One of the largest, most popular automotive brands in South Africa, Toyota has an unmatched reputation for value and reliability. While the venerable Hilux bakkie continues to dominate monthly sales reports, there's another legendary nameplate associated with this Japanese brand: the trusty Corolla.
With more than a million sales registered globally to date, the current 12th-generation Corolla sedan is more refined and sophisticated than ever before. Its 11th-gen predecessor lives on in South Africa as the impressively packaged Corolla Quest. While the Corolla name has more recently also been lent to the hatchback derivative previously marketed as the Conquest and Auris, massive growth in the SUV segment has allowed Toyota to design and engineer an all-important fourth member of the Corolla family.
Assembled at Toyota's specifically upgraded Durban-based production facility, the Corolla Cross fills the gap between the Urban Cruiser and its larger, more premium RAV4 offering in the brand's modern SUV line-up.
Offering a useful 161-mm-worth of pavement-hopping ground clearance, the appeal of the Corolla Cross package is that it combines a generally well-appointed, intuitive cabin layout with interior dimensions designed to comfortably accommodate a small family.
Seen as a significant stopgap between the versatility and peace-of-mind offered by a traditional internal combustion engine and the efficiency of a future-focused electric drivetrain, the Corolla Cross is available in South Africa with a choice of either a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) petrol motor or a petrol-electric hybrid setup.
Since this model's introduction in 2021, Toyota has consistently sold more than 1 700 Corolla Cross units per month in South Africa. Available via nearly 200 dealerships around the country, the Corolla Cross is also the 2022 SA Car of the Year.
Including the option of a few cosmetic upgrade packages, the Corolla Cross is offered with a 1.8-litre petrol motor in entry-level Xi, Xs, Xr or Gr-S trim. The Hybrid derivative that incorporates the ability to drive in all-electric mode under certain driving conditions is available in either Xs or Xr specification. Toyota claims an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 L/100 km for the latter's setup.
It's worth noting that the type of gearbox used throughout the Corolla Cross range requires a level of finesse to keep both fuel consumption and an intrusively prevalent drone at higher revs in check.
Toyota Corolla Cross modern interior appointments include smartphone mirroring and wireless charging technologies, as well as a full bouquet of comfort and convenience features. Guaranteed resale values aside, the appeal of the Corolla Cross package is that it is larger in all dimensions than its rivals in this segment, including the VW T-Cross.
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Toyota Corolla Cross Xi CVT |
from R360 400 |
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Toyota Corolla Cross Xs CVT |
from R401 800 |
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Toyota Corolla Cross Xs CVT Hybrid |
from R425 400 |
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Toyota Corolla Cross Xr CVT |
from R438 200 |
|
Toyota Corolla Cross Xr CVT Hybrid |
from R461 700 |
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A proven quantity in this country, Toyota South Africa offers a three-year/100 000 km warranty with its Corolla Cross purchase. Also included is a service plan that covers six services or 90 000 km, with service intervals at every 15 000 km.
On the Hybrid models, Toyota adds an eight-year/195 000 km warranty on battery packs.
As with most Toyota products, local resale values are likely to remain unmatched for the Corolla Cross package. Likewise, parts availability and service options will be best-in-segment.
The Corolla Cross nevertheless boasts a full five-star crash test rating in the ASEAN (Southeast Asia market specific) NCAP simulation. The car is sold in South Africa with five airbags, including a driver's knee item.
MyToyota Insurance is claimed to be as reliable as the car you own. Available via the dealership or a toll-free number (0860 98 98 98), this comprehensive in-house insurance option includes accidental damage cover via a broad selection of accredited repair shops and extends to death and disability financial cover.
Before you commit, Hippo that Car Insurance quote to make sure you can't find better with another insurer. You owe it to your bank balance.
Source: Toyota Corolla Cross
Pricing accurate on date of publication
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
