Toyota compact SUV almost here
Aussie launch for Toyota's all-new Yaris-based baby SUV under considerationToyota Australia has confirmed it is considering a new Yaris-based SUV for its local line-up, with a final decision to be announced at next month's 2020 Geneva motor show where the mystery high-rider will be revealed.
Based on the 2020 Yaris, which is due in Australian showrooms from May, the upcoming compact SUV will slot in underneath the existing Toyota C-HR and will target European markets initially.
The latest teaser photo of the as-yet unnamed crossover reveals brake lights and thin horizontal LEDs, suggesting it could ape the look and feel of the brand's popular medium SUV, the Toyota RAV4.
A previous sketch that shows the vehicle's silhouette also points towards a RAV4-esque exterior design.
While the vehicle hasn't been confirmed for Australia yet, the signs suggest the brand is keen to bring it here if the business case can be made.
Compact SUVs are hot property in Australia right now and Toyota is in desperate need of an affordable rival to league leaders such as the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai Kona.
"The compact SUV segment is growing and we're looking keenly into it, but at this stage we have no announcements until Geneva show," a Toyota spokesperson told carsales.
It's likely that Toyota Oz is putting together a business case for the Yaris-based SUV and although it's built in Europe – which brings in geographical and exchange rate challenges – there's no reason it couldn’t make the journey here.
The B-segment SUV will get "raised ground clearance and an intelligent all-wheel drive system, and benefits from Toyota’s latest hybrid powertrain technology," says the Japanese brand.
Engine offerings are likely to mirror that of the Yaris, which means 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid and non-hybrid models.
Inside, the new SUV will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, displayed via a 10-inch infotainment screen like top-grade Yaris models.
Front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
Given its Yaris underpinnings, the Euro-centric baby Toyota SUV could even be fitted with Toyota's high-performance turbocharged 1.6-litre (192kW/360Nm) powertrain from the rally-bred GR Yaris.
You can watch the global reveal of the new Toyota B-segment SUV via YouTube on March 3.
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