The top-selling, award-winning Yaris Cross range is strengthened for 2025 with an enhanced GR SPORT grade which brings even stronger motorsport-inspired emotion and excitement to Toyota’s ingenious compact SUV.

By going beyond the challenges of urban driving, the compact, agile and efficient Yaris Cross is enduringly popular with customers. It has established itself as a sales leader in its fast-growing B-SUV class and as Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe, selling more than 200,000 units in Europe in 2024.

Its success has been recognised with multiple accolades since its introduction in 2021, including the latest, the 2025 Urban Living Award at the Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, the Yaris Cross emphasises the ingenuity and innovation in packaging, powertrains and safety which is synonymous with the Yaris family since the first generation’s introduction 25 years ago. For 2025, the Yaris Cross line-up features new aesthetic options and updates to enhance its modern urban character.

The upgraded Yaris Cross GR SPORT is more eye-catching than ever in the exclusive new Storm Grey bi-tone exterior colour option, while its motorsport-inspired looks are emphasised by the dynamic design of its new 18-inch matt alloy wheels. Inside the Yaris Cross GR SPORT’s modern and comfortable interior, an exclusive new embossed logo on the headrests creates a cleaner, more sophisticated appearance.

The 2025 Yaris Cross line-up now includes the all-new Forest Green exterior colour, available either as elegant monotone or striking bi-tone in combination with a contrasting black roof.

Throughout the range, the 2025 Yaris Cross continues to provide customers with strong, rewarding and efficient performance, as well as the latest technologies for safety and entertainment.

A dual hybrid powertrain offering ensures wide customer appeal, particularly to those who want a more compact vehicle without forgoing power and performance. The Hybrid 130 option utilises Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid technology to deliver 130 DIN hp (96 kW), while the established Hybrid 115 offers smooth driving and excellent efficiency from its 116 DIN hp (85 kW) hybrid system.

The Yaris Cross is designed for urban life and beyond, with agile, confidence-inspiring handling supported by the capability of its GA-B platform, the foundation for the latest generation of small Toyota cars which brings the fundamental benefits of low centre of gravity and a highly rigid body.

Safer and easier driving come via the latest Toyota T-Mate safety and driver assistance systems, including the most up-to-date Toyota Safety Sense features for convenience and peace of mind. Meanwhile, a fully digital user experience includes the latest Toyota Smart Connect multimedia package and customisable 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display.

Production of the new Yaris Cross range, including the enhanced Yaris Cross GR SPORT model, is planned to begin in May this year.

The Yaris has been a class-leading benchmark for innovation, and a pioneer for introducing new technologies and concepts to the compact segment, for almost a quarter of a century during which it has been one of Toyota’s consistently best-selling models in Europe.

The current generation Yaris has proven its adaptability to customers’ needs with the Yaris family growing to include the widely acclaimed GR Yaris pure performance sports car in 2020 and the high-riding urban crossover SUV, the Yaris Cross in 2021.

By the end of February 2023, cumulative sales of the Yaris family in Europe have reached 5,155,506 units since the first generation Yaris was launched in 1999. In 2022, sales of the Yaris family represented over one-third of Toyota’s total sales in Europe with 185,781 Yaris, 156,086 Yaris Cross and 5,392 GR Yaris, accounting for 8% of the total segment.

Yaris is a true global Toyota model with manufacturing sites around the world. Initial Yaris production started in January 1999 at the Takaoka Plant in Aichi, Japan. Today, the Yaris has production bases in 10 countries: Japan, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, France and Czech Republic.

In Europe, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) has produced the Yaris since 2001 and the Yaris Cross since 2021, the same year that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) in Kolin also started Yaris production to cater for the increasing demand for the model in Europe. Cumulative European production of the Yaris family reached over 4.6 million by the end of 2022.

Key components within the Yaris, such as the petrol and hybrid electric engines and transmissions are also locally produced, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP), which supplies both TMMF and TMMCZ.

As part of its mission to provide stylish, practical mobility for the demands of modern life, the Yaris has an enviable history of innovation in safety, efficiency and performance, driving an enduring allure for customers.

The first generation Yaris won the coveted Car of the Year title in 2000, the first Toyota model ever to earn that accolade, complementing the Japanese Car of the Year in the same year awarded to the Toyota Vitz, the name of the model in Japan. Every subsequent generation of Yaris has been short-listed for Car of the Year and, in 2021, the current generation became the first nameplate to achieve a second Car of the Year title in the 21st Century.

First Generation – Piccolo Genio a.k.a. Little Genius

In the late 1990s, Toyota wanted to develop a new compact car for global use in the 21st Century. The brand-new model was set to build upon the footsteps of the highly regarded Toyota Starlet supermini, a tough act to follow. To achieve this, the model had to adopt a modern appearance and feature the latest technologies, offering a preview of motoring in the next millennium by re-writing the rulebook for small cars with its revolutionary “big-small” design.

The world got its first glimpse of Toyota’s vision with an all-new concept, the Toyota Funtime, at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, part of the “Fun” project of concept models to showcase the versatility of shared platform engineering. The concept car was styled at Toyota’s European Office of Creation (EPOC) in Brussels, Belgium.

A year later, the new production Toyota Yaris made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The exterior was styled at EPOC—which would soon become Toyota European Design Development (ED²)—while the interior design was a collaboration between Europe and Japan. The first generation Yaris was stylish, characterful and purposefully European in flavour, with a relatively tall, spacious and organically shaped body built around the central design concept of the human dimension.

Although the external dimensions were pleasingly compact, inside the supermini Yaris boasted a comfortable and practical interior which exceeded the space offered in many larger vehicles, with generous headroom and flexible seating to maximise storage.

Clever, minimalist packaging and appealing aesthetics came without any compromise on safety, with the first Yaris becoming the safest car in its segment according to Euro NCAP ratings, setting a trend which continues to this day.

Powering the innovative first generation Yaris was an advanced and efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine—nicknamed “Mighty Atom” for its ability to deliver power equivalent to a traditional 1.4-litre engine—which achieved a punchy 68 DIN hp and earned the inaugural 1999 International Engine of the Year award.

The Yaris forever wrote itself into Toyota’s history when it was awarded the 2000 Car of the Year, the first Toyota model ever to win the prestigious award by a jury of European automotive journalists. The jury praised the first generation Yaris’ looks both inside and out, as well as the versatility of the cosy cabin. The Yaris’ 1.0-litre engine was also acclaimed for its brilliance and efficiency, with the jury saying it is the best 1.0-litre engine money can buy. A second engine option was introduced later in the year, offering customers of the high-spec five-door model a 1.3-litre VVT-i unit delivering 87 DIN hp.

In 2001, the Yaris helped launch the T-Sport performance brand in Europe. The three door Yaris T-Sport was equipped with a powerful 1.5-litre VVT-i engine delivering 106 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm, and featured a performance-tuned chassis, strengthened bodyshell and a sporty interior. The class-leading hot hatch was quicker from 0-100 kph than most 1.6-litre competitors at time at 9.0 seconds, and faster in the mid-range from 60 to 100 kph (8.4 seconds) than any comparable competitors. The success of the Yaris T-Sport set the foundations for performance versions to be included in the line-up of every Yaris generation since.

With the introduction of a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine in 2002, which saw Toyota become the first manufacturer in the world to produce a diesel engine entirely of aluminium, the powertrain choice for the Yaris range was complete.

The Yaris quickly became a favourite with customers across Europe, who found it a practical, fun and fashionable solution to the demands of everyday urban life and a reliable partner for longer distances, emphasised by worldwide sales of over 1.2 million units of the first generation.

The innovative and amicable character of the first generation Yaris is perhaps best summed up by the tagline used by Toyota in a highly successful advertising campaign in Italy which affectionately nicknamed the new car “piccolo genio” or “little genius”.

A Car with Many Names

Apart from affectionate nicknames, the Yaris has been known by different names around the world. The now well-known Yaris name is derived from “Charis”, the singular form of Charites, the Greek goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity, goodwill and fertility.

Since the model’s debut in Japan in 1999 until the launch of the current generation, the model was marketed as Vitz. Depending on variant and region, the model has also been known as the Toyota Platz, Echo, Belta, Vios and Scion iA. It has also been marketed as the Daihatsu Charade and Mazda2 in certain markets.

The 10 million cumulative sales milestone considers only the Yaris, Vitz, Yaris Cross and GR Yaris nameplates.

Second Generation - Five-Star Performer

The Yaris grew up with its second generation, launched in Europe for 2005. The car’s reputation for clever packaging for optimal interior space and comfort, combined with advanced technology for safety and performance, was enhanced, while the user experience became more refined.

A “big car thinking” approach and larger dimensions all round made the second generation roomier than ever, delivering space to rival cars from the larger C-segment, thanks to a flat rear floor which allowed three adults to sit comfortably in the back where each 60:40 section can slide and recline to deliver an impressive 880 mm legroom for rear passengers.

A best-in-class 737 litres of load space was achieved in part via Toyota’s convenient Easy Flat system, which created a flat-floored area by quickly and easily folding down the rear seats. An obsessive attention to detail and passenger comfort included fine-tuning the sound of the doors closing and delivering 18.2 litres of storage capacity within the dashboard alone.

Performance and efficiency were enhanced as well as driving dynamics and ride comfort, aided by an aerodynamically efficient body with a low drag coefficient of 0.30.

An enviable history of setting higher safety standards was extended with a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection, the first time for a Yaris. That peace of mind came thanks to Toyota’s advanced Minimal Intrusion Cabin System and up to nine air bags installed throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag; a milestone for a car of the Yaris’ size.

The second generation Yaris was offered in three- and five-door styles with a choice of three engines. A new 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol powerplant delivered economy and performance while remaining lightweight, producing class-leading power (69 DIN hp) and torque (93 Nm). The 1.3-litre VVT-i unit carried over from the previous generation remained popular with low-end torque and high-end power improved for a sporty yet smooth feel. The 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine had evolved and now produced 90 DIN hp at 3,600 rpm.

As the Yaris continually gained popularity among drivers of all ages, clamour for a sportier option was met by the Yaris TS. This new sports hatchback variant was launched at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and equipped with a new 132 DIN hp 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i engine with a top speed of 194 km/h, sports suspension and sports styling, including rear spoiler and side skirts.

With environmental awareness on the rise, customer demand for smaller, more efficient cars was accelerating in Europe. The Yaris led the way by combining dashing urban good looks with engineering innovation. Toyota Optimal Drive technology was introduced in 2009, bringing fuel efficiency and emissions improvements without compromising the Yaris’ famously nimble performance.

Third Generation - Hello Hybrid

A pioneering spirit characterises all Yaris models and, in 2012, the third generation revolutionised the supermini market by introducing a full hybrid option and becoming the most technically advanced Yaris yet.

Three years of development were dedicated to comprehensively revising the Hybrid Synergy Drive, including redesigning around 70% of engine parts, to make it Toyota’s lightest and most compact hybrid system, without compromise on performance, interior comfort or load space.

As the first full hybrid vehicle in the B-segment—yet another first for the ground-breaking nameplate—the Yaris became symbolic of Toyota’s dedication to make the hybrid benefits of efficiency and stress-free driving accessible to an ever-growing number of customers, and the company’s commitment to introduce full hybrids across its model range.

Thanks to state-of-the-art exhaust gas recirculation technology and an electric water pump, hybrid power in the Yaris brought best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency from the 100 DIN hp system, as well as the ability to drive in full electric mode for the first time, without tailpipe emissions.

Not only was the third generation Yaris a ground-breaking technical step forward, it also set a benchmark in stylish, sophisticated exterior design, with bold colour choices and an aerodynamically optimised body shape, which achieved a class-leading drag co-efficient of 0.287.

In 2017, Toyota European Design and Development and engineering teams in Europe took a lead role in a global €90 million project to update the third generation Yaris, which saw the introduction of more than 900 new parts to improve design, dynamic performance and safety.

Building on another five-star Euro NCAP rating, Toyota Safety Sense technologies were introduced across the range as part of the facelift, proving once again that safety comes as standard with Yaris, while a fresh look, featuring changes to the front and rear styling and created at Toyota’s ED² design studio also made its debut.

Toyota’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 under Toyota GAZOO Racing led to the development of the limited-edition Yaris GRMN, the first GRMN (which stands for “GAZOO Racing tuned by the Meister of Nürburgring”) performance Toyota to be built and sold in Europe. The Yaris GRMN’s authentic sportscar quality ensured all 400 units sold out before the car even reached the showroom.

In 2018, the Toyota GAZOO Racing-inspired Yaris GR SPORT was introduced to the range as the first GR SPORT specification model to be launched in Europe. The continued success of the GR SPORT grade has seen the sport performance-inspired specification introduced across the Toyota range in Europe including Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Hilux.

Fourth Generation - Dynamic Performance and Safety

The fourth generation Yaris, launched in 2020, was engineered to be the world’s safest compact car, thanks to Advanced Driver Assist systems (ADAS) being provided as standard. It was also the first model to be known globally as Yaris.

A return to the “big-small” concept created an even more dynamic appearance, shorter, wider and lower than the previous model, with powerful exterior design expressing the agility and compactness required to negotiate city driving and parking, while retaining interior space and comfort.

A key element to achieving greater ambitions for the fourth generation was the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-B platform. Yaris became the first compact car to be built on this modular platform which enhanced dynamic performance and improved ride and handling, via a low centre of gravity and high-rigidity body.

The GA-B platform also contributed to an eye-catching design, styled on the stance of a sprinter in the starting blocks. A wider, lower and more compact appearance, and lower seating position for the driver, created a “condensed and agile” look from an energetic, dynamic car always ready to go.

Overall drivetrain efficiency was increased by 22% at no cost to performance, which benefited from a 16% improvement, to a total system output of 116 DIN hp. A more engaging drive came via sharper throttle response which contributed to a 15% reduction in 0-100 km/h time, now standing at a brisk 9.7 seconds.

The latest generation of hybrid technology was optimised for weight, performance and efficiency, which transformed Yaris’ EV driving capabilities. The serenity of an all-electric drive could be enjoyed at speeds up to 130 km/h while enhanced hybrid power delivered improved acceleration at low speeds and on the highway, with more linear acceleration creating a stronger fun-to-drive sensation.

The fourth generation Yaris was again Toyota’s most popular model in Europe and became the best-selling model in the region for the first time, thanks to its modern combination of compact, well-equipped urban chic and the lowest fuel consumption in class.

Just over two decades since the Yaris won the first Car of the Year for Toyota, the fourth generation Yaris was voted 2021 Car of the Year by the jury of 59 European automotive journalists. The jury praised Yaris’ hybrid technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point – illustrating why more than 80% of Yaris buyers choose the hybrid powertrain. The Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance, and class-leading safety.

In 2022, the new Yaris GR SPORT, based on the fourth generation Yaris, went on sale in Europe with the exclusive, new Dynamic Grey exterior colour and bi-tone black accenting. New bespoke 18-inch wheels with machined red accent line segments reinforce the GAZOO Racing lineage and the front grille receives a brand new mesh design which features a distinct “G” motif pattern. The Yaris GR SPORT also features suspension tuning and enhanced body rigidity for a more responsive, comfortable and engaging experience.

GR Yaris - Award-Winning Sportscar

Following in the wheel tracks of the successful Yaris GRMN and first Yaris GR SPORT came the first original GAZOO Racing pure performance sports car, the GR Yaris, in 2020.

This road-going sports car was inspired by success with the Yaris World Rally Car, which earned the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team one manufacturers’ title and two drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles at the time of the model’s release. It maintained the nameplate’s role as a pathfinder for innovative technologies and received unprecedented acclaim, becoming an instant modern classic.

The GR Yaris was developed directly from Toyota’s rally experience on a unique platform, combining the new GA-B and a rear section adapted from the GA-C platform. It incorporates lightweight aluminium body panels and a forged carbon composite roof alongside weight-saving in parts throughout the car.

At its heart is the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine, also the smallest and lightest 1.6-litre turbo. Producing 261 DIN hp and 360 Nm of torque, it launches the GR Yaris from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.

A kerb weight of just 1,280 kg gives the GR Yaris an excellent weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg per 1 DIN hp distributed via the permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive GR-FOUR system. That potent combination ensured the limited production of 25,000 units were rapidly sold out to eager enthusiasts keen to experience the most extreme Yaris ever created.

The GR Yaris is also at the vanguard of Toyota’s quest for a carbon neutral future, for production cars and motorsport. Illustrating the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in new and varied powertrain technology, a development GR Yaris H2, featuring a hydrogen-powered combustion engine with almost zero tailpipe emissions, made its European debut in August 2021. Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, co-driven by rally legend Juha Kankkunen, completed exhibition runs at the Ypres Rally in Belgium.

With the change in regulations in the World Rally Championship, Toyota GAZOO Racing introduced the GR Yaris Rally1, based on the road going model, for the 2022 season.

To date, Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has achieved an impressive three manufacturers’ and four drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, bringing Toyota’s total tally in the World Rally Championship to six manufactures’ titles.

Yaris Cross - An Authentic SUV

Launched in 2021, the Yaris Cross brought together Toyota’s rich experience and know-how in small cars with its heritage of innovative SUV design and engineering to create an all-new model, perfectly suited to daily use but offering adventure and a fun-to-drive spirit.

Powerful styling expresses robustness and agility in a body that’s compact, giving easy manoeuvrability suitable for urban life, while allowing for an interior with plenty of comfort and generous load capacity, following the established Yaris “big-small” philosophy.

Yaris Cross delivers genuine SUV performance with Toyota’s proven Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that deploys an additional, independent electric motor on the rear axle to provide extra grip and stability when pulling away and cornering, and more confidence on slippery surfaces.

The compact and lightweight AWD-i system design minimises the impact on fuel and emissions efficiency. Class-leading performance for a B-segment SUV with AWD helped it become one of Toyota’s best sellers in Europe.

Shortly after launch, the Yaris Cross cemented its pedigree in the multiple award-winning Yaris family when it was named the 2022 World Urban Car by organisers of the World Car Awards, selected by a 102-member strong jury of international journalists representing 33 countries.

Designed in Europe

From the very first generation, the European design team has left its mark on the Yaris, initially via EPOC in Brussels and, later at ED² after its relocation to larger premises on the French Riviera, close to Nice, where it has operated since 2000.

That was a clear statement which further strengthened Toyota’s European design development capabilities, after it set out ambitious production and sales plans for the region. As part of the Global Toyota design network, ED² keeps its finger on the pulse of European taste, customs, values and trends, and the Yaris has been inspired by these insights throughout its rich history.

ED² shares design responsibilities with design centres in Japan, depending on the generation and model. As with the first generation, the exterior of the second generation Yaris in 2006 originated from ED², whilst the centre had a hand in the two facelifts of the third generation. For the fourth generation Yaris, ED² was tasked with the Colour, Material & Finishing (CMF) while the Yaris Cross gave designers expanded responsibilities to cover not only CMF, but the exterior design too, with production design being managed in Japan.

Built in Europe

Anticipating the popularity of the first generation Yaris, in October 1998 Toyota broke ground on a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Valenciennes, France to supplement Yaris production from the Takaoka Plant. From the outset, TMMF has been designed to be a ‘green, clean and lean factory of the 21st Century’. Its size is 30% more compact versus a typical automotive plant of that time, giving it a head start to dramatically cut energy and emissions. In some workshops, the storage areas are as much as 10 times more compact compared to automotive industry standards for plants with similar production output.

TMMF went live in January 2001 with an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units. By 2022, annual production figures had grown to reach 255,584 units, making the plant the largest automotive production site in France by volume. The same year, the Yaris Cross became the most produced single model amongst all brands in France for the first time with 161,508 units produced, dethroning its sibling Yaris which had topped the list seven times in the past 10 years.

The plant now employs 5,000 people and has made a total cumulative investment of 1.5 billion euros. This includes the required capital investments for each new generation and model as well as significant resources committed to continuously improving the company’s environmental performance. Only a few years into its existence, part of the roof had been covered with photovoltaic panels and a 400m² solar wall had been installed.

Since 2019, the site uses 100% renewable electricity and, since 2012, two on-site basins, with a combined volume of 16,000m³, mean it can now be fully autonomous in industrial water. The majority comes from rainwater collected from those basins whilst the remaining amount is recycled from the plant’s waste water which is pre-treated to meet the required standards before use in the production process.

Over the past 20 years, TMMF has successfully reduced the energy required to produce a Yaris by 59%, which has earned it internal recognition as a global leader within Toyota. Adding to these achievements is the recent installation of a new paint line in the Plastics shop, a Toyota global first, that is expected to deliver annual savings of 1,000 tonnes of CO₂. TMMF has set itself the goal to be carbon neutral as of 2030 and be zero emissions by 2040.

The milestone 10 millionth car–a Yaris GR SPORT in Dynamic Grey–rolled off the production lines in TMMF on March 30 like so many Yaris before it and has been delivered to a French customer from the Paris region.

For pictures, please visit: https://newsroom.toyota.eu/

Notes to the editors:

Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles and parts and accessories, as well as Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs over 27,000 people and has invested over EUR 10 billion in Europe since 1990. Its eight European manufacturing plants are located in Portugal, the UK, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey. Today, there are approximately 16.5 million Toyota, GR and Lexus vehicles on European roads, whose drivers are supported by a network of 28 National Marketing and Sales Companies and around 2,800 retail sales outlets in 53 countries (EU, UK, EFTA countries + Russia, Israel, Turkey and other Eastern European countries). In 2021, TME sold 1,076,300 vehicles in Europe for a 6.4% market share. For more information, visit Facts & Figures (toyota.eu)  and www.toyota-europe.com.

Toyota believes that when people are free to move, anything is possible. In the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota aims to create safer, more connected, inclusive and sustainable mobility to achieve its mission of producing “Happiness for All”. In Europe, TME launched the KINTO mobility brand which offers a range of mobility services in 14 countries and is growing its business-to-business sales of zero-emission fuel cell products and engineering support. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Toyota is working to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire business across Europe. A historic leader in CO₂ reduction in Europe, TME aims to achieve 100% CO₂ reduction in all new vehicles in Western Europe by 2035 and will continue to offer a full range of electrified powertrains to customers across the region with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Exterior

On the street, the new Yaris GR SPORT is distinguished by new 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a bright machined finish. The sporting touches also include a new rear diffuser and front grille with an exclusive “hot stamp” piano black mesh pattern and discreet GR badging. A new Dynamic Grey finish is the GR SPORT’s signature colour, additionally available as a bi-tone option with a contrast black roof and pillars.

Interior

In the cabin, the front sports seats have new grey upholstery with red stitching; similar bright stitchwork is featured on the steering wheel and shift lever. Premium GR SPORT black perforated Ultrasuede™ seats with leather-like bolsters and red stitching are also available as options.

The GR logo is prominently featured, on the front head rests, starter button, combimeter and steering wheel, and there are GR SPORT-specific gunmetal silver trim inserts in the doors and instrument panel.

Dynamic Performance

Yaris Cross has a proven foundation for rewarding handling thanks to the GA-B platform – the same as that featured in the European Car of the Year 2021-winning Yaris hatchback – which gives it a low centre of gravity, a highly rigid body and balanced chassis. In the GR SPORT, performance has been sharpened with retuning of the suspension, giving the driver better steering, roll and grip feel.

In other respects, the new GR SPORT retains all the qualities that helped the Yaris Cross win the 2022 World Urban Car of the Year title. Bringing together Toyota’s mastery of small car and SUV design engineering, it majors on quality and practicality. Customers appreciate the high SUV driving position and the car-like dynamics, virtues that reference those of the original Toyota RAV4 – the world’s first recreational Sports Utility Vehicle.

Practicality

Convenience is designed-in with a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat and a split-folding deck board that allows load space to extend from 397 litres (with all seats in place) to a maximum 1,097 litres. The skilful packaging maximises interior space within compact exterior dimensions that are ideal for nimble urban manoeuvring.

As a high grade model, positioned alongside the Yaris Cross Elegant and Adventure, the Yaris Cross GR SPORT has a rich standard equipment specification, including dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and rear privacy glass. The GR SPORT is also equipped with the Toyota T-Mate package of advanced active safety and driver assistance features.

Hybrid Powertrain

The Yaris Cross GR SPORT is powered by Toyota’s highly efficient three-cylinder, 1.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force engine. The powertrain’s long stroke, high-speed combustion, high 14:1 compression ratio, and temperature and pressure controls help the unit achieve a high 40% thermal efficiency. CO₂ and fuel economy performance of the Yaris Cross GR SPORT is targeted to be on par with the Yaris Cross Elegant and Adventure grade models.

Yaris Cross

Launched in 2021, the Yaris Cross has been a consistent top-seller for Toyota in Europe with sales of more than 77,000 units in the first half of 2022 to secure a B-SUV segment share of 7.7%, and represents a 48% share of the Yaris Family in the same period.

Pre-sales of the new Yaris Cross GR SPORT in Europe will begin in the third quarter of 2022.

Launched in 2021, the Toyota Yaris Cross brings together Toyota’s rich experience and know-how in small car and SUV design and engineering, developed for Europe and specifically with European customers in mind.

The Yaris Cross follows in the footsteps of the Yaris, named The Car of the Year in Europe in 2021, carrying the key qualities of the urban hatchback such as the “Big-Small” packaging that maximises interior space and practicality, fourth generation hybrid electric power, the highest safety standards with second generation Toyota Safety Sense and a genuine Fun to Drive character.

These unique attributes are combined with authentic SUV features, founded on a Toyota heritage of innovation that includes originating the now core market segment for recreational SUVs with the first RAV4 more than 25 years ago.

Developed under the theme of “Always on the Move”, the Yaris Cross is perfectly suited to day-to-day use, but with an adventurous aspect that’s fundamental to a successful SUV. The design presents a stylish, urban look for a car that owners can feel proud to be seen in, blending the robust qualities of an SUV with more advanced dynamic driving appeal, thanks to the GA-B small car platform which gives it the basic strengths that have been so successfully delivered in the Yaris.

The Yaris Cross proudly joins its multiple-award winning and highly acclaimed siblings in the Yaris family: the Yaris and GR Yaris.

For more information on the Toyota Yaris Cross, please visit: https://newsroom.toyota.eu/all-new-toyota-yaris-cross/

These attributes are combined with authentic SUV features, founded on a Toyota heritage of innovation that includes originating the now core market segment for recreational SUVs with the first RAV4 more than 25 years ago.

The introduction of the Yaris Cross extends the Toyota Yaris family, joining the hatchback Yaris and GR Yaris thoroughbred performance car. It also gives Toyota the largest hybrid electric SUV model range in the market, alongside the compact C-HR, mid-size RAV4 and seven-seat Highlander, giving customers an exceptional choice of model size and capability to support their needs.

Yaris Cross Deputy Chief Engineer Hideaki Hayashi explains: “When we started planning for the new Yaris Cross, we considered the value of SUVs and what we feel the next generation of B-segment cars need. What came to mind was a car that allows owners to express their individuality and support their unique and active lifestyles.”

The theme for the development team was “Always On the Move,” expressing the priority of creating a car that’s “Easy, Fast, Smart.” That makes it perfectly suited to day-to-day use, but with an adventurous aspect that’s fundamental to a successful SUV. The design presents a stylish, urban look for a car that owners can feel proud to be seen in, blending the robust qualities of an SUV with more advanced dynamic driving appeal.

Under the skin, the Yaris Cross is constructed on the GA-B small car platform part of the Toyota New Global Architecture philosophy, giving it the basic strengths that have been so successfully delivered in the Yaris hatchback. This combined with a fourth generation Toyota hybrid electric powertrain to provide brisk performance, fuel efficiency, low emissions and urban-friendly manoeuvrability in an SUV package. The availability of Toyota’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD-i) reinforces the model’s authentic SUV character.

Built in Europe for European customers

The Yaris Cross is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France’s Valenciennes facility, where €400 million has been invested to enable both Yaris and Yaris Cross to be manufactured simultaneously on the same production line. Its addition to Toyota’s European production portfolio strengthens the company’s localisation strategy and supports progress towards its goal of 1.5 million annual sales in the region by 2025.

It arrives as a strong contender in the growing European market for B-segment SUVs. Toyota expects growth to continue, driven predominantly by customers downsizing from larger C-segment models or seeking an alternative to B-segment hatches in vehicles that better suit modern lifestyles.

DESIGN

• “Easy, Fast, Smart” design concept for small car convenience and agility
• Exterior references Toyota’s SUV design cues
• Interior packaging provides versatile cabin and load space

The design theme for the Yaris Cross was “Easy, Fast, Smart,” defined with the goal of creating car that is an ideal partner for day-to-day activities. The team at Toyota European Design and Development (ED2), Toyota’s European design centre in the South of France, worked to reimagine the urban SUV, producing a more robust and minimalist design that sets the Yaris Cross apart from its competitors.

Its powerful styling expresses the robustness and agility that European customers favour in a body that’s compact, giving the easy manoeuvrability that’s suitable for urban life. At the same time, the design allows for an interior with plenty of comfort and generous load capacity, following the well-established Yaris “Big-Small” approach to packaging.

The lower body, with a high-set horizontal axis running from the nose to the rear lamps adds to the sense of a raised, powerful SUV stance. Larger-diameter wheels and tyres – up to 18-inch rims – add visual emphasis and also contribute to the car’s ability to tackle different driving conditions. The condensed look is heightened by the rear wings’ pronounced tyre overhang.

The front end presents a strong and robust urban image with the upper and lower grilles forming two stacked trapezoid shapes – a signature design feature for Toyota SUVs. Slim, lozenge-shaped headlights use LED projector lamps (on higher grades), with separate, vertical daytime running lights and circular LED fog lights set at the bottom corners of the lower grille. The rear is defined by the wide tailgate and a square central section that expresses the car’s functionality, framed by the wide rear haunches and C-shaped character lines cut into the lower corners. From Mid+ grade, all the rear lights use LED technology and offers sequential turn indicators.

The body shape is optimised for aerodynamic efficiency, with aero stability fins at strategic points. There is also an almost entirely flat underfloor with undercovers contributing to the car’s stability and helping make long-distance journeys less tiring for the driver.

Compared to the hatchback, Yaris Cross is 95 mm taller at 1,595 mm, 20 mm wider (1,765 mm) and 240 mm longer (4,180 mm). The wheelbase is unchanged at 2,560 mm, but an increase in ground clearance by 25mm to 170 mm reflects its authentic SUV design, together with a high eye-point and excellent visibility for the driver. Urban agility is secured with a 5.3 m turning radius/circle (tyre).

According to model grade, Yaris Cross offers 16-inch silver alloys, 17 and 18-inch bright machined or dark grey painted alloys or 18-inch machined alloys with black paint. There are 10 paintwork choices, including new pearlescent and metallic colours; a bi-tone finish with a black, gold or white roof and is available for higher grade models.

Interior

The Yaris Cross’ interior design carries forward the modern, quality appearance of the hatchback, while focusing on a “fast access” theme that prioritises day-to-day convenience.

There are new treatments for elements such as the front pillars, sills and centre console, and new trim finishes for the door panels and arm rests. The centre console gains prominence, reflecting the car’s SUV status, forming a strong vertical feature which flows down from the multimedia display to the shift lever and incorporates the heating and ventilation controls. Driving function controls, including the Drive Mode Select and (where specified) all-wheel drive mode switches are grouped immediately in front of the shift lever.

The optimised higher driving position gives the driver good visibility expected of an SUV, with seat and steering wheel design that delivers both comfort and a strong sense of connection and command of the vehicle.

Toyota Smart Cargo

Practical, easy-to-use load space with plenty of room to accommodate leisure and travel kit as well as day-to-day cargo is an essential SUV quality, addressed by the Yaris Cross’ smart interior packaging. With all seats in place and including under the deckboard, there are 397 litres of cargo space available; drop the rear seats and the volume extends to a maximum of 1,097 litres.

Convenience is designed-in, with 60:40 or, on high grades, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. The ingenious Toyota Smart Cargo system, available on higher grade modes, has a two-level, 60:40 split deckboard which permits part or all of the floor section to be lowered so larger and taller items can be carried. The adaptability means there’s room enough for two large suitcases or golf bags, skis, a bike or other leisure equipment. Smaller items can be held securely in place with ease using a new Flex Belt accessory option.

Accessing the boot is made simple with the availability of a power tailgate with a kick-sensor for hands-free opening.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN

• Fourth generation Toyota hybrid electric technology
• Maximum full system output of 116 DIN hp/85 kW
• 4.4-5.0 l/100 km fuel economy and 100-114g/km CO₂ emissions

The Yaris Cross is powered by Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid electric technology, a system which made its debut on the new Yaris hatchback. At its heart is a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force engine that has the same basic structure and operation as the larger two-litre unit featured in the Toyota Corolla and C-HR. A long stroke, high-speed combustion, high 14:1 compression ratio and temperature and pressure control help the Atkinson cycle unit achieve high, 40% thermal efficiency, so more energy is used to power the car from every drop of fuel.

The Hybrid Dynamic Force engine is quieter during acceleration and the engine’s maximum power and torque are achieved at lower engine speeds – 92 DIN hp/68 kW at 5,500 rpm and 120 Nm between 3,600 and 4,800 rpm.

Maximum output for the total system (engine and electric motors) is 116 DIN hp/85 kW. Fuel economy and CO₂ emissions (WLTP combined) are 4.4-5.0 l/100 km and 100-114 g/km (class-leading 4.7-5.1 l/100km and 106-116 g/km with AWD-i).

Electric motor and power control unit

The compact hybrid transaxle also includes an electric motor/generator giving more power and better response than the previous generation Toyota system. The 580 V motor produces 80 DIN hp/59 kW and 141 Nm of torque.

The power control also has a more compact design and a higher power density. It can control more than 100 A of current and boosts the 177.6 V of the lithium-ion hybrid battery to 580 V. Its vertically arranged transistors and efficient cooling system allow for transistor switching up to 10,000 times a second.

Lithium-ion hybrid battery

Yaris Cross uses a lithium-ion hybrid battery, with efficiency and power enhanced by reducing the resistance within the cells. The 177.6 V unit is able to produce double the amount of energy under braking and supply 50% more power when accelerating, compared to the nickel-metal hydride battery featured in the previous generation Yaris Hybrid. As well as being more powerful, it is lighter, too, the complete assembly weighing 27 kg, which further contributes to the car’s all-round efficiency.

The increased contribution from the battery helps enable a higher percentage of EV driving on urban journeys, with zero emissions and zero fuel consumption. The new Yaris Cross can comfortably cover a high proportion of around-town trips and commutes for European customers. Zero emissions driving is possible at speeds at up to 130 km/h.

1.5-litre petrol engine

Yaris Cross is also available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine – based on the same unit featured in the hybrid system – matched to a CVT or six-speed manual gearbox. The three-cylinder unit produces a maximum 125 DIN hp/92 kW at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 153 Nm between 4,800 and 5,000 rpm. Official WLTP fuel economy and emissions figures are 5.7-6.2 l/100km (6.0-6.4 l/100km for CVT) and 130-140 g/km (135-144 for CVT).

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

• GA-B platform with low centre of gravity delivers body rigidity, chassis balance, responsiveness and safety
• Yaris Cross gains genuine SUV performance with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system option
• Suspension tuned for stability, agility and ride comfort

Toyota targeted a “Confident and Natural” driving experience for the Yaris Cross – the confident quality reflected in stable handling in all driving scenarios that gives the driver peace of mind, and “natural” describing how the car will respond exactly as the driver expects so they always feel connected with and in full control of the car.

New GA-B platform

Key to achieving the dynamic goal is Toyota’s GA-B small car platform, which has already proved its quality underpinning the new Yaris hatchback. It enables a low centre of gravity and a good front/rear weight balance, with heavy components positioned low and closer the to the middle of the car. This reduces body roll and gives precise chassis response to the driver’s inputs.

Body rigidity and mass reduction

The highly rigid body helps produce stable handling, safety and a comfortable ride. Here the GA-B platform again contributes to the vehicle’s quality. Rigidity hasn’t been gained at the cost of weight penalty; instead, Toyota has applied advanced construction techniques and used strong but lightweight high-tensile materials at strategic points around the car to reduce mass.

For example, in the upper body the members are strengthened by ring structures and additional spot welding; a new resin material has been used for the radiator support; and the body panels have been made thinner. The attention to details includes optimising the cross-section shape of the front bumper reinforcement and reducing its mass by around 20%. Further benefits have been gained by increasing the overlap between frame parts, improving bonding and twisting rigidity.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Yaris Cross is the only compact hybrid SUV to offer an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (AWD-i). Toyota’s well-proven technology is a hybrid system that deploys an additional, independent electric motor on the rear axle to provide extra grip and stability when pulling away and cornering, and extra safety when driving on slippery surfaces. The balance of front and rear drive torque is automatically and precisely adjusted between 100:0 and 40:60 according to the driving conditions and driver inputs. The design is compact and lightweight compared to mechanical AWD systems, so there is only modest impact on the vehicle’s fuel and emissions efficiency – performance is class-leading for a B-segment SUV with AWD.

When pulling away, drive force is determined according to front and rear load distribution, with additional rear-wheel drive provided on slippery surfaces to help avoid wheelspin, even when on a slope. In constant-speed driving, the vehicle runs in front-wheel drive for better fuel economy and braking performance.

Reflecting the Yaris Cross’ authentic SUV quality, the system has selectable modes for normal driving, “Trail” and “Snow”. The mode selected is shown on the multi-information display, together with the proportion of front and rear wheel drive moment-by-moment.

Trail mode can be used to help negotiate tricky situations where one or more of the wheels cannot grip the road surface, for example on very uneven ground. The AWD-i system will automatically brake any spinning wheels, directing drive force to those with grip.

Snow mode tempers throttle response to help pull away securely from stationary or accelerate to maintain controllability when driving on snow or ice.

Suspension

A new MacPherson strut front suspension has been adopted for the Yaris Cross giving high rigidity yet light weight and adding to the car’s agility and fun-to drive character. At the rear there’s a torsion beam system for the front-wheel drive version, and a specific double wishbone arrangement for the all-wheel drive models to accommodate the additional electric motor on the rear axle and provide a high level of ride comfort, stability and controllability.

In tuning the suspension, there was a focus on crisp cornering performance and enhanced line-tracing, whether driving around town or on the open road, with optimised inertia specifications and a reduced roll ratio that also contributes to overall ride comfort.

Braking and steering

The Yaris Cross uses ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs, with additional braking systems for added safety and vehicle control. These include Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) which provides co-operative control of the car’s ABS, VSC and TRC functions and the electric power steering system for improved driving and safety performance; on AWD models the system’s co-operation also includes Active Torque Control.

Other braking systems include Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Secondary Collision Brake (SCB) and Brake Hold (BH). All-wheel drive models are additionally equipped with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Trail Mode (see AWD-i section above). An electronic parking brake is fitted as standard to all model versions.

DUAL FACE AND EQUIPMENT FEATURES

• Dual face: Elegant for urban and active character, and Adventure for outdoor lifestyle
• High equipment specifications rich in new technologies for comfort, convenience and safety
• Four core model grades – Mid, Mid+, Elegant and Adventure – plus Premiere Edition for Yaris Cross’ launch period
• Debut of new Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with faster operation and increased functionality
• Toyota Teammate Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking system

Yaris Cross delivers everything B-segment SUV customers expect from a car and much more, breaking new ground in equipment specifications to provide more sophisticated and effective features for connectivity, convenience and comfort. The new model is launched in Europe with four core grades and a special Premiere Edition version with an enriched specification.

The Mid grade features 16-inch, 10-spoke silver alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, shark fin antenna and heated door mirrors. Inside there are front and rear power windows, automatic air conditioning, electronic parking brake, rear-view camera, eight-inch Toyota Touch multimedia system with DAB and four-speaker audio and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Safety Sense is also provided as standard (details in the safety chapter below).

Mid+ grade introduces 17-inch wheels with a five-double-spoke design and a contrasting bright machined finish. LED technology is used for the projector headlights, the daytime running lights and rear combination lights – the latter two using light guides to create a distinctive illumination signature. There’s extra convenience with smart entry and push button start and a more powerful, six-speaker audio, plus a seven-inch multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle.

The high grade models are Elegant and Adventure, specified to suit different aspects of Yaris Cross’ character as a firmly on-trend car for urban life and an SUV that’s an ideal companion for people who like to get away in their leisure time to enjoy an active lifestyle and the great outdoors. Both versions feature as standard a piano black finish and chrome detailing on the upper front grille, rear privacy glass and auto-retracting door mirrors. In the cabin there are heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat and light blue ambient lighting around the footwells, door panels and centre console. The rear seat divides and folds 40:20:40 and the load compartment features a bi-folding deck board.

Elements exclusive to the Elegant model include 18-inch 15-spoke bright machined alloy wheels and an “Urban” interior theme, with seats upholstered in a combination taupe fabric with quilted shoulder sections and leather-like bolsters. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with auto brake are provided, together with Toyota Teammate Advanced Park, Intelligent Clearance Sonars with auto braking and a Panoramic View Monitor.

The Adventure specification emphasises the car’s SUV credentials with a dark grey finish for the 18-inch wheels, roof rails and front and rear under runs. The “Nature” interior theme includes black fabric seat upholstery with contrasting vertical stripes down the centre of the seatback with leather-like bolsters.

For Yaris Cross’ initial launch period, the Premiere Edition model extends the Adventure specification with a bi-tone exterior paint design, exclusive-design 18-inch bright machined alloys and a power back door with kick sensor. The seats are upholstered in black leather and the driver’s information sources include a head-up display.

Options and option packs are available, according to model grade, including a JBL premium audio system and a panoramic roof.

Toyota Smart Connect

Yaris Cross introduces Toyota’s latest multimedia platform with more powerful computing power, faster response, more intuitive operation and new functions.

It is operated using a nine-inch, high definition touch screen display for easier visibility in different lighting conditions and has an embedded SIM card that provides constant connection.

Navigation takes advantage of connected cloud services to ensure “always on” navigation that provides moment-by-moment information on traffic events via the community feedback-based Live Road Events feature to make journeys as time-efficient and trouble-free as possible.

The new system has a clean, clear and simple HMI and can receive over-the-air software and service updates to ensure Toyota Smart Connect is always up-to-date, included in the data package provided as part of the new-car specification.

The Yaris Cross is also one of the first to offer wireless smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In addition, via the connected services smartphone application, owners can remotely control a number of features such as locking and unlocking the car, onboard climate controls (market dependent) and hazard lights which helps when searching for the car in crowded car parks.

Other integrated Connected Services will be available at start of sales with the MyT smartphone application, offering additional services such as Smart Parking and Smart Fuelling which helps owners search for and receive information on parking and fuelling stations.

Additional MyT services gives owners access to useful services and information about their car. MyT logs driving date, so information about mileage, speed and acceleration can be retrieved whenever needed and it can provide reminders when the car’s service is due. There is also a hybrid coaching tool which helps drivers learn the best techniques for maximising the performance their car’s hybrid electric system.

As Toyota Smart Connect continuously evolves, new services and features will be added to the system automatically via over-the-air updates to give owners more conveniences with their Yaris Cross. The Share to Car feature is already planned for an upcoming systems update, enabling owners to plan trips and share to their Yaris Cross before getting into the car.

Toyota Teammate Advanced Park

Toyota Teammate Advanced Park is a semi-autonomous parking system that uses a combination of the car’s Panoramic View Monitor and Intelligent Clearance Sonars to gain all-round recognition of the surroundings, including white line markings on the ground. Operation is faster than rival systems, even on premium models, many of which only use a rear camera and cannot identify line markings, and it can be used at night as well as in daylight.

Manoeuvres are smooth and natural-feeling, with the system controlling the car’s steering, braking and throttle for reverse and parallel parking manoeuvres and also exiting tight parallel parking spots. A memory function means the system can store recognise frequently used parking spots – regardless of the direction of travel.

This system is available with Toyota Touch system only (not with Toyota Smart Connect)

SAFETY

• Yaris Cross maintains Yaris’ record of excellence in safety provisions
• Latest generation Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems provided as standard
• Additional features include centre airbags, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with automatic braking

The Yaris Cross carries forward the Yaris family’s historic record of providing class-leading levels of safety—the Yaris was the first small car in its class to achieve the highest five-star Euro NCAP rating. Under the philosophy of “safety is not an option” – latest generation Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems are provided as standard, on all versions, while protection is built-in in the form of the highly rigid body structure.

Following the precedent set by its hatchback sibling, it adopts a series of new and improved measures that can detect a wider range of common accident risks, warn the driver and initiate measures to prevent an impact, or lessen the consequences if a collision is unavoidable.

The system includes:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS) with vehicle detection, day/night pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, Intersection Turn Assistance and Emergency Steering Assist
• Full-range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Automatic High Beam (AHB) or optional Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) with full LED headlights

The addition of Intersection Turn Assistance increases the scope of the PCS by being able to detect and warn of a high collision risk with oncoming traffic when turning left or right at an intersection, and when pedestrians cross the road into the which turn is being made. Emergency Steering Assistance helps keep the vehicle within its lane when the driver has to swerve suddenly to avoid an obstacle. Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist operate to keep the vehicle centred in its traffic lane, providing appropriate steering assistance if the driver begins to deviate from the correct course. As well as recognising white or yellow road markings, the latest version of the system can also monitor kerbs and road margin.

On Elegant, Adventure and Premiere Edition grades, there are added safeguards from Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems, the latter warning the driver when there’s a risk of reversing into the path of unseen approaching vehicles from either side when exiting a parking space and applying automatic braking if there’s a collision risk. Parking is also made easier and safer with Intelligent Clearance Sonars (on high grade models), again with auto-braking, and an optional Panoramic View Monitor, giving a real-time 360-degree display of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Comprehensive passive safety features include additional centre airbags between the driver and front passenger. In the event of a collision in which airbags deploy, the car’s eCall system will automatically alert the emergency services and provide the vehicle’s location.

This version of the all-new hybrid B-segment SUV has a distinctly different character from the Elegant version, shown at the model’s world premiere in 2020. The Adventure grade emphasises the car’s suitability for life beyond urban streets, for time spent exploring and enjoying the great outdoors and open roads.

The new model’s essential ruggedness can be seen in the front under-run and a lower bumper protection plate at the rear. The specification also includes a set of silver roof rails as standard and 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey finish.

In the cabin the Yaris Cross Adventure’s sense of purpose is expressed in piano black trim details and a black headlining. The supportive leather-like seats are upholstered in an Adventure grade design and there is a deco line across the black, soft-touch instrument panel and inner door mouldings, finished in Yaris Cross’ signature Warm Gold colour. Leather is used for the steering wheel and shift lever gaiter.

Yaris Cross Premiere Edition

The Premiere Edition is the ultimate Adventure grade with exclusive leather seat upholstering and dedicated 18-inch machined alloy wheels. The grade will be equipped with powered back door with kick sensors, head-up display and available in bi-tone colour combinations as standard. The limited series Premiere Edition will be available for the first 12 months of sales and open to pre-launch reservations.

Yaris Cross – All Urban, All SUV

Although built on the same GA-B platform—part of the modular Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform—as the new Yaris hatchback, Yaris Cross has a higher driving position and increased ground clearance, true to its genuine SUV status alongside Toyota’s RAV4–the world’s original and best-selling recreational SUV–and Toyota C-HR compact crossover. The platform gives the car an essential high body rigidity, low centre of gravity and a well-balanced chassis; ensuring agile, nimble and sure-footed handling and excellent ride comfort.

The hybrid powertrain is also available on all versions of the Yaris Cross, based on the 116 DIN hp 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle fourth generation system which debuted in the new Yaris hatchback. The system’s exceptional efficiency is expected to deliver CO₂ emissions of around 100 g/km in the front-wheel drive Yaris Cross, and less than 110 g/km in the AWD-i models.

Mid+ and above grades of Yaris Cross feature front and rear LED lights, including sequential turning lamps in the rear, and robust side sill and wheel arch mouldings. The side mouldings have a Yaris Cross badge insert either in silver and Warm Gold depending on vehicle colour.

Intelligent All Wheel Drive

Yaris Cross is the only compact hybrid SUV to offer the intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) which automatically switches from front-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive depending on road conditions, offering customers an enhanced layer of safety. Furthermore, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system comes standard with a manually-selected mode switch for Trail and Snow modes to enhance vehicle stability in tricky road conditions.

The electric, intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) is compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t compromise the Yaris Cross’ class-leading fuel economy, yet gives it the extra traction to take rough and slippery surfaces in its stride.

Toyota Smart Connect

Yaris Cross offers customers seamless wireless mobile device connectivity through Toyota Smart Connect, featuring industry-standard cross-device support for the first time on a core Toyota model. Centred on the large 9-inch high-definition multimedia display, navigation is a breeze with cloud-based live map updates, real-time traffic information and road events, and points of interest searches online. Via the MyT smartphone app, Yaris Cross owners can send journey plans and manage onboard climate controls before getting in the car, as well as locking and unlocking the car remotely.

Toyota Teammate Advanced Park

Toyota Teammate Advanced Park provides an additional level of safety and convenience in busy urban environments to guide drivers into parking spots with the intuitive controls found on the high-definition multimedia display. The advanced semi-automated parking feature ensures smooth parking and fewer manoeuvres using the onboard 360° panoramic camera to guide the car safely into place without additional steering, accelerator and brake inputs from the driver. In addition to the 360° Panoramic Camera, the advanced semi-automated parking system comes standard with the combination of Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking and Intelligent Clearance Sonars with Automatic Braking which further enhance the safety and convenience for drivers in busy urban roads.

Toyota Smart Cargo

With practicality and versatility for the customer in mind, Yaris Cross features a kick-activated powered back door and the flexibility of the cargo deck board which can be adjusted in height or split into two to offer secure underfloor storage or increased luggage space on demand. The capacious load compartment can be extended with the 40:20:40 split folding rear seat system, allowing each rear seat to be individually folded, to accommodate skis, mountain bikes or a week’s holiday luggage with the ability to secure the cargo with fixation rings.

Designed for European customers and manufactured in Europe at Toyota’s factory in Valenciennes, France, the new Yaris Cross will be available to order in early Q2 of 2021, ahead of the official sales start in September.

At the same time, drivers want a vehicle that’s distinctive and stylish, and which has all the flexibility they need for an active lifestyle.

These are exactly the qualities Toyota has instilled in the all-new Yaris Cross.

The new Yaris Cross has been designed and developed for Europe, specifically to meet the requirements and preferences of the region’s B-SUV market. It will be made in Europe too, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), alongside the new generation Yaris hatchback, from 2021.

True hybrid, true SUV

The new Yaris Cross draws on Toyota’s strong heritage of advanced hybrid technology, small car design and SUV engineering.

Toyota’s world leadership in hybrid vehicle technology includes the first use of a hybrid system in a B-segment car with the original Yaris Hybrid in 2012. The unmatched experience it has gained ensures that Yaris Cross’s new fourth generation hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional performance and efficiency.

As a member of the Yaris family, Yaris Cross is constructed on Toyota’s new GA-B compact car platform. It also shares the “big-small” design and packaging concept that characterised the original Yaris, and presents a roomy interior within compact exterior dimensions.

Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV, benefiting from Toyota’s experience in originating the concept of the recreational SUV 25 years ago with the RAV4 – today the world’s best-selling SUV – and more recently in producing the stylish and highly efficient C-HR. A raised ride height and the availability of AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive reinforce its authentic SUV credentials.

Adding Yaris Cross to the line-up will give Toyota an SUV range that spans the B, C and D segments.

New hybrid powertrain

Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid technology. Toyota successfully pioneered the use of full hybrid technology in B-segment cars with the introduction of the first Yaris Hybrid hatchback in 2012. Since then, more than half a million have been sold in Europe, making it a powerful tool in building public awareness and appreciation of the technology.

The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed. The result is high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. The engine’s thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, which is greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions.

The new hybrid system has a maximum output of 116 DIN hp. Special attention has been given to power delivery, making the system very responsive to drive. In terms of emissions efficiency, the front-wheel drive model starts from below 90 g/km CO2 and the AWD-i version from below 100 g/km*.

*NEDC correlated figures; WLTP data starting from below 120 g/km for FWD and below 135g/km for AWD-i; all figures provisional subject to final homologation.

Toyota GA-B platform

Yaris Cross follows its sibling hatchback model in adopting Toyota’s new GA-B vehicle platform. This ensures a high level of body rigidity and a well-balanced chassis, making the car responsive and agile.

All urban. All SUV

With the Yaris Cross, Toyota has produced an authentic SUV on a smaller scale, giving customers the higher driving position, practicality and interior spaciousness, they desire in a car with compact dimensions that make it well-suited to urban driving.

The design evokes the classic qualities of SUVs, with a higher body and larger wheels/tyres communicating strength and purpose.

Yaris Cross has the same 2,560 mm wheelbase as the new Yaris hatchback, but is 240 mm longer overall, with 60 mm added to the front overhang and 180 mm to the rear, securing more interior space. The ground clearance is 30 mm higher and the vehicle is taller and wider overall – by 90 and 20 mm respectively.

Practical and Versatile

Being a true SUV, special attention has been given to practicality and versatility.

There’s a power back door for when your hands are full. And an adjustable deck height to give the flexibility of either a secure underfloor compartment or increased trunk space for larger loads. In addition, the deck board itself can be split in two, giving customers both increased space and an underfloor storage area. The trunk is also equipped with a new flex belt system to secure items and stop them shifting during driving.

Yaris Cross is just as spacious as it is practical. With all seats up and tonneau cover in place it delivers a large trunk volume. However, if more load capacity is needed, then there’s a 40:20:40 foldable rear seat system to balance rear passenger space with cargo needs.

Intelligent all-wheel drive

One of the features that defines the new Yaris Cross as an authentic SUV is the availability of an intelligent all-wheel drive system – a unique feature in its class for a hybrid model.

AWD-i provides extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units, helping the Yaris Cross Hybrid AWD-i achieve lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any of its all-wheel drive B-SUV competitors.

The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with front-wheel drive, but when low-grip conditions are detected, all-wheel drive is engaged automatically. This can be, for example, on wet cobblestones, in heavy rain, on wet or packed snow, or on sand.

Advanced Driver Assistance System

The foundation of the new Yaris Cross’s safety performance is its GA-B platform, giving the car an exceptionally rigid body. With the intention of meeting the highest and most rigorous independent test standards, it will further benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems and advanced driver assistance functions, helping to avoid a wide range of common accident risks through driver information, early warnings and, when necessary, automatic braking and steering intervention.

Design

The design process of Yaris Cross brought together a wide team from studios in both Europe and Japan. To describe their ideas and inspiration in more detail, please find below the words of one member of the team - Lance Scott, Design General Manager at Toyota’s EDD studio in Nice, France.

“When we started this process, we understood that whilst style is the number one purchase reason in the B-SUV segment, customers were also keen to have a high level of practicality. Not easy things to reconcile, especially in a compact package.

From the very beginnings of the design concept, we had the European customer in mind, but needed to understand more about them. So we went out and interviewed real customers to understand their lifestyle, what they liked, what their daily activities were and how they enjoyed themselves.

After an enjoyable and enlightening process, we came back enthusiastic to design a car that would mirror their personality and deliver a vibrant combination of being both sophisticated and energetic.

As a team, we came up with the key words ‘Robust’ and ‘Minimalistic’, which we felt would express both compactness and agility, as well as the robustness and strength of an SUV.

When we started to sketch ideas for the exterior, the iconic image of a diamond consistently came to mind. Subsequently we coined the phrase ‘nimble diamond’ to express the hard, strong and premium image of the gemstone combined with the agile and fun to drive personality we felt the car needed to convey.

From the top view, or plan view as we call it, we ‘cut’, or ‘shaved’ the body to give us a diamond shape that allowed us the space to emphasise the fenders. This diamond body shape combined with the 4 bold fenders gave us an energetic shape which was both strong and sophisticated.

Clearly, we want the car to be immediately perceived as a SUV, so we emphasised a higher ground clearance, a strong horizontal axis giving a great balance and poise, big squared wheel arches and of course big wheels … up to 18”!

The face was also a very important aspect for us. We wanted to keep the strong DNA of Toyota’s SUV line-up but at the same time give Yaris Cross an identity of its own.

At the rear, we again focused on giving the car a good stance with the wide fenders illustrating how it looks planted on its wheels. Combining the horizontal rear tail lamps and rear screen clearly shows family identity with Yaris, yet the wider and more squared tailgate hints at the luggage space’s larger flexibility for daily usage.

For the exterior colour, we started to think about something that could express an active and high-quality image that our target customers would really appreciate. Looking at future colour trends we can see that there is a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but we wanted to offer something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also de-saturating the colour to emphasis the metal like appearance, gave us this fresh urban yet active appeal that highlighted the surface form of the exterior. The final result is a colour we call Brass Gold”

Toyota expects to produce more than 150,000 Yaris Cross a year at the TMMF Onnaing factory, near Valenciennes in France, and achieve a B-SUV segment share of more than 8%.