Toyota Mzansi has launched the facelift of the popular Corolla Cross and the changes might not seem as much but they will matter in its quest for market dominance.
The most notable design change is in the front where the upper grille forms part of the LED headlights which also feature revised LED Daytime lights (now standard across the range). There are now sequential turning lights and auto high beam on the XR and GR-S models. The front bumper side vents are placed higher up with a more dynamic design. Front fog lamps are placed in the lower bumper with a colour coded skid plate for that SUV look.
On the side, Toyota has retained the 17inch, 18inch alloys on models with the GR-S getting black painted 18inch wheels. Roof rails aid practicality allowing the trendy Thule roof box to be mounted. Folding mirrors aid parking versatility.
The rear sees not a lot of changes with tail lights on XR, GR-S models getting more obvious changes. The rear skid plate, spoiler and bee sting antenna are retained.
The GR-S model also gets design changes on the LED Headlamps, grille and front bumper design. The two tone roof in black is also retained.
The interior gets enhanced quality with real stitching on the IP and console lid. There is a newly designed high definition 10.1 inch touchscreen on the XS,XR and GR-S whilst the Xi gets an 8inch display. There is improved bluetooth connectivity with better user friendliness. Wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard (Android Auto via cable connection). The knob volume controls have been replaced by buttons integrated into the screen surround. The instrument cluster on the XR/GR-S is now digital (12.3 inch in size) and can be tailor-made to suite the look desired by the driver with driving theme design changes.
Owners who did not like the foot operated parking brake will rejoice in the installation of an electronic parking brake across the range. The Auto hold aids moving from an incline, a safety feature taken for granted in most cases.
Two colour options are available for the leather seats (Xi gets cloth) with black and terra Rossa trim available. Electric seats are available on the XR/GR-S models.
Rear seat trim is retained as before with the much loved rear space also giving the model added practicality and comfort. The rear seats can now recline for more passenger comfort. Rear aircon controls are also available with C-Type USB charging ports (2) also featured.
The rear seats can split fold for added comfort should one have to carry added luggage.
In addition to the new electronic opening/closing tailgate on the XR/GR-S, there is the no-hands kick function which allows one to open and close the boot without touching the handle. You merely kick below the rear bumper (with key in pocket) and the tail-gate opens. There is now a 360 degree parking system on top spec models allowing surround view of the car when parking. The XS has 2 extra parking sensors whilst the Xi gets rear parking sensors.
Powering all non hybrid models is a 4-cylinder 1.8-litre engine driving the front wheels via a CVT gearbox with no manual transmission option. In standard form it has 103 kW @ 6000 rpm & 173Nm @ 4400 rpm. The Hybrid model uses the same engine linked to an electric motor with the engine producing 72kW & 142Nm whilst the electric motor has 53kW and 163Nm. Total power output is 90kW. Top speed is 186 km/h for engine only option whilst the Hybrid tops at 170km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8l/100km for normal engines with the Hybrid model at 4.3l/100km.
The Models & Pricing
The Corolla Cross range comes in the following prices:
- Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R414 800
- Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs – R452 200
- Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs HEV – R494 400
- Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R501 500
- Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R545 200
- Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S – R518 200
- Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV – R561 700
- All Toyota Corolla Cross models come standard with 6-services/90 000km service plan and a 3-year /100 000km warranty. HEV models carry an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery. Customers can purchase additional service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the comprehensive Toyota dealer network (220 outlets).