Cape Town – The compact crossover battle is well underway in our local market as of right now and to further expand on its market share, the Toyota Corolla Cross has been released into the arena by the local arm of the Japanese manufacturer. The new crossover is built proudly in South Africa and has been proposed as an affordable and frugal offering.
Visually, the Toyota Corolla Cross has been penned to be distinctive from its sedan and hatch namesake. Key visual cues include elongated headlamps that flow into the trapezoidal grille and contrasted by foglamps placed on the lower end of the bumper.
At the side, The Toyota Corolla Cross is defined by a set of subtly flared fenders and black plastic cladding along the wheel arches and lower doors. This is rounded off by a pair of large elliptical taillamps. Those looking for a more rugged and individual look can peruse through Toyota’s accessory catalogue for the Corolla Cross.
The Toyota Corolla Cross sources power from the brand’s naturally aspirated 1,8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which boasts a power output of 103 kW and 173 N.m of torque which is delivered to the front via a CVT.
The characteristics displayed by this drivetrain is in-line with what we have come to experience in a number of other products from the brand. The Toyota Corolla Cross offers a modest driving experience with a powerplant that is more than sufficient for both urban and highway driving. With the CVT, transmission of power to the front wheels was refined and fluid when subjected to in-town driving but sudden changes in acceleration does create a bit of a fuss as the belt struggles to adapt.
Riding on the brand’s TNGA-C platform, the Toyota Corolla Cross provides an impressively plush ride that doesn’t compromise on dynamic abilities. The prowess of the chassis can even be felt through a twisty mountain pass that supersedes the conservative drivetrain.
In South Africa, the Corolla nameplate has a rich history and as Toyota’s consumers have long associated their brand with reliability, there is a possibility that the Corolla Cross will enjoy a similar level of success. Toyota South Africa confirms that it has already received more than 800 pre-orders for the Corolla Cross, indicating consumer excitement about the new car. As consumers consider crossovers, competitive pricing, head-turning looks and fuel consumption figures are huge selling points. Toyota believes that it may have just has found the perfect combination with its new Corolla Cross. The sales figures will paint the full picture as the months progress.
Fast Facts:
Price: From 349 900
Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: CVT
Power: 103 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 173Nm @ 4 400 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: N/A
Fuel consumption: 6,8 L/100 km
CO2: 154 g/km
Service plan: Six-service/90 000 km
By Kumbi Mtshakazi
