The Corolla name has a rich and diverse history, spanning across 12 generations of dependable vehicles. It’s a celebrated moniker, one that has seen more than 50 million in global sales, making it one of the most successful ranges ever. Now, the Corolla Cross is here to take that legacy into the future.
However, this legendary ride has humble beginnings. The first Corolla was launched as a compact city car back in the 1960s. Since then, the world has changed drastically, and this city car has evolved with the times to meet the needs of the modern driver.
Now, the Corolla Cross fuses the model’s metro roots with SUV convenience to serve up a comfortable drive, powerful performance and endless utility. It’s a coveted trifecta in this day and age where versatility rules, but form and function can never take a backseat.
Ready for the new generation? Let’s take a dive under the hood
A Tale of Two Engines
As is the case for many of the cars in Toyota’s innovative stable, the Corolla Cross is available in both petrol and hybrid variants. The non-hybrid Cross comes standard with 1 .8-litre VVTi 2ZR-FE engine, and is capable of generating 173Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. The priority here is refinement and strong mid-range torque delivery. It’s also efficient, boasting a fuel index of 6.8 litres per 100km.
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On the hybrid front, you’ll find a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine backed by the latest generation Hybrid powertrain with a more compact (but more efficient) battery pack. The acceleration response is smooth and immediate, perfect for both the open road and city streets. Keep in mind that this is a closed-loop system, so you won’t have to plug in to recharge the battery—that magic happens while you’re in motion. The result: ultra-refined and quiet operation with a dedicated EV mode that lets you opt-in for full-electric propulsion for a near-silent drive.
This hybrid approach also translate into major gains on the fuel-saving side, with the engine boasting a fuel index of 4.3 litres per 100km (and a low 98g/km CO2 output).
An Outside Look
On the road, the Corolla Cross cuts a striking figure, adopting a multilingual approach that’s fluent in sedan, hatch and SUV. The result: a harmonious appearance wherein one flourish leads into the other for a streamlined exterior that matches the cohesion found under the hood.
Up front, you’ll find large, elongated headlamps flanking a prominent trapezoidal radiator grille. The broad “upswept” lower bumper brings a sense of fluid geometry to the face of the Cross. For width, the fender flares put in extra work, clocking overtime to make sure the Cross has serious road presence.
Inside Story
Open the doors, and you’ll find out that the attention to detail hasn’t just been reserved for the exterior. The interior space echoes the model’s rich history, borrowing the best parts of its hatch and sedan siblings.
Designers have gone for an elegant exterior with an emphasis on ergonomics and making smart use of space to help you feel comfortable. It’s a carefully balanced mix of soft-touch elements and stylish metallic trim (depending on your choice of grade).
Standout features include the large, mounted infotainment system that sits at the heart of this luxe interior. Door openings are generous for added utility, and sense of space isn’t just perception—you’ll bag a class-leading luggage capacity of 440 litres.
Open Range
The Cross is available in five unique variants, with your choice of petrol or hybrid. Tap HERE to get behind the wheel of Toyota’s new age ride.
