produced in Valenciennes, France, combines the great tradition in the small car segment with the brand's more than 25 years of SUV experience. Like the normal Yaris (fuel consumption Yaris, urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.6-3.5/4.3-3.6/5.2-3.7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 118-84 g/km), it benefits from the advantages of the new GA-B platform in terms of rigidity and driving dynamics.
The new Cross variant is longer, wider and higher than the Yaris, yet still remains compact. The proven "small on the outside, big on the inside" principle that has always characterized the Yaris is adopted. With a wheelbase of 2.56 meters, occupants enjoy plenty of interior space. Behind the tailgate, which is wider than that of the conventional Yaris, is a spacious luggage compartment that holds 390 liters as standard and can be further increased by the rear seat, which is divided into three sections at a ratio of 40:20:40 – further evidence of the high level of functionality and suitability for everyday use.
The diamond-shaped, energetic body shape and the boldly flared fenders, on the other hand, emphasize the sporty, striking character. The design teams from Europe and Japan wanted to create a symbiosis of robustness and minimalism. The 4.18-meter-long Yaris Cross is immediately recognizable as a true SUV: The 30-millimeter-increased ground clearance and the associated higher seating position are an unmistakable sign, but also the distinctive, square wheel arches with up to 18-inch alloy wheels and the optional all-wheel drive emphasize this impression. As a result, Toyota now offers SUV models from the small car segment to the mid-size class.
New hybrid drive and intelligent all-wheel drive system
For propulsion, Toyota relies on another trademark: the hybrid drive system. After the Japanese automaker introduced a full hybrid to the small car segment in 2012, the first B-SUV with partial electrification now follows. As in the Yaris, the Yaris Cross uses the fourth generation of hybrid technology: The 1.5-liter powertrain is derived from hybrid systems in larger Toyota models.
The electric motor is combined with a new 1.5-liter gasoline engine with three cylinders and variable valve timing, which is used in the Yaris Atkinson-Cycle operates. The friction-optimized engine benefits from lower mechanical losses and a fast combustion process. Its thermal efficiency of 40 percent exceeds that of a typical diesel engine, which means high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.
The system power is 85 kW (116 hp)*, which is developed smoothly and without delay. The small SUV is extremely efficient: with front-wheel drive CO2 emissions start at less than 90 g/km**, with the intelligent AWD-i all-wheel drive system less than 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer** are emitted.
(**according to correlated NEDC values; WLTP values are expected to be below 120 g/km (front-wheel drive) resp. Below 135 g/km (all-wheel-drive variant); preliminary figures, subject to final homologation. The model is currently not available for order).
Toyota's GA-B platform with double-wishbone rear axle ensures agile yet secure handling, while the all-wheel-drive system available on hybrid models provides maximum stability and traction in any situation. Unlike conventional mechanical four-wheel-drive concepts, the electric AWD-i system is more compact and lighter, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions*.
(*The model is currently not yet homologated and available for order)
Under normal conditions, only the front wheels are operated. During acceleration and when grip is low, the AWD-i sends additional drive torque to the rear axle. Automatic engagement can be helpful, for example, on wet cobblestones, in heavy rain and on snow or sand to improve traction.
Advanced assistance systems
The high level of safety is rounded off by Toyota Safety Sense, which combines various assistance systems. Emergency braking system and co. Support the driver in everyday life, warn of dangers and thus help to prevent accidents or at least mitigate their severity.
The Yaris Cross, which will roll off the production line together with the Yaris at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) near Valenciennes from 2021, will start with annual production of more than 150.000 units. Toyota expects a European market share of eight percent in the B-SUV segment.
Comment
With Toyota, we are looking forward to another manufacturer supporting us with test vehicles. With the Toyota Yaris, we are very curious to see how high the real fuel consumption is in "rough" test operation.
Actually, we had planned the new Toyota Mirai as the next test vehicle, but it will probably be overtaken by the brand-new Lexus UX 300e. Electric mobility takes precedence over hydrogen after all? Furthermore, Toyota has an electric SUV on hold.