Toyota Motor Philippines is adding a crossover that fills in the gap between the subcompact Raize and the compact Corolla Cross. The first-ever Yaris Cross is designed specifically for the requirements of ASEAN families and brings the Japanese carmaker’s A-game into a highly competitive segment.
The Yaris Cross is powered by two 1.5-liter engines. The combustion engine version uses the 2NR-VE. With Dual VVT-i, this engine serves up 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm. This is mated to a Dual Mode or D-CVT system. This “split-gear” system promotes fuel efficiency, quietness, and acceleration feel compared to other CVTs. The highlight, however, is an electrified 1.5-liter 2NR-VEX, which pairs a 91 horsepower, 121 Nm gasoline engine with a powerful 80 horsepower, 141 Nm electric motor. Combined, it delivers a total system output of 111 horsepower. Furthermore, with a compact lithium-ion battery placed under the rear passenger seat, there’s no compromise to interior room and cargo space.
Regarding interior space, the Yaris Cross is built on a global platform used also by the Raize and Veloz. It measures 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall. Its 2,620 mm equates to one of the roomiest cabins in its class.
In terms of design, the Yaris Cross adopts the concept of “Solid & Dynamic.” For that, it’s all about giving it a chiseled exterior. It features a large trapezoidal grille, slim LED headlights and taillights, and even available two-tone paint schemes. 17-inch rims come as standard on the 1.5 G, growing to 18 inches on the 1.5 V and the top-of-the-line 1.5 S HEV. Toyota also touts a rocker panel height of 260 mm, an approach angle of 19 degrees, and a departure angle of 28 degrees making the Yaris Cross suitable for light trails.
Five colorways are available on the Yaris Cross: Platinum White Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic, Scarlet SE, Dark Turquoise SE. For two-tone options, they all come with an Attitude Black Mica roof and three main body colors: Platinum White Mica, Scarlet SE, and Dark Turquoise SE.
Inside, the Yaris Cross takes on a familiar cabin design first seen in the Raize and Veloz. The wide, horizontally laid out dashboard promotes both space and ergonomics. Standard features include a 7-inch TFT gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, push-button engine start-stop with keyless entry, and automatic climate control with rear vents.
Moving up to the 1.5 V, it has an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, and a hands-free power tailgate. A Pioneer sound system and panoramic sunroof are reserved for the 1.5 S HEV.
Safety doesn’t take a back seat in the Yaris Cross since all variants get a full set of airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and parking sensors on both front and rear ends. Both the 1.5 V and 1.5 S HEV builds up on that with the complete Toyota Safety Sense suite (Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist) as well as a panoramic view monitor and Blind Spot Indicators with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The first-ever Yaris Cross is now on sale starting at P 1,199,000 for the 1.5 G; P 1,296,000 for the 1.5 V; and P 1,598,000 for the 1.5 S HEV.
