Yaris Cross is the natural and inevitable SUV/Crossover version of the small house, and it is Yaris. The B-SUV segment is becoming increasingly crowded. Despite criticism from fanatics, many Italians approach this type of car by not seeing the crisis growing.
The Crossover is also an all-wheel drive B-SUV
If the small Yaris has a relaxed life in the field of sub-small cars, with its fresh breakthrough design and classic hybrid technology derived from Toyota's experience, the B-SUV field is much more competitive, with a more emphasis on style and power concepts to improve quality standards.
The Yaris Cross's style is sporty, sporty and muscular enough to cope with the difficulties of Italian cities, and it is one of the few hybrids in this segment that also offers four-wheel drive, so it appears in the price list with the front-wheel drive Crossover.
The driving position is quite high and is seated, perfect for those who prefer to drive the road from above. The dashboard follows the style of the small dashboard it derives. The controls are arranged in a practical way and retain the number of storage bins, which is very useful for city life. Considering the rising price of Yaris Cross, one would expect a different type of material, especially the lower part of the furniture. However, good seat interiors are in line with competitors in this segment.
In the top-of-the-line version being tested, the instrument is digital with a 7-inch display. This information is multifaceted and useful for managing hybrid systems, consumption, and the behavior of active ADAS. At the center of the dashboard is Toyota's Smart Connect multimedia system with a 9-inch screen. The system is also equipped with navigation and a range of online services that are very useful for travel. The elevated position of the screen and the perfect distance from the steering wheel make it ideal for use even on the move.
The information provided by the system and the audio quality of the system are also ideal for listening to high-quality music. There is also a wireless charging of the phone below the dashboard, which can connect to the network through a Wi-Fi hotspot. Eventually, the app is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The air conditioning system is two-zone with physical controls that are easy to find and intuitive to use.
Compared to Yaris Sedan, the size of the Cross has increased. The wheelbase remained unchanged, but the increase in height improved the rear space above the head. Basically a passenger compartment, it was designed for four-person transport, while the fifth passenger was sacrificed. The increased rear suspension increases the capacity of the trunk, reaching 397 litres in the front-wheel-drive version and 341 litres in the 4×4.
Full hybrid technology, efficient
When on the road, we appreciate the presence of large battery sensors and cameras for monitoring the car's surroundings. Since there are thick columns in front of and behind, it is the basic element of visibility. Comfort was good. The absorption of the suspension shows a good compromise between comfort and grip, with good silence when driving in EV mode.
Under the hood is the latest development in Toyota's full hybrid system for mid-size to compact vehicles. The powertrain consists of an internal combustion engine of the Dynamic series. The three-cylinder has 1.5 liters of 98hp and 120Nm of torque, operates with Atkinson cycles and a very high compression ratio at a value of 14:1. Electric propulsion is based on two power units. A main motor of 80hp and 141Nm and a second motor for charging batteries connected to the internal combustion engine have a total power of 116hp. The gearbox has been updated to be smaller, lighter and more responsive to minimize the scooter effect typical of Tandem/Parallel Hybrid Systems in Japanese houses.
AWD-i all-wheel drive dual motors
Batteries located in the rear area are made of lithium ions. The low weight and low position improve the car's responsiveness when cornering. In beta, the rear engine is used to manage AWD-i all-wheel drive. The power of the rear axle motor on paper may look low on paper, but it has an impressive 52Nm torque. What's more, its presence changed the geometry of the rear suspension, replacing the classic half-torsion shaft with a separate two-arm scheme. A solution, as we'll see later, has shown undeniable benefits for car behavior. This alone is worth the extra price of 2400 euros.
While the transmission's response has improved and there's a PWR feature that allows you to better manage throttle response, during critical phases, the Cross's heavier weight and performance suffered compared to the Yaris Sedan. At 116hp, when the hybrid system was working in parallel, both engines pushed the wheels, making it a bit difficult for the 1300kg body to move quickly. Therefore, the acceleration time is discrete, and the sprint time of 0-100km/h is about 11.5 seconds. Although there is no longer the inertia of a heavy object when recovering, although the electric torque and thrust of the internal combustion engine are good, the performance does not appear particularly outstanding. As a result, the channels from 70km/h to 120km/h are discrete, comparable to the time gained by acceleration.
Be energetic and fun when cornering
My favorite hilly route is located around Bologna and Imola and tests the Yaris Cross even when cornering. The steering looks fast, precise enough, completely unaffected by the elevated center of gravity, and exhibits excellent agility. The rear axle with independent wheels manages to give the rear of this Japanese compact SUV the power it needs for fun by taking full advantage of the movement of the rear.
Good sealing and safe behavior. Despite the expected movements on the accelerator, there is a certain lack of power in the middle of the curve when the sport mode is turned on, in order to take full advantage of the advantages of the Ga-B platform to quickly leave the corners. Toyota technicians created a chassis/suspension compartment capable of managing and withstanding higher power. The more the curves follow each other, the more I wonder when the 50-horsepower Yaris Cross TS will be enjoyable and enjoyable!
Adas acts efficiently and on time
The braking system is the right size, perfectly calibrated and easy to manage. Regenerative braking is carefully adjusted. Its operation allows you to regain your energy without being disturbed. In some cases, by providing energy for the next acceleration, it also helps when entering the curve.
Facing grassy embankments, AWD-i traction has proven effective, allowing you to get rid of obstacles without worrying. Also in narrow corners, partially damp or damp asphalt, it manages to provide good support for the front end, with the power on the rear axle clearly visible when providing traction.
It consumes very little
The consumption chapter is important for full hybrid vehicles. Yaris Cross did well. In our classic 150 km route, divided into three modes of urban, suburban, highway and mountain fun, it records the minimum 22 km/l of the city, ECO novel and battery-powered EV mode full. On the highway or on the mountain, you can travel about 16 km/l with the PWR feature enabled. The average fuel consumption for mixed use is 19 km/l.
The ADAS system was tested to pass the braking ability of pedestrians and cyclists with excellent results. Adaptive cruise control has also proven to be very effective at high speeds and in cities, as it has struggled to follow the leading cars. In particular, the system appears to be responsive and punctual in managing false starts when crossing numerous roundabouts.
Cost sufficient endowment
The top-of-the-line Yaris Cross tested is equipped with two-tone paint, comes with all possible accessories and costs 33,100 euros. In any case, yaris Cross's prices range from €28,100 for the Trend edition to €29,800 for the Lounge and €30,800 for Adventure. In particular, the entry-level version Yaris Cross 1.5 Active is quoted at 25,900 euros which seems interesting. Offer includes a prepayment of EUR 5,150 and a 48 instalment of €189/month.
Sum up:
The Yaris Cross is a B-SUV with full hybrid technology that has a really low fuel consumption and is superior to the possible diesel or mild hybrid version, making most of the competitors in this segment stand out. In addition, it was found that the driver's car was not only good-looking, but also enjoyable to drive. Very agile in both the city and some adventures outside the city.