What’s it like to drive?

The Yaris Cross hybrid’s peak outputs of 85kW of power and 141Nm of torque are quite modest by compact SUV standards, particularly in respect of the latter figure. The maximum torque from zero revs characteristic of the Yaris Cross’ electric motor does close the gap somewhat when translating those outputs to realworld performance, but even so this is not a vehicle to choose for accelerative vim or sporty mechanical character.

That said, while the petrol engine becomes a little rowdy when worked hard, the hybrid system is pleasantly refined when driving in an everyday manner, and it is responsive at lighttomoderate throttle openings. Economy is the obvious payback: most conventionally powered rivals manage standardcycle returns either side of 5.5l/100km; the Yaris Cross hybrid’s rating of 3.8l/100km is more than 30% superior, and is accompanied by an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. One might not enjoy quite that advantage on the open road, but the payback around town should, if anything, be even greater.

There’s a nimble, darting character to the Yaris hatch that makes it a fun steer both around town and down winding backgrounds. The taller, heavier Yaris Cross doesn’t offer the same level of driver engagement with any attempts at serious presson driving reined in by body roll and benign understeer. The lane departure system can irritate with its frequent sounding of warnings on narrow twolane tarmac roads too.

On the other hand, the higherriding and more softly sprung Yaris Cross hybrid is a much more comfortable proposition for extended highway cruising. Though very clearly a highriding car dynamically (rather than a small offroader) it takes gravel back roads in its stride, soaking up with aplomb the corrugations that are a feature of many such routes.