CAR REVIEW HOWARD KEEG
NEW TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS polishing the marque
First introduced in 2021 , the Toyota Corolla Cross has confirmed to South African consumers that Toyota has not lost its mojo , with its fusion of heritage , design , and innovation .
In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment , the Corolla Cross managed to sell over 22 000 units in 2024 , and this means it is the country ’ s second-best selling passenger vehicle . According to Glenn Crompton , Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors ( TSAM ), “ The latest iteration of the Corolla Cross elevates this model to new heights , introducing a range of exciting improvements . These include refined design elements , cutting-edge technologies , and enhanced safety features that are in line with the evolving needs of our customers .” Crompton adds that the Corolla Cross is pivotal in Toyota ’ s commitment to sustainability . As TSAM pursues its carbonneutral goals , the Corolla Cross plays a key role in supporting the company ’ s objectives . Toyota remains the leader in local New Energy Vehicle ( NEV ) sales , commanding 67 % of the market share in 2024 .
As the press blurb says , the new Corolla Cross is more than just an SUV ; it is a continuation of the iconic Corolla legacy . It combines Toyota ’ s renowned quality , durability , and reliability ( QDR ) with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability . As a leader in hybrid vehicle technology , the Corolla Cross serves as a bridge between Toyota ’ s rich history and its future aspirations .
Filled with the latest technology , the new Corolla Cross ticks all the boxes , with its twoengine strategy ( a 1.8-litre petrol engine and ultra-fuel efficient 1.8-litre Hybrid ), and the choice of models is wide :
• 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 .
aBr WORDS IN ACTION 38 JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2025