In an age where sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the forefront of consumer demands, the automotive industry has been relentlessly working towards a greener future. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), a pioneering force in the country’s automotive sector, has taken significant strides toward electrification.
Among its impressive lineup of hybrid electric vehicles, the Toyota Yaris Cross has emerged as the most pivotal model for TMP this year. Building on TMP’s pre-pandemic promise of electrification, the Yaris Cross is set to lead the charge, standing as the flagship model in TMP’s electrified fleet.
“In Toyota, we believe in a multiple pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality. One of the ways we are empowering you, our customers, to help build a sustainable future is through electrified vehicles,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto.
“The way to maximize the environmental benefits of electrified vehicles is through widespread adoption. That is why we offer the widest range of Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs in the market,” he added.
TMP’s Electrification Promise
Toyota Motor Philippines, even before the pandemic, recognized the growing importance of sustainable mobility solutions. To align with this vision, TMP committed to advancing electrification within its lineup of vehicles. It started this journey by introducing the Corolla Altis HEV, Toyota’s first hybrid vehicle in the Philippine market. This move began a series of strategic steps toward a more sustainable automotive landscape.
Expanding Hybrid Lineup
Since the debut of the Corolla Altis HEV, TMP has made significant progress in expanding its hybrid electric vehicle lineup. Today, the company boasts an impressive array of six hybrid models. Alongside the Corolla Altis HEV, the lineup includes the Camry HEV midsize sedan, Corolla Cross HEV crossover, RAV4 HEV crossover, and the Zenix HEV MPV. Each of these models has been well-received by environmentally conscious consumers, reflecting the growing demand for cleaner mobility options in the Philippines.
The Affordable and Versatile Yaris Cross HEV
While Toyota’s existing hybrid lineup catered to various segments, introducing the Yaris Cross HEV marks a significant turning point. As the most affordable among TMP’s electrified vehicles, the Yaris Cross opens hybrid technology to a wider audience. This affordability factor helps democratize eco-friendly driving and encourages more consumers to consider hybrid vehicles as a viable option for their daily commute.
The Yaris Cross HEV is a versatile and practical choice for urban dwellers, offering a compact yet spacious design suitable for the tight city streets. Its hybrid powertrain combines a fuel-efficient gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a seamless driving experience with reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. The appeal of the Yaris Cross lies not only in its eco-friendly attributes but also in its chic design and feature-rich interior, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious urban dwellers
Flagship and Push Model for Electrification
As TMP’s flagship model for electrification, the Yaris Cross HEV symbolizes the company’s commitment to a greener future. By leading the charge in the electrification journey, Toyota sends a clear message to the automotive industry and consumers about the brand’s dedication to sustainability. This flagship status ensures that the Yaris Cross will receive the utmost attention and support in marketing and promotion, further elevating its visibility and impact in the market.
The Yaris Cross HEV serves as a “push model” that propels the adoption of electrified vehicles across the Philippines. Its affordability, practicality, and eco-friendliness create a compelling package that persuades even skeptics to embrace hybrid technology. As more Yaris Cross vehicles hit the roads, their presence will catalyze the transformation of the automotive landscape, driving other manufacturers to follow suit and contribute to a cleaner and greener future.
What can the Yaris Cross offer?
The Yaris Cross comes in three different variants, ranging from Php 1,199,000 to Php 1,598,000. The top-of-the-line trim is the S HEV, the most affordable hybrid variant from TMP.
On the exterior, the Yaris Cross boasts a modern design that aligns with other Toyota crossovers. It features a trapezoidal grille, sharp LED headlamps, angular LED daytime running lamps, and a lower front bumper with a wide air vent and faux skid plate. Black plastic cladding adorns its sides, while the rear showcases U-shaped LED taillamps and a rear spoiler. LED lights, fog lamps, roof rails, and shark fin antenna are standard across all trims, with the S Hybrid being the only variant equipped with a panoramic sunroof.
Inside, the Yaris Cross can comfortably accommodate up to five occupants. The driver enjoys a stylish and straightforward front cabin with physical controls for the automatic climate control system. Leather seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat are available in the top-end trims. All variants have a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, a digital meter cluster, a seven-inch TFT multi-information display, and various storage compartments.
In terms of safety, the S HEV and V CVT trims are equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver-assistive suite, which includes features like a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane trace assist, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Other safety features across all trims include a panoramic view monitor, anti-lock braking, hill-start assist, hill hold control, blind spot monitoring, front and rear sensors, car alarm, engine immobilizer, child seat anchors, and stability control.
For entertainment, the Yaris Cross comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The S HEV trim offers six speakers, while the entry-level G comes with four speakers.
Under the hood, there are two engine options available. The top-spec S HEV is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VEX four-banger hybrid engine with a combined output of 109 horsepower. The mid-spec V and entry-level G are equipped with the combustion-only 1.5-liter 2NR-VE engine, producing 104 horsepower.
All three variants of the Yaris Cross use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to send power to the front wheels. Disc brakes are standard on all four wheels. The S HEV and V trims have 18-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, while the entry-level G trim rides on 17-inch wheels.