After the Toyota Yaris, it’s the Yaris Cross’s turn to receive the new 130 hp hybrid engine. Test drive of this always-frugal urban SUV.
Launched in 2012, the Toyota Yaris Cross has been a real commercial success for the Japanese manufacturer. A raised version of the famous city car, it retains its qualities while adding a good dose of style with its trendy urban silhouette. While the competition is not yet fierce in this segment, the Yaris Cross steps up its game by adopting the new 130 hp engine introduced in the Yaris.
Less noise on board
Unsurprisingly, the hybrid powertrain has evolved to gain a bit more power. The thermal block, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 3-cylinder known as the M15A-FXE, remains unchanged. It retains its compression ratio of 14.0:1 and a power of 91 hp and 120 Nm of torque. The improvement is rather at the level of the electric powertrain, with a front motor now capable of delivering 84 hp (62 kW), 4 hp more than the previous 116 hp combination.
To gain these additional 14 hp on the technical sheet, the torque distribution has been revised with tweaks made to the electronic management system. With a total of 185 Nm (compared to 141 Nm), the performance is enhanced. According to the manufacturer, the urban SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, a 0.5 seconds improvement compared to the 116 hp version. While the SUV does show slightly more responsiveness at startup, the gains in torque are more dubious: with a time of 8.6 seconds on the 80-120 km/h, including an almost 2-second response time, we noticed a difference of only 0.2 seconds, completely imperceptible behind the wheel. However, the performance is still more compelling than with the Nissan Juke Hybrid.
Low consumption levels
When practicing eco-driving and following the instructions of this hybrid powertrain, the planetary gear transmission shines at its best: the thermal engine doesn’t rev too high, and its smoothness is pleasant. Technically, it’s still one of the best transmissions in a car in our eyes, apart from electric vehicles. It also contributes to the energy balance with controlled losses. Thus, after a journey of about fifteen kilometers while keeping an eye on the power gauge displayed in the head-up display, we managed to achieve an average of 2.6 l/100 km! A remarkable performance. With a similar exercise under similar conditions, we recorded a score of 2.8 l/100 km with a Honda Jazz Crosstar.
Moderate additional cost
Based on the principles of the Kaizen philosophy, the Toyota Yaris Cross doesn’t change the initial formula but improves it with small touches. While the additional power may not be noticeable on the road, the Yaris Cross shines where it talks the least. While the WLTP standard doesn’t reveal any differences between the two versions (consumption and CO2 emissions are the same), the SUV enhances its driving comfort by using its electric motor more frequently and further silencing the noise from the engine bay. Here’s a minor update that should help sustain its success.
Especially since this version puts all the odds in its favor to attract customers as it only requires an additional cost of €500 for equivalent finish. The catalog opens with the Design version priced at €30,200. In the high-end La Première trim (panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, 360° camera…), the price goes up to €35,700. Note that the AWD-i version with all-wheel drive provided by a rear electric motor is still available with this engine.