New special-edition Toyota Corolla Cross launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Corolla badge with the launch of a new special-edition Corolla Cross in South Africa.

The Corolla series, which has become a household name and a byword for affordable and reliable cars, made its global debut six decades ago at the 1966 Tokyo Motor Show.

The Corolla nameplate has taken several forms over the years, from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs, with the most popular contemporary iteration being the Corolla Cross crossover.

A local favourite, the Cross is built at Toyota South Africa Motors’ Prospecton factory in Durban, and a new model has just been added to the line-up.

Our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists alerted us that Toyota is now listing the Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary special edition and that it is one of the more affordable options in the series.

What’s new

The exclusive new Cross is fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre petrol engine, meaning it is not one of the higher-spec hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) units.

This powerplant provides a total of 103kW and 172Nm, which is sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

As a result, the crossover achieves an average fuel economy of 6.7l/100km, giving it a range of 702km on its 47-litre tank.

Where the 60th Anniversary model differentiates itself is in its features and appearance, as it is exclusively sold in either Chromium Silver or Glacier White with a two-tone black roof.

Toyota’s website notes that the new Cross has special edition badges on the fender, interior dash, side panels, and side steps.

It also has a redesigned grille, updated LED headlights with sequential indicators, 17-inch black alloy wheels, and roof rails.

While it is one of the more affordable models in the series, the standard 7.0-inch instrument cluster has been upgraded to the larger 12.3-inch digital driver display seen on the range-topping GR-Sport units.

This is in addition to other common features on the Toyota, such as keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, a leather multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, and an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety and assistance fittings on the crossover include five airbags, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and electronic stability control.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated Toyota Corolla Cross series is as follows:

• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R429,100
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS – R467,600
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 60th Anniversary – R499,900 (New)
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS – R511,200
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R518,400
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport – R537,600
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XR – R563,500
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-Sport – R581,200

This includes the brand’s 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 6-service/90,000km service plan. The HEV units also receive an 8-year/195,000km hybrid battery warranty.