With local production of the Corolla Cross starting this month, Toyota SA has now released details of its new compact family car, which will slot in between the Urban Cruiser and RAV4.

Earlier this year, it was announced that, following a R2-billion-plus investment in Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) assembly plant in KZN, the Corolla Cross would be produced at Prospecton, from where it would be sold in the local market (from November 2021, we believe) and exported to more than 43 countries in Africa. The newcomer utilises the new Corolla’s TNGA (GA-C) platform and is produced alongside the Corolla Quest.

> Read our launch drive of the Corolla Cross here

Until recently, Toyota has not offered much in the way of SUV-flavoured family cars below the popular Fortuner and RAV4. Whereas the 3-time #CarsAwards Brand of the Year winner only offered the boutique C-HR small crossover and, briefly, the Indonesian-made, ex-Daihatsu Rush budget crossover before (you can count the discontinued Etios Cross too, if you must), the Japanese brand will soon have a trio of offerings in the burgeoning compact family-car segment… The Suzuki-made Urban Cruiser budget crossover, the C-HR and, finally, the Corolla Cross.

Familial look

The Corolla Cross effectively fuses the design language of the Corolla Sedan and Hatch models with an SUV-shape. Large, elongated headlamps flank a prominent trapezoidal grille, which is accentuated by the broad,upsweptlower bumper. Deep vertical design lines on the outer edges of the bumperhelp create a substantial frontal view.The side profile is characterisedby pronounced fender flares, replete with black cladding, which ties in with the side skirts and bumper trim.The rear, meanwhile,employs large elliptical taillamps with trapezoidal detailing and crease lines.

In terms of dimensions, the Corolla Cross is 35 mm shorter, but 185 mm taller than a Corolla sedan/hatch, although its mechanical configuration is slightly less advanced. An example of this is that the model utilisesMacPherson struts for its front-, but atorsion beam – as opposed to a multi-link setup – for its rear suspension.

The newcomer will take on rivals such as the Volskwagen T-Cross, Hyundai Cretaand the Kia Seltosand TSAM says buyers will be able to customise their vehicles with an assortment of exterior accessory packages, including “rugged, adventure-themed variantsto sporty urban enhancements”.

By virtue of being based onthe TNGA (GA-C) platform, the Corolla Cross is also expected to offer acomfortable ride qualityand a quiet cabin by virtue of good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control. Toyota says the new model provides a spacious cabin, easy entry into and exit from the car, class-leading luggage space suitable for all scenarios, and safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series.

SA’s first hybrid compact family car

Base derivatives of the Corolla Cross will be powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which also propels Corolla Quest and the Corolla 1.8 XS sedan. The motor is mated with a 7-step continuously variable automatic transmission and produces peak outputs of 103 kW at 6 000 rpm and 173 Nm at 4 400 rpm. Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L/100 km for the non-hybrid derivative/s.

The petrol-electric hybrid version, meanwhile, will probably be the most affordable hybrid model in South Africa because it won’t be subject to the premium tax that is levied on imported hybrid models – well, at the moment.

Like the Toyota Prius (and upcoming Corolla Hybrid), the Hybrid will utilise a 72 kW/142 Nm Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre petrol engine in combination with an electric motor and battery. The ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) has a high thermal efficiency figure of 40% (for a petrol engine) with the Japanese manufacturer has recently improved the motor’s gas flow, combustion, cooling, knock control and exhaust gas recirculation/heat recovery system, which means more fuel can be saved because the hybrid system can deactivate the ICE earlier… and more frequently.

Advancements to the electric system include a more compact package that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. The hybrid battery has a higher energy density, which means that even though its size was reduced by 10%, its power output remains the same. Toyota says it can absorb 28% more energy (either harvested via regenerative braking or generated by the petrol engine) in the same amount of time as the previous configuration did.

The electric motors themselves are smaller, but also have an improved power-to-weight ratio. The electric motor provides a supplementary 53 kW and 163 Nm of torque (at full capacity) to boost the overall system output to 90 kW (the combined figure is not an aggregate of the two power sources, due to transmission reduction losses).

A dedicated EV mode is also offered, where operation is restricted to near-silent, full-electric propulsion (battery state-of-charge dependant). The Hybrid configuration is optimised for low-speed usage situations such as peak-hour traffic, where the petrol engine is automatically shut off and the vehicle can be driven on electric power only – thereby using as little fuel as possible. EV operation is also utilised when reversing or when coasting on a level road.

The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain also employs a CVT. All of Toyota’s latest generation hybrids utilise a “starting reduction gear” to improve acceleration from standstill and provide a more direct-drive feeling when taking off.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is said to consume an average of4.3 L/100 km (in-town and high conditions)and has a CO2 indexof under 100 g/km.

Toyota Corolla Cross Trim Levels

Toyota South Africa is using its traditional trim level designation of Xi, Xs and Xr for the new Corolla Cross. Xi kicks off the range with Toyota saying its aimed at customers seeking value motoring. Mid-tier Xs throws in additional convenience features and comfort, while Xr gives you the full package of larger wheels, comprehensive features as well as enhanced exterior look.

Despite it being the entry-level derivative, the Xi features colour-coded bodywork, keyless entry, power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors, LED taillamps and automatic light control. Interior Items include four cupholders, stowage binnacles, 60/40 fold-down rear seats and steering switches. Cruise Control, air-conditioning, 12-volt power outlet, all-round one-touch power windows and a Multi-Information Display (MID) round off the spec offering.

Xs trim enhances the package with foglamps, an upgrade to LED headlamps, Park Distance Control (PDC) and rain-sensing wipers. The interior trim is upgraded to leather, while the air-conditioning switches to a dual-zone variant and the Multi-Information Display (MID) is upgraded to the TFT-type. There’s also a reverse camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity as well as two more USB ports.

Finally, the Corolla Cross Xr model adds in even more safety spec, plus 18-inch wheels and additional convenience features.

The top-of-the-range Xr models offer customers additional convenience and safety specification and an upgrade to 18-inch wheels.

How much will the Toyota Corolla Cross cost in SA?

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R349 900

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs – R390 100

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xr – R425 400

Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid Xs – R413 000

Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid Xr – R448 300

A six-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all Corolla Cross models, with service intervals pegged at 12-months/15 000 km. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty also forms part of the offering. The Hybrid model carries an 8-year warranty on the Hybrid battery. Customers can also purchase additional service and warranty plan extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 outlets nationwide).

Related content:

Hyundai Creta (2021) Review

Toyota Urban Cruiser (2021)

Kia Seltos (2020) Review