New Toyota Corolla [a] Cross worth making

Calling the importance of the new Toyota Corolla Cross for the marque and for South Africa simply “important” would be an understatement.

As hinted at by a series of teaser titbits released by Toyota in the run-up to the Cross’ market launch in Cape Town last week, the newcomer signals a series of firsts for South Africa.

The fuss detailed

This includes the first locally assembled hybrid vehicle. The first Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) underpinned model to be made on South African soil, the first Corolla derivative since the nameplate’s local introduction over forty years ago to be a crossover/SUV.

It doesn’t end there. As part of the R2.6-billion investment into the Prospecton Plant outside Durban, many of the tooling and getting to grips with the actual building processes had to be conducted via online meetings. This was a direct result of the international travel bans brought-on by the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Toyota Corolla Cross reports for duty

The securing of the Corolla Cross from reveal in 2020 to eventual local assembly commencing in October this year was also conducted in record time; 24 months as opposed to the usual 36 months despite the pandemic.

This, together with possibly one of the biggest launches in South Africa’s motoring history in the Mother City only emphasised the importance of a model Toyota expects to move 20 000 units per year.

Where does it go?

Although classified as a C-segment crossover/SUV positioned between the Urban Cruiser, the niche model that is the C-HR and the RAV4, the Corolla Cross is aimed very much at the step-down, highly competitive upper B-segment. Here no less than 31 models vie for public attention.

As if the pressure on the Corolla Cross to perform is not enough, the mentioned sales projections aim to elevate it above the Hilux as the brand’s eventual best-selling vehicle. How is that for a task?

With 45 examples present at the launch, the opportunity to experience both the conventional petrol and the hyped-about hybrid warranted no further invitation.

Hybrid vs Petrol – Round 1

The first leg of the journey involved the flagship Xr powered by the normal 1.8-litre petrol engine that develops 103kW/172Nm. Like the entire range, the mill is mated to a CVT with Toyota attributing research as the main reason for not offering the Corolla Cross with a manual gearbox.

In total, the range spans five models and three trim grades: Xi, Xs and Xr. Only the latter pair are privy to either the petrol powerunit or the hybrid that combines the same engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 90 kW. The power is sent to the front wheels.

Inside and out

Although styling is always subjective, the Corolla Cross, while nowhere near as eye-catching as the RAV4 or C-HR, does have an element of ruggedness about.

Sporting angular looking LED headlights, cladding around the wheel arches and the base of the doors, a honeycomb pattern grille, roof rails and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, the final execution works in its favour as it straddles the line between decent looking without being completely anonymous.

Where the Corolla Cross pulls its biggest trump card is the interior. Measuring 4 460 mm in overall length with its wheelbase at 2 640 mm and height at 1 620 mm, the level of space is impressive for those seated at the front and rear. It has good amounts of leg and headroom. Boot space is also commendable at 440-litres with the rear seats up.

Being based on the RAV4 and of course, the Corolla Hatch and Sedan, the look of the interior and its design is classy, fuss-free and minimalistic with functionality taking pride over flamboyance.

That being said, buyers do get the option of spicing up the interior by opting for the striking Terra Rossa finish rather than the conventional black.

Topped by a freestanding touchscreen infotainment system, now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Cross’ built quality didn’t elicit much debate. The use of soft touch plastics is contrasted by faux chrome accents and piano key black detailing on the climate control panel.

In fact, the main issue of content that proved resoundingly irksome is the foot operated handbrake and to a much less extent, the dated looking graphics of the infotainment system.

Hybrid v Petrol – Round 2

One the move, the Cross felt planted and surefooted despite being two-wheel-drive with the steering offering decent feedback. It is however here where the hybrid, in our opinion, had the edge over the petrol.

In spite of its power deficit, the instant torque provided by the electric motor gives the Cross that little extra shove it needs. The petrol felt a bit lethargic and susceptible to emitting a strained engine note higher up the rev-range.

At the same time, the hybrid feels better suited to the CVT and despite the typical drone being audible, it is, in our view, more palpable than in the petrol, which tended to run out of puff once the terrain got hilly.

Our time spent in the hybrid was behind the wheel of the Xs, a model that loses out on some of the Xr’s nice-to-haves, but with a more affordable price and with 17-inch alloys that contributed to a less firmer ride.

Conclusion

As much as the task facing it comes with the proverbial “uphill” adage, the Toyota Corolla Cross, to a large extent, pulls off what is required.

Aside from plugging the gap needed below the RAV4, its overall talents as a package will prove difficult to beat. Not only from a specification and space standpoint, but also the availability of the hybrid that is projected to become the top-selling model, especially with its claimed fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km versus the 6.8 L/100 km of the petrol.

With Toyota having amassed pre-orders of 800 units before sales even started, the Corolla Cross is well on course to become another star Corolla performer. Its rating as Toyota’s best-selling model above the Hilux remains to be seen.

Price

All models are covered by a three year/100 000 km warranty as well as six service/90 000 km service plan with the hybrid also receiving an eight year/195 000 km battery warranty.

• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R349 100
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs – R390 100
• Corolla Cross Hybrid Xs – R413 000
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xr – R425 400
• Corolla Cross Hybrid Xr – R448 300