Legacy Advantage
Introduction: Toyota has been looking into hybridization as far back as the 60’s with gas turbine hybrid technology, bringing out the Century prototype in 1975 and a hybrid version of the Sports 800 in 1977. The Gas Turbine Vehicle (GTV) was eventually shelved before the turn of the century when Toyota deemed the technology unfeasible. Fast forward to the 1995 Prius concept launch and two years later Toyota developed the nickel-metal-hydride battery and did away with the conventional transmission entirely. Toyota devised a novel system with two motor-generator units, instead and production began - 26 years later, the Corolla Cross HEV was launched.
As a proud and passionate Durbanite, I take huge pride in knowing that the Cross is manufactured at the Toyota plant in Prospecton, KZN. Four years since its introduction to this intensely competitive compact SUV market, the Cross has become one of South Africa’s favourite cars, selling an impressive 22000 units last year. The latest Cross aims to please with many improvements in technology and safety but still focusing on the heritage of the Corolla brand that has evolved beautifully under South Africa’s gorgeous skies, for the past 50 years! The name Corolla is synonymous with my childhood memories of late nights at the Drive In watching Dirty Dancing, Sunday braais around the pool, freshly mowed grass on the weekends, Evoid’s Taxi man and beautiful sizzling summer days!
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The FWD Cross HEV comes with Toyota’s proven DOHC 1.8-liter petrol engine and Toyota’s 5th generation self-charging hybrid electric system with a lithium-ion battery, delivering a total of 90 kW (72 kW from the engine) and a maximum torque of 142 Nm. Toyota publish economy figures of 4.3 Liters per 100 kilometres, but I ended up on 5.8 which was actually still particularly good considering my vigorous testing. The car was very spacious, properly comfortable and when driving the Cross, I felt like I was in a car that cost way more than the price tag attached to this great vehicle. It cornered and braked very well and thankfully gripped to the road like bees to honey on one occasion when a car blindly changed lanes nearly colliding with me. I was fuming, not “Cross” to say the least, but grateful that the car handled so well in the emergency – the added help to my steering and braking must have been technology related – see below.
Features: Standard Features over and above the usual suspects, included with the XR: Toyota Safety Sense (Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-crash with front cross traffic alert and Lane Keeping System with Lane Trace Assist), 7 Airbags including Curtain Side, Auto High Beam + Sequential Turn Signal, 12.3” Full Digital Instrument Meter, Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror, 360° Panoramic View Monitor, Power Back Door + Kick Sensor is a bonus when shopping and your hands are full, Apple car play is Wireless, Android is cable, excellent auto dual zone air-conditioning system to handle Durban’s heat, EBD, ABS, BSM, retractable side mirrors, 12V socket and type C USB in the front, auto rain sensing, 6 speaker system which handled my morbid fascination of loud music very well!
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The Cross has a luxurious feel thanks to some decent quality materials used on the dashboard, with actual stitching and partial leather seats. The cabin is spacious and there is ample legroom in the back, providing enough space for three teenager girls to take those hugely important selfies! The Cross has good exterior lines, an impressive front grille, retractable side mirrors, colour coded door handles, green tempered glass, LED Auto high beam, day running lights, auto rain sensor system, front fog lamps and a rear fog light. With 440 Liters of luggage space and 1200 if the seats are folded flat, you can hit the road with all the necessities, to go away without having to leave the big cooler box behind. Ground clearance comes in at 161 millimetres which is enough to accommodate parking on kerbs at school functions when normal off-street parking is a premium.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan/ Service intervals: R545200, Warranty distance: 100000 kms - vehicle / 195000 kms - hybrid battery/ Warranty years: 3 years - vehicle / 8 years - hybrid battery/ Service plan: 6 services at 15000 km intervals or pear year
In Summary: To buy one or not to buy one, is the proverbial question? I would buy a Cross for sure. There is no question that it ticks all the boxes that a traditional South African would want. The Corolla Cross is solid, comes with a Corolla history of proven reliability and dependability, is roomy and spacious, is comfortable, comes with quality parts and boasts an unbelievable fuel economy to please even those that see the glass half empty. With over 200 Toyota dealerships, countrywide, there are more reasons than ever to settle for nothing less that this epitome of heritage, loyalty and respect for a brand that continues, after all these years of having driven the 80’s kids to school!
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Toyota SA*
