Features / 13 November 2021 / Albert du Toit

Cheapest Toyota Corolla Cross – What you get for R349,900

The Toyota Corolla Cross has launched in South Africa and is poised to become a market leader in the competitive crossover segment.

If you’re planning to buy one of these small SUVs, you will have to part with at least R349,900 to get the entry-level Corolla Cross Xi.

Despite being the cheapest model in the range, the Xi does well to justify its asking price – offering an array of standard features that are usually fitted to high-end vehicles.

The Corolla Cross Xi comes with auto-retractable wing mirrors and smart-entry door handles, while push-button start makes sure that you never have to take the key fob out of your pocket.

Daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and LED tail lights are fitted, too, with 17-inch alloy wheels capping off the Xi’s exterior equipment.

Interior

As the entry-level model to the range, the Xi falls short in a few aspects when compared to its more expensive siblings.

Standard features in this Corolla Cross include fabric seats, a urethane multifunction steering wheel, a manual air conditioner, cruise control, a multi-information driver’s display, and an 8-inch touch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connect – Toyota’s onboard telematics system that functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

In addition, the Xi offers ABS with hill assist control, as well as five airbags.

While these niceties are already plenty to satisfy most customers, it is worth noting that the Xi is the only variant in the line-up that does not have dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, partial leather seats, a digital TFT instrument cluster, roof rails, or parking sensors.

To get these, you would need to upgrade to the Xs trim at an additional R40,200.

Performance

The entire petrol-only Corolla Cross range is driven by a 1.8-litre engine connected to a CVT transmission.

The configuration produces 103kW and 172Nm, putting this crossover on par with competitors such as the Haval Jolion, Hyundai Venue, and VW T-Cross.

With this output, the front-wheel-drive Xi manages a top speed of 185km/h – while combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.8l/100km.

Although the Corolla Cross is competitive in the features and power departments, it does lack a bit when it comes to “rugged” specifications.

The Toyota’s 161mm of ground clearance falls below that of the Haval, Hyundai, and VW – while its maximum braked towing capacity of 800kg is less than the Venue’s and T-Cross’s, too.

However, thanks to the Corolla Cross’s relatively large dimensions it comfortably beats the competitors in maximum cargo capacity – offering 440 litres of space in five-seater mode.