Toyota recently enhanced its highly-popular Corolla Cross with new standard features based on popular demand.
The entry-level Xi specification was the recipient of most of the upgrades, resulting in an even more attractive value proposition in a car that already had zero issues with finding buyers.
At a starting price of R381,200 the crossover is on the more affordable end of the market, though it’s still not cheap. We delved into its spec sheet for a better look at what you get when buying one of the most popular cars in South Africa.
What you get
The most affordable Corolla Cross was updated with a welcome set of creature comforts for the 2023 model year, on the outside gaining LED headlights with daytime running lights that replace the previous halogen lamps.
The passenger compartment got a bit more attention during the revision cycle and saw fitment of a redesigned speedometer that now houses a 4.2-inch driver’s display for info such as trip data and fuel levels, a reverse camera, and an 8-inch central touchscreen bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wired to a six-speaker sound system.
As before, the Xi also brings a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, a manual aircon, fabric seats, hill-assist control, and five airbags.
It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, too, and is visually set apart from the rest of the Corolla Cross line-up through the omission of fog lamps.
Under the hood, the Toyota sports a 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol motor combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with no physical gears for an uninterrupted power curve.
The setup pushes out 103kW and 172Nm, enough for a top speed of 185km/h, and fuel consumption is pegged at 6.8l/100km.
Ground clearance, a big benefit of the compact-SUV body style, is rated at a respectable 161mm for the Corolla Cross allowing it to tackle less demanding dirt roads easier than the equivalent hatchback or sedan, and it also offers a decent 440 litres of cargo space in the boot.
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