Driven: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV
Driven: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV
Back in 1997, Toyota was first to market with the Prius, which became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. At the time, no other manufacturer had a hybrid vehicle in mass production. Toyota’s early move gave it a huge lead in hybrid technology, and the Prius went on to become synonymous with hybrids worldwide.
Toyota undoubtedly deserves credit for pioneering hybrids with the Prius, which fundamentally changed how the industry thought about electrification. Hybrids became Toyota’s stronghold, and the company has sold millions worldwide, cementing its reputation for efficiency and reliability.
Its latest hybrid is the Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV. After decades of working with hybrid technology, one would think that the company has perfected the art of building hybrids. But has it?
The car in a nutshell
The Toyota Corolla Cross has rapidly cemented itself as South Africa’s best-selling SUV and hybrid, and for good reason. Building on the Corolla legacy, it fuses Toyota’s proven quality and reliability with contemporary design and cutting-edge hybrid technology. The latest update introduces sharper styling, a host of new convenience and safety features, and a cabin that feels more premium than before.
Exterior
Toyota has given the Corolla Cross a bolder, more assertive face. The reworked front bumper and grille lend a geometric sharpness that immediately sets it apart. The XR trim adds striking Bi-Beam LED headlamps with sequential turn signals and crystal-like LED daytime running lights, which bring a touch of sophistication.
At the rear, redesigned light clusters with an inner lens create a modern, uniform signature at night. Subtle touches, such as the carbon-neutral badge and two new metallic paint choices – Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze – emphasise Toyota’s environmental commitment. It’s an SUV that looks thoroughly contemporary, without straying into gimmickry.
Interior
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels solidly built and inviting. The use of soft-touch materials and real stitching on the dashboard and console lid elevates the perceived quality, while new carpets with reinforced heel pads hint at durability.
The XR’s seats, with their dark brown accent trims, strike a balance between support and comfort. Rear passengers benefit from reclining backrests – a thoughtful feature at this price point – and the generous head and legroom makes it easy to see why families are gravitating towards this model.
Technology takes centre stage with a crisp, high-resolution infotainment system that now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s paired with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that offers different themes depending on your mood. A wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and a rear occupant detection system round out a long list of convenience features.
Drivetrain
The Corolla Cross XR Hybrid pairs a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering smooth and efficient propulsion. Toyota’s hybrid system is well proven, and in urban settings it shines, with silent EV running in traffic and frugal fuel consumption figures that make regular petrol SUVs seem profligate.
That said, two quirks were noticeable. Firstly, when lifting off the accelerator, the regenerative charging system produced a distinct whine, which detracted slightly from the otherwise hushed cabin. Secondly, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) had a tendency to hunt when moving between light and heavy throttle inputs. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are reminders that hybrid technology still has room to evolve.
Overall performance remains more than adequate, with the emphasis clearly on smoothness and economy rather than outright pace.
Safety
Toyota has loaded the XR with an impressive suite of active and passive safety features. Toyota Safety Sense is standard, bringing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping with lane-trace assist, and pre-crash detection with front cross-traffic alert. Seven airbags, including curtain coverage, offer comprehensive protection, while the electrochromatic rear-view mirror and automatic high beams enhance convenience.
Parking is made effortless thanks to the 360° panoramic view monitor and park distance control. For families, features such as rear occupant detection and ISOFIX anchor points add further peace of mind.
Verdict
The Corolla Cross 1.8XR Hybrid proves why it continues to dominate sales charts in South Africa. It offers the practicality of a compact SUV, the running costs of a much smaller car, and the reassurance of Toyota’s proven hybrid technology. While the regenerative noise and CVT indecision are minor blemishes, they pale in comparison to the overall refinement, space and equipment on offer.
One of its most impressive characteristics is its fuel consumption: Toyota claims 4.3ℓ/100km (my test car returned a figure of 4.9ℓ/100km, which is still very good).
With its combination of quality, efficiency, and thoughtful design, the Corolla Cross XR HEV feels like a vehicle built for today and ready for tomorrow. For buyers seeking a versatile family SUV with a greener footprint, it’s hard to overlook this compelling package.
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