Toyota is readying an international launch of the new Yaris Cross. Aimed primarily at emerging markets, the Yaris Cross is essentially a rugged version of the Yaris hatchback.

The Yaris Cross gets typical muscular crossover-like styling changes on the outside. This includes roof rails, black cladding on the side and wheel-arch mouldings and a brush metal skid plate below the front and rear bumpers. Higher trims will come with leather seat upholstery, automatic climate control, an HD instrument cluster, two additional speakers and contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob. Safety kit on the top-spec trim includes side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s side knee airbag.

The Yaris Cross is powered by a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder petrol motor that produces 107hp and 140Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission (offered only on a single trim). Incidentally, the same engine is expected to power the India-spec Yaris sedan, though the gearbox options are expected to be a six-speed manual and a seven-step CVT automatic.

However, the Yaris sedan coming to India will rival the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki’s Ciaz mid-size sedan. While the Yaris hatchback shares most of its underpinnings and other bits with the sedan, there is no news of it making it to our shores as of now. If Toyota decides to bring this car to India, it would take on the likes of the Hyundai i20 active.

Should Toyota bring this to India? Let us know in the comments.

Also see:

2018 Toyota Yaris: 5 things you need to know

Toyota Yaris sedan first look video

2018 Toyota Yaris sedan India image gallery

Toyota's Yaris: ready to take on the Honda City

Toyota evaluating Alphard MPV for India launch