Featuring a range of driver assistance systems, the Yaris Cross from Toyota is set to compete against the rivals Nissan Juke and Ford Puma. It will now come with an additional dynamic trim level, which gives it a more rugged look. It also features a hybrid powertrain and four-wheel drive, and it will be sold from next month.
According to the company, the new dynamic trim means the car would be able to do well away from the urban streets. The trim provides 18-inch wheels and increases body protection rear and front. For the 1st year, the dynamic premiere edition, which features several alloys, power tailgate, and leather seats, will be provided.
The car will be manufactured with the Yaris supermini at the company’s factory in Onnaing, France. It will be built on the TNGA-B platform. The company is planning to sell 145,000 units in 2022, as it intends to secure an 7% share in the European B-SUV segment. It’s hoping the Yaris range will be responsible for a third of the sales in Europe.
The company’s use of the name Yaris Cross was a surprise for some people, but the company says it’s using it to emphasize its link with their most popular model in Europe, the supermini. It also specifies that the two models have the same base, but the firm has made it clear that both models target different customers.
The vehicle’s styling was perfected by the firm’s design studios in Japan and Europe. They wanted the design to be robust and minimalistic, as explained by Europe design boss, Lance Scott.
The vehicle has a 2560mm wheelbase, just like the Yaris, but its length has been extended at 4120mm, so it can offer more interior space. It’s 1755mm wide and 1550mm tall. Just like the Yaris, it will be available with the 113bhp 1.5-liter petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.