The Japanese automaker revealed its smallest SUV for the European market – Toyota Yaris Cross – in April 2020. Based on the new Yaris hatchback, the SUV was recently caught testing on Indian roads. While Toyota Kirloskar Motor has no plans to bring in the Yaris Cross, it’s reported to be here for component or hybrid system testing. Globally, the model is offered with a 1.5L, 3-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor. It’s combined power out stands at 116bhp.
With a thermal efficiency of up to 40 percent, the motor is capable to deliver power in FWD (front-wheel drive) mode. The automaker says that its in-built sensors can detect poor grip and switches on the AWD mode automatically to tackle rough terrains including sand, rain and snow. As per the fresh media report, some components or hybrid system of the Toyota Yaris Cross could be used in an India-bound model in future.
Based on the Toyota’s TNGA modular platform, the Yaris Cross SUV measures 4,180mm in length and sits on a 2,560mm long wheelbase. Its wheelbase is similar to the Yaris hatchback. It carries the brand’s conventional SUV design elements along with styling bits borrowed from the C-HR and other Toyota crossovers. Some of its key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, an optional electric tailgate, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with the smartphone connectivity, split folding rear seats, ambient lighting and more.
Toyota’s Future Plans for India
As of now, the company is testing a new mid-size SUV that will be co-developed with Maruti Suzuki. The model will be positioned against the cars like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. If reports are to be believed, Toyota Kirloskar Motor might introduced the new Land Cruiser LC300 in India by August, 2022. The company is also working on a new C-segment MPV (codenamed 56-B) that will be based on the FWD DNGA platform. The model might hit roads in its production avatar in the first half of 2023.
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