Page 6 - Motoring Summer 2021

SA LAUNCH TOYOTA

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

henever a manufacturer the same engine with added hybrid electric power to supplement performance.
launches a new model on the Ignore the figures you read regarding the hybrid version with its quoted 90kW output. The
Wmarket, it’s an important event. electric assistance adds instant extra power and acceleration especially on pull-off or overtaking.
When it’s an additional product added to the Then the bonus is the 30% fuel saving as well.
line-up AND it’s locally manufactured, it’s far Our launch route covered a measure of urban driving and then a good distance of open-
more significant. road out in the Western Cape. The Cross is always smooth and composed on all surfaces and the
Toyota SA just ticked all these boxes electric component dominates in traffic situations where you purr along almost silently on battery
and a few more with the launch of the new power. When the need arises, the petrol engine then kicks in seamlessly.
Corolla Cross. Firstly, it’s an additional line While cruising on the open road, you use mainly petrol power, but lifting your foot off the
coming out of the SA plant. Secondly it’s the accelerator immediately switches over to battery and there is almost instant response when
first SUV ever on the Corolla platform and,
thirdly, it’s the first locally produced hybrid
vehicle across all the brands.
Taking into account the heritage of
over 50 million worldwide sales and 1.6
million SA sales, nobody needs reminding of
the significance of the Corolla nameplate.
However, in our fast changing world, sedans
are no longer popular and everybody wants
an SUV. What better combination than the
Corolla name on an SUV?
The Cross is offered with two engine
options, 1.8l 4-cylinder with 103kW and
172Nm driving the front wheels through the
smooth CVT automatic transmission. OR . . .

MOTORING | Summer 2021 | 4