We have seen this story before. A manufacturer takes one of their best-selling compact models and gives it the crossover treatment, creating another hot-selling vehicle in the process. With consumer focus shifting away from sedans, the wise business move is for manufacturers to adapt. That is exactly what the market requires, and the numbers don’t lie. Crossovers are the future of compact motoring, and Toyota knows it. That is why, at a well-hosted launch event in Cape Town, Toyota revealed the new 2021 Corolla Cross.
As the name suggests, the Corolla Cross is based on the Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback. It is built on Toyota’s acclaimed modular TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. This is the same platform that has been successfully implemented in the likes of the Corolla, the C-HR and RAV4, among other models in Toyota’s line-up. As such, the Cross borrows certain elements from its siblings to maintain cohesion in the model line-up.
Same, Same, But Different
The exterior is reminiscent of the Corolla hatch and sedan siblings. Upfront, the car is identifiable by its prominent trapezoidal grille, flanked by elongated headlamps. A broad upswept bumper adds a somewhat aggressive appearance to the fascia. Along the sides, the car sports flared fenders that lend it the athletic stance expected from crossovers in the segment. The rear is dominated by sizeable elliptical tail lights with trapezoidal detailing. Overall, the design is safe and restrained and, therefore, ideal for most car buyers.
The Cross comes with three trim levels using Toyota’s familiar nomenclature – Xi, Xs and Xr. The Xi provides core value motoring at the entry-level. Above this trim, the midrange Xs and then the flagship Xr boast upgraded aesthetics, larger wheels and added features. The base spec will come riding on 17” alloys, while the top trim gets 18” alloys.
Modern and Minimal
The interior also draws inspiration from the Cross’ siblings. With a funky instrument cluster housing and a mounted infotainment screen, the dash appears modern and youthful. The use of straight lines and symmetrical shapes is especially pleasing. There is also minimal use of buttons which affords the dash a decluttered aesthetic. The choice of materials is trim specific, with the premier trims perfectly complementing the overall design.
The Cross is designed with large door opening capability to enhance utility and, in turn, complements the spacious cabin. A class-leading 440 litres of luggage space is supplemented with rear seats that split 60:40. The large greenhouse also allows for extended visibility and lighting in the cabin, an additional perk to the numerous added-value features highlighted in this model.
Under the Hood
The Cross elevates the Corolla model into the “new age” with both conventional petrol and the latest hybrid petrol-electric powertrains.
A 1.8-litre petrol engine powers the entire range. The non-hybrid model produces 103 kW and 173 Nm of torque, sent through a CVT transmission to the front wheels. The CVT comes pre-programmed with seven steps in manual mode. Toyota claims that the powertrain prioritises refinements and solid mid-range torque delivery, with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.8 l/100 km.
The hybrid model features the same 1.8-litre petrol engine. However, in this particular application, the engine is detuned to produce 72 kW and 142 Nm when in pure ICE (internal combustion engine) mode. The hybrid system aids the engine by way of an electric battery pack that produces 53 kW and 163 Nm of torque when at total capacity. Altogether, the system output tops out at 90 kW. The electric motor provides the car with an instant torque boost to aid acceleration similarly to forced induction.
The car can also be driven in pure EV mode for a quiet and refined experience, an additional perk in terms of saving on the increasingly expensive cost of petrol. Since the car employs a closed-loop system, there is no need to plug it in to recharge the battery. Instead, the vehicle automatically recharges the battery via regenerative braking or purely through the petrol engine, essentially using the petrol engine as an electric generator. True to its hybrid DNA, the hybrid model is more efficient than its counter petrol model, managing a claimed 4.3l/100 km.
As far as handling dynamics are concerned, the car comes with a McPherson front suspension design and a Torsion beam rear suspension. Toyota claims that the setup strikes a sound balance between excellent ride comfort and agile handling characteristics. We shall be putting those claims to the test once we are afforded a unit for our driving review.
All models come standard with a host of safety features, including an Anti-theft system, Auto door-lock, ISOFIX anchor points, Driver/Passenger/Side airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, ABS, EBD, and Hill Assist Control. The Xr trim boasts additional features, including Toyota Safety Sense, which comprises Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Trace Assist, and Pre-Collision System.
Last Word
The Corolla Cross definitely ticks all the right boxes as far crossover worthiness is concerned. It looks like a crossover, has the practicality of one and sports capable powertrains to match. On paper, this makes the Cross a solid contender in the crossover market. With a starting price of R349,900, the Corolla Cross looks set to become a popular sight on our roads in the near future.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU & Images © Toyota South Africa
