Toyota Ireland has confirmed the Irish-market launches later this year of a plug-in hybrid version of its RAV4 SUV as well as a new small crossover, the Yaris Cross. In early 2022, the company will release an updated version of its Camry Hybrid saloon.
Beefy Yaris
The Toyota Yaris Cross is due to arrive here in October. Toyota has been teasing us with this for a while now, but it's essentially a Yaris that has been given the crossover treatment. Based on the same platform as the Yaris, the mini crossover is a little longer and wider than a standard Yaris with greater ride height and some extra interior space.
As you'd also expect from Toyota, the Yaris Cross is a hybrid, with a 116hp 1.5-litre petrol engine working in conjunction with the hybrid system. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive-models will be available.
Irish prices will start from €27,260, or €200 per month on a Toyota Finance PCP deal, for the base Luna model. That will increase as you move up the range through Luna Sport, Sol and Adventure, trim levels with which previous Toyota buyers will mostly already be familiar.
Supply of the Yaris Cross for 2021 is limited, so Toyota is encouraging potential buyers to contact dealers early. The company is running a nationwide roadshow throughout its dealer network from August 26th to September 16th to give prospective buyers a chance to get a good look at the new models.
No range anxiety
The RAV4 PHEV is due to hit Irish showrooms in December and, if you needed reminding of some of the figures and specs, according to Toyota it has an electric-only range of 75km from a full battery charge. A 2.5-litre petrol engine takes up the slack when you want to go that bit further, with a full battery charge taking around two-and-a-half hours from a 230-volt household connection.
The RAV4 PHEV's power output is rated at 306hp meaning it's got plenty to give. Its fuel consumption is good too, with an official 1.0 litre/100km - we even saw 5.2 litres/100km (54.5mpg) with a depleted battery in our first drive. All-wheel drive comes as standard.
Beyond the PHEV powertrain, there are a couple of small interior and slight exterior visual tweaks, such as the charging socket hidden beneath a flap on the rear offside wing and a black mesh grille to differentiate it from the standard RAV4 hybrid. One bigger change, however, is a slight decrease in boot space due to the intrusion of the battery pack, though it still holds 520 litres.
Prices will start from €48,275, excluding delivery, related fees and the SEAI grant. That should also work out at €354 on a Toyota Finance PCP deal.
According to Toyota Ireland, online reservations open for "pre-registered hand raisers" from August 24, opening to the general public on August 26.
Again, like the Yaris Cross, supply is limited.
Continuous development
The Toyota Camry, a favourite around these parts, hasn't been forgotten either, and the higher-spec Platinum version is getting a number of upgrades to keep it sharp for 2022.
With the exception of new 18-inch wheels, the updates are to the interior with a new nine-inch audio display, multimedia system updates, ventilated seats and several other additions to give you the big, comfortable saloon experience you'd expect.
Prices will start from €41,730, or €330 per month on Toyota Finance PCP.