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Toyota Yaris Cross Receives 2 Stars in Latin NCAP and Concerns the Automotive Market Due to Low Pedestrian Safety. Find Out What Changed.
The Toyota Yaris Cross recently arrived in Brazil as the new launch from the Japanese brand in the competitive automotive market. Now, the SUV has received only two stars in the safety test from Latin NCAP.
The result was released this week. The evaluation analyzed the version produced in Sorocaba (SP) and also the one manufactured in West Java, Indonesia. The score raises doubts about the cost-benefit of the model. This occurs because the vehicle is still reaching dealerships and should demonstrate a more solid performance.
According to Latin NCAP, the low score is linked to insufficient pedestrian protection. Moreover, there are a lack of modern driver assistance features. These points explain why the Toyota Yaris disappointed shortly after its launch.
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Thus, the test has drawn the attention of experts, as the brand usually records high safety standards.
Toyota Yaris Cross and the Impact of the Result on the Automotive Market
Toyota has not officially stated which factory provided the tested unit. The automaker mentioned that “it will update its position as soon as the origin of the tested vehicle is confirmed.”
Meanwhile, the automotive market reacted cautiously to the performance of the Toyota Yaris Cross. The overall score indicates weaknesses that go beyond expectations for a recently launched SUV with a starting price of R$ 161.390.
Safety: Detailed Evaluation from Latin NCAP
Latin NCAP released all the percentages applied in the tests. The Toyota Yaris Cross achieved:
- 77.01% in Adult Occupant Protection
- 69.29% in Child Occupant Protection
- 55.60% in Protection for Pedestrians and Vulnerable Road Users
- 58.14% in Safety Assistance
The model underwent frontal impact, lateral impact, pole impact, cervical whiplash test, structural analysis, and evaluation of ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
In the frontal impact, the entity classified the structure as stable and noted that the footwell remained preserved as well. However, the driver’s chest received marginal protection in both the frontal and pole lateral impacts, which directly contributed to the final score of only two stars.
Performance in Child Protection and the Points That Lowered the Score
Despite the criticism, the Toyota Yaris Cross provided good protection for children seated in rear-facing car seats with the ISOFIX system. Latin NCAP stated that “child occupants had complete protection when installed in rear-facing car seats using ISOFIX anchorages, following global best practices.”
On the other hand, the overall result fell below expectations. The entity explained that the lower score occurred due to the absence of a switch to deactivate the passenger airbag when installing a car seat in the front passenger seat and the lack of adequate signaling for this feature. These requirements are part of the current safety protocol of the organization.
Pedestrian Protection Worsens Safety Picture
The performance of the Toyota Yaris Cross regarding pedestrians was considered only adequate. The absence of features related to VRU — technology that recognizes vulnerable road users — and the lack of an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system lowered the final score. Furthermore, the SUV does not have a speed assistance system, which reinforced the final result of two stars.
Launch, Versions, and Cost-Benefit in Brazil
Despite the negative repercussions, the Toyota Yaris Cross debuted in Brazil in four versions: XRE, XRE Hybrid, XRX, and XRX Hybrid. Prices range from R$ 161.390 to R$ 189.990. The mechanical set includes a 1.5 aspirated engine for the conventional versions and hybrid technology with an electric motor in the pricier options.
Although it offers six airbags and electronic stability control as standard, the model faces questions regarding its real cost-benefit in comparison to competitors, especially when it comes to safety.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Toyota is expected to make a statement in the coming days to clarify the origin of the tested vehicle and possibly announce adjustments or future improvements. In the meantime, the automotive market is closely monitoring the developments, considering that the Yaris Cross entered as one of the main launches from the brand for 2024 and 2025.
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