Toyota launches new Yaris Cross in Japan

Toyota has announced the release of the Yaris Cross, a new-model compact SUV, in its home market. The Yaris Cross will be available through Toyota dealers nationwide from August 31.

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.

As with the Yaris, the all-new Yaris Cross is Toyota's first compact vehicle to adopt the TNGA platform (GA-B). 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.

Toyota says the new Yaris Cross gets a 4WD (four-wheel drive) system to enable “a seamless driving performance for a wide range of activities from urban driving to leisure activities.” The petrol-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 in WLTC mode) that surpasses what is the typical performance of an SUV.

On the security and safety technologies front, Toyota Safety Sense, the company's newest active safety package, comes as a standard feature. It includes Toyota Teammate 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).

There are eight body colours in all, including the newly-developed Brass Gold Metallic that is expressive and stands out, and Silver Metallic that is more three-dimensional than the previous silver. There are also seven, two-tone colour types, which give off a sense of activeness.

What’s inside?
The seating, steering, and shift lever among other features are optimally positioned. The TFT color LCD multi-information display offers excellent visibility, and the high positioning of the meter and Display Audio (DA) and adoption of the Head Up Display (HUD) minimizes the driver's eye movements, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving ("Eyes on the Road" concept).

Soft padding, made from slush molding, is used at the top of the instrument panel. In addition, a new felt material is extensively used for the door trim. These and other factors give the cabin space a sophisticated and comfortable feel.

This is the first compact SUV by Toyota to utilise the 40/20/40 split rear seat and the 60/40 split adjustable deck board, and has 390 litres of luggage space. All models come equipped with Display Audio (DA) and DCM as standard features. Smartphone applications and other functions can be linked with SmartDeviceLink and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto.