Toyota Yaris Cross

Several months after Toyota brought us the all-new Yaris compact hatchback with its sleek styling, economical but zippy powertrains, and the fact that it spawned a hot GR Yaris variant, it didn't take long before the Yaris range gained an unexpected welcome; a crossover that will surely snatch its luster.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross, priced at 1,798,000 Japanese Yen (around $18,000), may have nothing in common with its hatchback relative but because it runs on the same bits and bobs as the Yaris, this baby crossover likes to feel at home with the urban sprawl rather than the great outdoors like today's SUVs.

If anyone's wandering the internet where in the world is the Yaris Cross, it's THIS Yaris Cross. THE JAPANESE ONE. Not the other one from another world. Anyway, starting with the design, the Yaris Cross shares nothing in common with, well, you get the idea, but Toyota says its design was penned with "robust" and "minimalism" in mind, whatever it means, and while it carries the same look as the Toyota crossover lineup, the Yaris Cross is a serious go-getter with a serious to-do list.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross interior

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross interior

The interior is almost the same as the Yaris and like its hatchback equivalent, the Yaris Cross is surprisingly spacious for up to five people and the rear seats can be folded down so you can haul some more stuff on the go. There's more because the boot of the Yaris Cross is practical because of its flex belt system that stops objects from shifting during driving and the power rear gate where you can automatically open it at the lift of your foot just like a Ford SUV. All these conveniences made the Yaris Cross fit for all walks of life, whether you go for Uber-ing or for delivering stuff to the customers.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

In case you came from another world, two powertrains are offered on the Yaris Cross. I repeat, there are two powertrains offered in the Yaris Cross such as the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine with 120PS of power and 145Nm of torque and the new 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 59kW electric motor and Li-ion battery. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the Yaris Cross' hybrid front-wheel drive variant can go up to 30.8kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards. That's more than you get from its main rival, the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

While it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads, the Yaris Cross behaves rather well on all walks of life because it runs on the same GA-B platform as its hatchback equivalent, and because of its high ground clearance, expect a sweet potato taking shortcuts with this, if you know what I mean, and with the optional AWD-i system, it can do a lot more, sort of, and I'm not sure if Mr. Hannibal will let this guy climb at the top.

Anyway, with the AWD-i system fits well on almost any road condition, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow, the Yaris Cross boasts a wide range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that translate to serious business when it comes to keeping the occupants safe.

So, there you are. The Yaris Cross may not be the most enjoyable crossover you'll have in your garage but it's a usable vehicle that does almost all things from all walks of life. Here's hoping those who are looking for a Yaris Cross should look for the one that speaks Japanese and like I said before, it's this Yaris Cross, folks. Not the other Yaris Cross from another world, in case you're wondering.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Sensual Red Mica, Beige, Brass Gold Metallic, Grayish Blue, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation