TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) recently expanded its crossover segment lineup by introducing the highly anticipated subcompact crossover, the All-New Yaris Cross. The newest model comes in top-spec HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) variant and the latest addition to the brand’s most comprehensive range of electrified vehicle offerings. According to TMP, the All-New Yaris Cross is expected to intensify the brand’s drive for carbon-neutral mobility. With its attractive price point, the latest model is Toyota’s most affordable electrified vehicle yet.
No less than TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto presented the latest model during the official launch explaining how Toyota hopes to bring the electrified lifestyle even closer to more Filipinos.
“In Toyota, we believe in a multiple pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality. One of the ways we are empowering you, our customers, to help build a sustainable future is through electrified vehicles,” said Okamoto. “The way to maximize the environmental benefits of electrified vehicles is through widespread adoption. That is why we offer the widest range of HEVs in the market,” he added.
AC200 Series
Developed under the Toyota-Daihatsu joint project, the latest model (AC200) uses the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. The All-New Yaris Cross exudes a solid and dynamic design inside and out. Dimension-wise, the vehicle is about 4,310mm long, 1,770mm wide, and 1,615mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,620mm long, while the ground clearance is 210mm.
Upfront, the design language is consistent with its bigger siblings, the Corolla Cross and RAV4. The grille features a prominent trapezoid design matched with a pair of sharp-looking headlamps and a sporty-looking bumper. The rear, meantime, highlights a compact tailgate and geometric rear lights. Exclusive to the top-spec HEV variant is the panoramic moonroof to further accentuate the premium styling of the All-New Yaris Cross. The sport LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and rear combination lamp design are standard across the board. The S HEV grade rolls on 18-inch two-toned alloys.
Inside is a 7-inch TFT multi-information display complementing the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen audio display with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice command. Exclusive to the HEV variant is the 6-speaker Pioneer system. Soft touch materials are everywhere, with fabric and leatherette seat material options, depending on the variant. Also, there’s a wireless charging dock, automatic climate control, 8-way power-adjustable seats, a power tailgate, and electric power steering (EPS). Interestingly, many USB charging ports are installed (front and back).
Top-spec HEV
The top-of-the-line S HEV variant is fitted with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine generating a lower 90 hp and 121 Nm of torque, but combined with a single electric motor producing 79 hp and 141 Nm of torque. There is a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion supplemental power battery mounted under the rear seats. The hybrid motor is paired with CVT. The HEV variant is also the first electrified Toyota vehicle to carry the HEV carbon neutrality badge, signifying Toyota’s strong commitment toward a carbon-neutral future.
Toyota Safety Sense
The S HEV variant is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). These features include pre-collision system (PCS), automatic high beam (AHB), lane departure alert (LDA), lane tracing assist (LTA), and adaptive cruise control (ACC). The G CVT, meantime, has active safety features such as electronic brake distribution (EBS), anti-lock brake system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC), and hill-start assist control (HAC). Moreover, rear parking sensors and six airbags are all standard, while S HEV has a 360-degree camera.
Pricing and colors
Available in three variants, the 1.5 S HEV CVT retails at P1.598 million and available colors are Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Scarlet SE, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Turquoise SE, and Attitude Black Mica. (Story, photos, and video by Randy Peregrino)