Toyota Yaris based crossover is based on the same TNGA-B platform and is expected to get hybrid powertrain with an AWD system
Toyota was all set to unveil a small crossover based on the Yaris hatchback at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. However, Coronavirus pandemic burst onto the scenes causing chaos and ultimately leading to the cancellation of all the public events across the globe. The Japanese manufacturer teased the crossover in the days leading up to its supposed world debut as well.
Most of the global carmakers have stuck to their schedules and revealed their models online but the crossover has not shown up its face yet. According to a recent report emerged on the internet, the debut of the Yaris-based crossover has been delayed further due to the prevailing uncertainty caused by the novel COVID-19.
Amidst the speculations surroundings its global unveil, the five-seater has been spied testing again. Caught on camera near the Arctic Circle, the test mules showcase jacked up Yaris hatchbacks with raised suspension setup. Both the prototypes are different from each other if you have a close examination, as one is based on the old generation Yaris and the other on the latest version.
The outer body of the test mules do not justify the exterior of the production crossover and they also indicate that it has not gone past the final phase of testing in our opinion. From the teaser image released last month, we can say that the crossover will indeed derive styling cuses from the Yaris supermini, however, it won’t have dramatic body finish as the razor-sharp C-HR.
Moreover, Toyota vows to infuse it with distinctive appeal for a B-segment SUV having “a personality of its own”. It is constructed on the same architecture as the Yaris. The modular TNGA-B comes with its own set of advantages as it will help in the crossover getting hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive system in the top-end variants.
Expect the small crossover to have its cloak lifted later this year before entering developed markets like Europe in early 2021. As for India, TKM could launch the rebadged Vitara Brezza in the coming months with a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid BSVI compliant petrol engine.
