Toyota Yaris-based SUV teased

Toyota has officially confirmed it is working on a baby SUV to sit below the C-HR and it will be based on the latest Yaris' TNGA-B platform.

It also released a sketch of the all-new model overnight and the first teasing glimpse of the unnamed small SUV, which will be aimed at Europe but may also come Down Under, shows it will look more like a shrunken C-HR than the more conventional, cheaper Raize that was unveiled for the Japanese market back in November.

Commenting on its preview, Toyota Europe's VP, Matthew Harrison said: "You won't have to wait long to see a final design, and you will see that this is not just a Yaris with body cladding and raised suspension, but an entirely new and distinctive B-SUV model with a compact, dynamic design and a personality of its own."

As already reported, the reason Toyota Europe needs another small SUV, and will not simply import the Raize, is that is based on the simpler DNGA platform that doesn't support the car-maker's latest petrol-electric hybrid technology that's needed to pass Europe's strict CO2-based emissions.

Set to measure in around the four-metre mark, the baby Toyota SUV is being designed to share largely the same footprint as the Yaris supermini but will be around 40mm taller to provide a higher seating position.

Instead of being powered by the basic 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in the Japan-only Raize, the small SUV tailored for the Euro market will get a more advanced 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

Engineers are said to be tweaking the new hybrid to be capable of completing 80 per cent of all urban journeys on electric power alone.

In some countries an all-wheel drive version may also be offered but in markets like the UK buyers will only get front-drive.

Inside, the baby SUV will share its cabin and 10-inch infotainment system with high-grade Yaris models, which also incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Since Toyota's second baby SUV has been engineered for right-hand drive markets it could be destined to be sold Down Under, although Toyota Australia may prefer the cheaper Raize that could be priced lower to rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue.

Another barrier that could deny Australians access to the new sub-C-HR model is the fact it will only be made in Toyota's Onnaing plant in France, raising exchange rate issues.

The new B-segment Toyota SUV is set to arrive in European showrooms early in 2021.