The Toyota Corolla Cross has finally been launched in South Africa andwe got behind the ‘wheel of the locally-produced compact family car in the Western Cape. Given its keen pricing,practical configuration and admirable refinement, this newcomer looks set to make a big impact on the monthly new-vehicle sales stats

Theintroduction of the Corolla Cross is bound to be remembered as one of South Africa’sbiggest vehicle launchesof 2021.No fewer than 70 journalists attendedthe newcomer’s presentation event in the Western Cape and for good reason:not only is the Corolla Cross produced in KwaZulu-Natal(following a R2.6-billion investment in Toyota’s Prospecton plant), but it has landedslap bang in the middle of a tightly-contested segment. Whereas Toyota used to be rather underrepresented in the small crossover market (just the C-HR), the Japanese brand now offers the Urban Cruiser and Corolla Cross too!

And the Corolla Cross will have its work cut out for it! Toyota claims there are 31 offerings in the B- and C-segment SUV market. At this price point, consumers have myriad ofquality products to choose from, such asthe Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta,Mazda CX-3, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster and the Volkswagen T-Cross, to name just a few. Let’s not forget that runaway success called the Haval Jolion either.

The Toyota Corolla Cross does have a couple of significantadvantages. Itsdimensions make the newcomer one of the biggest offerings in itssegment;with a wheelbase of 2 640 mm and an overall length of 4 460 mm, the compact sedan/hatchback-based newcomer eclipses many of its rivals. Those proportions meanit’s spacious inside, with commendable rear legroom as well asa capaciousload bay.

What’s on offer?

The new Corolla Cross range comprises 5 derivatives. There are no turbodiesel powerplants or manual gearboxes on offer, with Toyota following this segment’s trend of mating petrolmotors with automatic transmissions. Customers have 7 exterior colours to choose from andthe Xi entry-level derivativehas cloth upholstery, whereas the XS has black leather and the XR either black-or Terra Rosa leather.

As for theengine line-up, the Toyota Corolla Cross is available with either a naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 103 kW and 172 Nm of torque or a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid with total system outputs of 90 kW and 163 Nm. When it comes to consumption, the standard petrol derivative is said to consume 6.8 L/100 km, while its hybrid sibling is said to useonly 4.3 L/100 km.

What is it like to drive?

We drove the top-spec 1.8 XRand the mid-spec 1.8 XSHybrid on the quiet roads in and around the towns of Paarl and Malmesbury. The driver’s seatposition is good– you are availedexcellent outward visibility. The Corolla Cross’ interior feels quite roomy– even for talloccupants – and, when we conducted the “sit-behind-yourself test”, wewere impressed by how much rear legroom was available.

The engines offer workmanlike, rather than punchy, performance. In this segment, quite a few models havesmall,turbocharged motors (including Toyota’s own C-HR, with its1.2-litre turbo), but the Corolla Cross doesn’t. The outputs of the 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated motor and its hybrid equivalent seem sufficient, but they’re not going to deliver that satisfying low-rpm punch many have grown used to getting from, say, the Volkswagen T-Cross and Kia Sonet GT Line. Bear in mind, however, that turbo motors tend to deliver better in-gear performance at the expense of fuel efficiency; the Corolla Cross, by contrast, is all about efficiency.

To illustrate our point, the petrol unit that we drove indicated an average consumption figure of under 8 L/100 km, with the hybrid below 7 L/100 km– and we weren’t cruising. All Corolla Cross derivatives have continuously variable transmissions and while the “elastic” nature of a CVT won’t find favour withpetrolheads, this typeof automatic transmission purposely sacrifices driverengagement in the interest of optimalfuel economy. So, once you’ve adapted your driving style to the powertrain’s characteristics, you’ll reap the rewards of silky power delivery and a notably relaxed cruising experience.

In terms of its ride/handling balance, the Toyota Corolla Cross has stolen the march on many of its rivals, most of which arebased on simpler light-hatchback underpinnings. The levels of comfort facilitated by the newcomer’s excellent TNGA-C platform will surely pleasecustomers. The C-HR,Corolla and RAV4 also have this platform to thank for their excellent cabin refinement and absorbent ride qualities…

Indeed, it’s a repeat performance for the Corolla Cross. The model’s basic torsion-beam rear suspension setup certainly does not make the on-road demeanourunsophisticated. It’s interesting to note that, in overseas markets, the modelis available with all-wheel driveand a fancier multi-link setup at the back, which is probablyeven more refined. Ultimately, despite its cost-effective suspension, the Corolla Cross exhibits surefooted, but nonetheless composed, road manners. We did discern some road noise, but a thorough test (on a greater variety of road surfaces) will clarify whether this is an issue or not.

The Corolla Cross’ driving experienceisn’t exactly sporty, but to be fair, that can be said of the vast majority of offerings in thissegment.When you do corner a little faster than usual, the Toyota responds with mature predictability– a touch of body roll and not much in the way of feedback from the steering system. It’s not bad– it’s just insulated;if youwanta touch more sportiness, well, look elsewhere.

Summary

With the new Corolla Cross, Toyota has successfully plugged the gap between its boutique crossover model – the C-HR – and the wildly popular (but increasingly expensive) RAV4 family car. If you consider that the compact family-car segment now accounts for afair chunk of the new-vehicle sales in the Republic, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) understandably wants a bigger share of it

We reckon that this car will achieve instant sales success. Its arrival comes courtesy of a massive investment by Toyota inits Durban plant, which has increasedjobs both at the factoryand in the immediate supply chain. Let’s hope the plant can keep up with public demand, because if the 800 pre-orders for the Corolla Cross are anything to go by, TSAMwill be moving quite a few units in the coming months.

The Corolla Cross’ level of overall specification is excellent, with the flagship derivatives boasting the latest in semi-autonomous safety tech and all the modern connectivity that the younger generation desires/demands. While the model’s powerplants perform adequately, they’renot class-leading, but the rest of the package certainly ticks a multitude of those proverbial boxes, especially at the price.

Buyers who’d like to buy into the RAV4 range, but can’t quite afford to, will find the Corolla Cross’ load bay capacity and rear legroom exceptional. What’s more, the newcomerfeels very well put together with plenty of soft-touch plastics. The cabin has a rather generic layout(it’s unlikely to win any design awards), but that’s not the point – it’s ergonomically sound;everything is where you’d expect it to be.

Given the seemingly cruel and unusual punishment of never-ending petrol price increases in South Africa, we’d say thatthe pick of the range is the mid-spec 1.8 XS Hybrid, which offersmost of the creature comforts you’d want, plus that clever powertrain (of a petrol-electric power unit mated with a continuously variable transmission) that should sipfuel if you adopt a suitably efficiency-minded driving style.

How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost in South Africa?

The vehicle is sold with a 6 services/90 000 km service plan, a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, while the hybrid battery has an 8-year/195 000 km warranty.

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