Samuel Peeps once said a man who is tired of London is tired of life. Well we’re not tired of London just yet, but we do love the seaside, so recently departed the big smoke for a few nights in a bid to soak up the fresh air, feel the sand between our toes and of course eat plenty of ice cream.
Our transport of choice, the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, a subcompact crossover SUV derived from the acclaimed Yaris hatchback. It merges urban design with rugged SUV aesthetics, boasting a hybrid powertrain that blends a petrol engine with an electric motor, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Inside, passengers are treated to modern amenities, advanced infotainment, and a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Perfectly tailored for London life and motorway jaunts, this eco-conscious vehicle appeals to those seeking a compact, environmentally-friendly SUV with the versatility to navigate both city streets and occasional adventures.
Pros:
- Compact Yet Spacious: The Yaris Cross offers a compact exterior, making it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. Despite this, its interior is reasonably roomy for its class, providing comfort for passengers and luggage.
- Fuel Efficiency: Built on Toyota’s reputation for fuel efficiency, the Yaris Cross is designed to optimise fuel consumption, which can lead to cost savings over time.
- Hybrid Option: The availability of a hybrid variant means the potential for even greater fuel savings and lower emissions, especially in city driving conditions where stop-start traffic is common.
- Safety: Toyota’s Safety Sense suite offers a range of advanced safety features, enhancing the safety profile of the Yaris Cross.
- Resale Value: As with many Toyota models, the Yaris Cross is likely to retain its value well, benefiting from the brand’s reputation for reliability and durability.
- Stylish Design: For those who value aesthetics, the Yaris Cross offers a modern and stylish design that stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment.
- Reliability: Toyota has a strong track record of producing reliable vehicles, and the Yaris Cross is expected to uphold this tradition.
- Performance: While adequate for most daily driving situations, the Yaris Cross isn’t designed as a performance vehicle. Some petrolheads might find its acceleration or handling less engaging than sportier competitors.
- Infotainment System: Whilst it offers essential functionalities, some users might find Toyota’s infotainment system less intuitive or less feature-rich compared to those in some competitors.
- Price Point: Depending on the market and the specific variant, the Yaris Cross, especially the hybrid versions, might come at a premium price compared to some other vehicles in its class.
- Cabin Materials: Some reviews have pointed out that there are areas within the Yaris Cross’s interior where cheaper materials have been used, which might detract from the overall feel of quality.
- Road Noise: Some drivers might notice more road noise than in some competitors, especially at higher speeds.
- Boot Space: While the Yaris Cross offers reasonable space for its size, those needing to transport larger items regularly might find the boot space limiting.
The Toyota Yaris is currently available from lb24,855. For further information and to arrange a test drive, please visit toyota.co.uk.
