FORECOURT
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
THE KNOWLEDGE Toyota Yaris Cross Dynamic
Toyota has created a crossover Yaris, so Darren Cassey slid behind the wheel to see if this is a winning combination. WHAT IS IT? Toyota plans to further capitalise on the Yaris supermini’s success with this crossover, which brings smart styling and a hybrid powertrain to the mix. WHAT’S NEW? It’s an all-new model built on the firm’s latest vehicle platform called TNGA. The powertrain has been updated to be more efficient, and it has an impressive equipment specification, excellent connectivity plus Toyota’s latest all-wheel-drive technology. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The battery can regenerate twice the energy under braking and supply 50 per cent more power during acceleration than before. The result is a promised 62mpg. Incredibly, though, we achieved 74mpg on our three-hour route of city driving and country lanes. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The Yaris Cross is a curious blend of driving characteristics. You sit high, which makes visibility great, with the steering nicely weighted. It’s comfortable, too. However, at low speeds it rather crashes into potholes. The brakes are also difficult to modulate smoothly. HOW DOES IT LOOK? Toyota says the Yaris Cross takes styling cues from the regular Yaris and Rav4 SUV, and you can spot the subtle nods. The combination brings its own unique, stylish appearance that looks great on the road. It’s tall like an SUV but narrow like a supermini.
Price (as tested): £26,465 Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-electric Power: 114bhp Torque: 120Nm Max speed: 106mph 0-60mph: 11 seconds MPG: 62 Emissions: 112-117g/km CO2
TARGET BUYERS:
Small families looking for a stylish, economical baby SUV.
THE RIVALS: Ford Puma Seat Arona Nissan Qashqai
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Incredibly economical powertrain. 2. Stylish exterior design. 3. Great value for money.
DEAL CLINCHER:
Toyota build quality, hybrid economy and fun exterior styling make for an enticing combination.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? It feels spacious and impressively roomy from the driver’s seat, while rear passengers have an acceptable amount of legroom. There are also useful cubby holes. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The Yaris Cross comes very well equipped, particularly with safety assistance. Prices start at £22,515 for the Icon trim. Design starts at £24,140, and this and the entry model get an eightinch infotainment screen, with the Design’s extras including LED projector headlights and a digital instrument binnacle. Trims above get a nine-inch infotainment screen. The Premiere Edition at the top starts at £28,185, with 18-inch alloys, black leather seats, a JBL premium sound system and more. WHAT DO WE THINK? It looks great, has decent practicality, is comfortable to drive and has excellent equipment. And if our testing is anything to go by, running costs should be incredibly low. It’s safe to say that Toyota has a winner on its hands here. 38 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Inside
The Yaris’s cabin feels very spacious with plenty of cubby holes, plus decent legroom for rear passengers.
