Driving Toyota’s new compact SUV today  – the Yaris Cross SUV joining the booming light SUV segment where sales in the first two months of this year grew by 76 percent. The Toyota Yaris Cross is a high riding version of the Yaris hatchback I spoke of last week, has the same engines and interior elements but sits on a 10mm longer wheelbase with a 35mm wider track and has a taller wider and longer body.

Three models, GX, GXL and Urban, each with a choice petrol front wheel drive, hybrid front wheel drive and hybrid all-wheel drive – 9 models all up ranging from $26,990 to $37,990. I tested the base 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol CVT automatic GX front drive. $26,990 which compares with the biggest selling light SUV Mazda’s 2.0-litre CX-3 auto at $24,710.

Unlike the striking style of the Yaris hatch the taller Yaris Cross SUV with its bolder external panels is from my viewpoint not as attractive and visually the Mazda 3 is a clear winner. The automatic is of the CVT or continuously variable variety but with 10 preset ratios. A suite of safety elements includes a rear-view camera plus eight airbags including front centre airbags to prevent contact between the front passengers. Warranty 5-years unlimited km,  engine and driveline 7-year unlimited km, with capped price servicing for the first five services $205 each.

I’m David Berthon

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