SUV Subcompact

Toyota appears to be making progress on its new pint-sized SUV based on the next generation Yaris, if these spy photos taken during winter testing are a guide. It's unlikely the new model will share the same body as this Toyota Yaris with raised suspension and bolder bodywork (as pictured above). Rather this test car is simply being used as an elaborate disguise before the SUV-bodied mules are built.

The Venue may be the Hyundai's new entry-level offering Down Under, but the local division doesn't see it as a direct replacement for the now-discontinued Accent light hatch. Despite having built its brand on value-packed affordable cars, the Korean brand says the new sub-compact crossover – which starts at $19,990 before on-road costs – isn't meant to be an Accent successor. "We don't see this as a like-for-like volume replacement for Accent," said J.W. Lee, CEO for Hyundai Australia.

Toyota is believed to be working on a new sub-compact crossover to slot below the current C-HR, and it could start rolling down the assembly line before the end of the year – according to a new report. Industry journal, Automotive News Europe, made mention of the rumours in a report detailing projected growth in Europe's ever-popular small SUV segment, which is currently dominated by the Renault Captur, Dacia Duster, and Peugeot 2008.

The bosses of Hyundai and Kia have shed light on each brand's upcoming SUV rollout, set to complete their respective line-ups by the end of next year. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News, Woonhee Lee, CEO for Hyundai Motor Group, said two new crossovers and a light pickup truck are in the brand's plans, which should help grow Hyundai's market share in North America.