First Drive: The Revamped Toyota Corolla Cross. Bold and Beautiful.

SA’s best-selling SUV hybrid gets a facelift.

The new exterior design is immediately noticeable. The new Corolla Cross, at a last recent recorded sales around 1805 units per month. And that new Brass Gold colour sits perfectly with the new edition. You will be greeted very warmly when you step inside with everything laid out in the right places. It’s a five seater with plenty of space in the cabin and the boot. I felt that the drive was much smoother than the previous model, offering seamless gear changes, speed when you needed it and then, sharp effective braking, on a recent round-robin trip in Gauteng. Thoroughly impressive, all-round. But allow me to tell you more. 

Striking Exterior Design

The new Corolla Cross introduces a bold yet unmissable new look, starting with a geometric bumper and grille design that makes a strong first impression. It really does. The redesigned headlamps, which feature sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S models), enhance visibility and add a modern touch. 

Exclusive to the XR and GR-S models are uniquely shaped Bi-Beam LED lamps and crystal-like LED daytime running lights. The rear end has been updated with a reimagined light design featuring an inner lens for greater precision and uniformity.

A sleek new carbon-neutral badge further highlights Toyota’s dedication to sustainability. Customers can also choose from two stunning new colours – Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze – for added personalisation. 

Exterior

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Corolla Cross has secured its place as South Africa’s favourite, with over 22,000 units sold last year alone. This success has also propelled it to become the country’s second-best selling passenger vehicle.  

Plush Interior Upgrades

Step inside the Corolla Cross, and you’ll immediately notice the premium materials that elevate the cabin experience. Features like real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, along with high-quality floor carpets with a heel pad, enhance the overall interior quality.

Convenience is also a focus, with the addition of an electric parking brake, USB Type-C ports, and Rear Occupant Detection for added safety.

The seating has been upgraded with rear reclining seats for added comfort and newly designed seat trims that feature sophisticated dark brown accents. The interior trim colours remain unchanged: Black and Terra Rosa.

 

Advanced and Intuitive Technology

The Corolla Cross now offers a larger, high-resolution Display Audio screen, providing three customisable display options. Now coming standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone connectivity is seamless.

The system also includes multi-touch control with a soft-touch interface, improved Bluetooth connectivity, and an enhanced end-user interface for a smoother experience.

The newly digitised instrument cluster (available on XR and GR-S grades) offers improved visibility and personalised driving themes, tailoring the experience to suit individual preferences.

 

Peace of Mind (is part of the deal)

Remember that ad from many moons ago? I’m sure that you do. The new Corolla Cross makes loading and unloading easier than ever before with the introduction of a hands-free luggage and back door release system (Power Back Door + Kick Sensor) on the XR and GR-S models – a first for the Corolla Cross.

The back monitor now provides clearer image views, with customisable view modes that assist with parking and reversing. The Park Distance Control system offers intuitive parking assistance, with clear warnings and easy navigation of tight spaces.

The XR and GR-S grades also come with a 360° Panoramic View Monitor for enhanced visibility when driving and convenience when parking. Additionally, the introduction of an Electric Parking Brake across all grades further adds to the vehicle’s convenience and ease of use.

 

A Future-Focused SUV with a Legacy to Uphold

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.

Toyota’s reputation for durability and a robust dealer network continues to ensure that the Corolla Cross remains an attractive offering in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV market.

Final Word

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.”

 

Models & Pricing

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. Customers can purchase additional service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the comprehensive Toyota dealer network (220 outlets).