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The Toyota Yaris counts thanks to his Hybrid drive among the best-selling small cars in Europe. Now it is also available in chic.
The Toyota Yaris did in passing what the Prius never succeeded: to turn the Germans into hybrid fans. The new Cross SUV variant now appeals not only to the common sense of the customer, but also to the sense of fashion and lifestyle. And quite skillfully.
Shrunken SUV
You can't tell from the fact that the Cross is ultimately based on the Yaris small car. Instead, he takes the RAV4 compact SUV as a model. The angular look and the massive proportions suit the city car, which is 4,18 meters long. The Yaris Cross looks present and independent, without polarizing as strongly as the slightly larger C-HR with its restless, jagged here-come-me styling. Above all, the optional two-tone paint job looks good on the mini SUV.
But not only the packaging is successful, the contents also fit. In the front you sit well in the normal Yaris, but in the Cross model, despite the unchanged wheelbase, the space in the rear has increased. Normally tall adults can withstand four people on board over long distances. Behind the tailgate with its continuous strip of lights is an almost 400 liter trunk, which has also increased significantly compared to the small car base. The interior furnishing is also pleasing: Toyota does away with the wild mix of styles and materials that was common in its vehicles, styling the cockpit more pleasing and, above all, clearer. Operation and ergonomics are convincing.
Quiet on the move
The most important selling point in the densely populated mini-crossover class is the hybrid drive of the 85 kW / 116 PS Yaris. In city traffic, the electric motor ensures a brisk start at the traffic lights and steady, powerful progress in typically slow traffic. When more power is required, the 1,5-liter Atkinson gasoline engine switches on, which is acoustically much more restrained than in previous Toyota hybrids. The degree of maturity of the technology can also be seen when looking at the on-board computer, which shows values around five liters in the overall mix. This is also due to the fact that the Yaris Cross is astonishingly often in pure electric drive.
On the road, the crossover is easy to handle and uncomplicated. The smooth steering and the easy-to-adjust pedals make driving, especially in the city, child's play. The chassis tends to be comfortably tuned, even if the suspension could act a little more gently in poor road conditions. The performance of the small SUV is quite sufficient, not just in the city. 170 km / h are possible with a little start-up, up to a speed of 130 this even works without the combustion engine - even if only with a fully charged battery and for a very short time.
In general, the hybrid is not for those in a hurry: Acceleration from zero to 100 km / h takes a relatively long 11,2 seconds. This also applies if the optional all-wheel drive is on board. Then there is an additional e-drive with 3,9 kW / 5,3 PS, which is activated especially when starting off on slippery surfaces and ensures better traction. The technology was available in the test car and occasionally switched the rear axle to front-wheel drive. The surcharge of 2.700 euros can also be worthwhile outside of snowy areas.
Don't buy the cheapest
In general, the Yaris Cross is not a bargain. The basic model is in the price list for 22.700 euros, but it is only sparsely equipped. It gets interesting from 24.900 euros for the "Comfort" variant, if a multimedia system, light metal rims and electric window lifters are also on board. Anyone who wants to exploit the full lifestyle potential - including two-tone paint, 18-inch wheels and underride protection - transfers at least 30.750 euros for the "Adventure" model. The cheapest all-wheel drive model is available in the medium version “Team Germany” from 29.060 euros.
Compared to the Yaris small car, which is available from just under 16.200 euros, and which is around 2.300 euros cheaper with comparable equipment and engines, the Cross model also offers value. Not only the successful styling, but also the more spacious rear and the optional all-wheel drive. The slightly raised seating position and the greater variability are also added. Above all, however, the Cross is intended to conquer customers of the competition who have so far been looking around at VW T-Cross, Opel Mokka or Ford Puma. And in comparison with these, the Toyota no longer looks so expensive. Especially when you offset the much more economical drive. The hybrid is the real trump card of the small city crossover. No wonder the Japanese forego any other drive option.
Technical data
Mini SUV, length: 4,18 meters, width: 1,77 meters, height: 1,60 meters, wheelbase: 2,56 meters, trunk volume: 397 to 1.097 liters (all-wheel drive: 320 - 1.097 liters)
1,5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, 68 kW / 92 PS, maximum torque: 120 Nm at 3.800 rpm, electric motor: 59 kW / 80 PS, maximum torque: 141 Nm (plus 51 Nm rear engine, electric), system output : 85 kW / 116 PS, continuously variable automatic, all-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: 11,8 s, Vmax: 170 km / h, average consumption: 4,4 to 5,1 liters / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 101 up to 116 g / km, test consumption: 5,5 liters / 100 km, emissions standard: Euro 6 AP
In brief
Why: economical drive, pleasing styling
Why not: moderate performance
What else: VW T-Roc, Opel Mokka, Honda HR-V