Toyota Yaris Cross: Full Australian details

Toyota has announced Australian pricing and specs for its first light-sized SUV before the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross officially goes on sale next Monday (November 2).

And the big news is the Toyota Yaris Cross will be available in no fewer than nine model variants, including three equipment grades (GX, GXL and Urban) and the choice of petrol or hybrid powertrains, the latter with the option of front- or all-wheel drive.

As with the new Toyota Yaris hatch on which they’re based, all Cross variants are powered by a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine matched to a CVT automatic transmission with a mechanical first gear and 10-speed manual function.

Like the Yaris, 2WD petrol variants deliver 88kW/145Nm to the front wheels, while 2WD hybrid variants combine an Atkinson-cycle version of the 1.5 triple with two electric motor generators to deliver 85kW of power and combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 3.8L/100km – half a litre more than the Yaris hybrid, Toyota Australia’s most efficient car.

AWD versions of the first hybrid powertrain in this class add a third electric motor on the rear axle, which can offer up to 60 per cent of powertrain torque.

The other significant point is a starting price of $26,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 2WD GX petrol CVT, making the cheapest Cross $4860 pricier than the base Yaris (from $22,130) but $3925 cheaper than the base Toyota C-HR small SUV (from $30,915).

The sub-$27K starting price also positions the Toyota Yaris Cross in the middle of a crowded light and small SUV segment – above the popular Hyundai Venue ($20,190) and larger Kona ($24,300) but between the top-selling CX-3 ($22,710) and larger CX-30 ($28,990).

And while Toyota’s new baby SUV undercuts new arrivals like the Ford Puma ($29,990), Nissan JUKE and Volkswagen T-Cross (both $27,990), it’s lineball with the new Skoda Kamiq and pricier than the larger Mitsubishi ASX ($23,990), Honda HR-V ($25,990) and Kia Seltos ($25,990).

Like its Yaris sister model, Toyota describes the Cross as a premium compact model and has packed it full of the latest safety features as standard under the Toyota Safety Sense banner, which includes a new-generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) with daytime intersection assistance and emergency steering assist (ESA).

The Toyota Yaris Cross also introduces Toyota Connected Services, which includes Automatic Collision Notification.

Other standard features across the entire range include adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, climate control, smart entry/start and the latest-generation infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition, GXL and Urban grades add blind spot monitoring, a panoramic rear-view camera, satellite navigation and LED headlights, while flagship Urban grades gain 18-inch alloys (up from 16s), a powered driver’s seat, heated front seats and a power tailgate with kick sensor.

Aftersales provisions extend to a five-year warranty for the vehicle, seven years for engine and driveline, and up to 10 years for the hybrid battery, while capped-price servicing for the first five services is set at $205 each.

How much does the 2020 Toyota Yaris Cross cost?
GX 2WD petrol – $26,990
GX 2WD hybrid – $28,990
GX AWD hybrid – $31,990
GXL 2WD petrol – $29,990
GXL 2WD hybrid – $31,990
GXL AWD hybrid – $34,990
Urban 2WD petrol – $32,990
Urban 2WD hybrid – $34,990
Urban AWD hybrid – $37,990
* All prices exclude on-road costs

Options:
Premium paint – $500
Two-tone paint – $450