By Staff Reporter

Toyota is conspicuous by its absence in the subcompact crossover SUV segment and the new Corolla Hatch Cross may be just what the doctor ordered. The new SUV slots between the RAV4 and C-HR.

Looks

Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture C (TGNA-C) platform that it shares with the Corolla and C-HR, the Corolla Cross measures 4,460mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,620mm high. The C-HR and Corolla Cross share the same 2,640mm wheelbase length.

The Corolla Cross spots a large grille that is similar to the RAV4 but a bit rounder. The front bumper integrates a silver skid plate and appears in body colour an exposed black lower design. The side features strong lines on the shoulder and around the fenders with wheel archers covered in black plastic. At the rear, the car looks similar to the RAV4 with prominent LED lights that hug the sides.

The interior looks familiar and not too far from the Corolla interior. Toyota says the Corolla Cross comes with a luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters depending on whether there is a tyre repair kit or a spare tyre.

Engines

The Toyota Corolla Cross has been revealed with two engine options. First is the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FBE petrol engine with 104 kW of power and 175 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and is front wheel driven. The other engine option is a hybrid powertrain that uses a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE engine that makes 73 kW of power and 142 Nm torque, and works hand in hand with a 600-volt electric motor with 54 kW of power and 163 Nm of torque. The latter engine option is shifted by Toyota’s e-CVT.

Local availability and pricing

There is no official word from Toyota South Africa about the Corolla Cross coming to South Africa but a locally made SUV that slots below the RAV4 has long been rumoured.  In fact, our sources at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant confirm that the Corolla Cross is coming to South Africa in late 2021.