Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS Extended Test Review
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- The Corolla Cross has been an immediate success on the SA market, with around 1800 units delivered per months in it's first 2 months on the market.
Not only has this model introduced the first SUV in the history of the Corolla nameplate but there is also a large focus on the hybrid powered models in the range.
Toyota SA kindly provided me with the middle spec XS hybrid for an extended month long test over the holiday period. Instead of the customary 7 day test, this really provide me with the opportunity to live with the vehicle and to experience it as if I had actually put down my own money to buy the car. So, let's think of this test from that perspective.
The Cross is powered by a 1.8l 4 cylinder petrol engine, supplemented by an electric/ hybrid motor. This is a regenerative unit so no plugging in of any sort is required so that removes the dreaded Eskom factor from the equation. The quoted output of the powertrain is 90kW and 142Nm but it certainly feels far stronger than this on the road. Freeway cruising and overtaking are no problem in everyday life.
The engine is matched to the Toyota CVT automatic transmission which is an ideal combination in urban driving. Probably the only complaint that I can level at the vehicle overall is the behaviour when overtaking or going up a steep incline. In those circumstances the engine sounds like it's straining and wishing it could shift up a gear or two. Lifting off the accelerator momentarily relieves this, but it's not an option when overtaking.
The SUV bodystyle provides excellent space all round and the boot measures 440l with the rear seats in place. Our short holiday trip luggage was swallowed with ease. The raised ride height provided easy and stable driving on a stretch of dirt road with the car feeling sure footed and planted.
Remembering that this is a family SUV and not a sports car, the Cross provides extremely smooth and comfortable cruising ability and above average handling through the twisties of a mountain pass.
Leather trim, 5 airbags, dual-zone climate control, infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, cruise control and auto headlights and wipers are all standard.
The ultimate bonus of the hybrid version is, of course, fuel economy. We covered 2100km of very mixed driving during our time and ended with the car showing 5.2l/100km. Enough said, this is exceptional. In my opinion, the R23 000 price premium for the hybrid makes this an absolute bargain.
In summary, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an easy driving, easy to live with medium family SUV that excels in it's fuel consumption. If this was my money, I would upgrade to the top spec XR version that adds safety features like 7 airbags, active cruise control, blind-spot and cross traffic warning and lane-keep assist to the package for an addition R35 000.
The XS as tested currently retails for R413 000 including a 6 service/ 90 000km service plan plus an 8 year/ 195 000km battery warranty.
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good indepth review of the Corolla hybrid.
that is excellent fuel consumption and yes the tank is rather small.
Great review no frills, just facts. Thanks.
Hi Alan! What would you go for between Cross XR in normal petrol or the chery competitors? Chery’s warranty length of 5 years seem more attractive
Hi, this is an extremely difficult one to answer. You definitely get far more spec for your money on the Chery. The warranty offer is also very attractive, you even get the extended 10 year/ 1 million km on the engine and drivetrain which tells me that they have incredible confidence in their product. Of course buying Chery is the relatively unknown opposed to the brand confidence that Toyota offers.
@@MotorMatters Toyota offer a warranty extension up to 10years/unlimited km on their hybrids - pricing is very competitive
Thanks for the review. Do you think the 110k price jump to the RAV4 hybrid is worth it - or would you say you could live with the compromises of the corolla cross?
RAV is imported..so quality is far better than Cross. It depends on your budget. I feel the motor of the Cross is under powered for Gauteng.
@@Deckard717 Thank you for the feedback - appreciated.
@@snyman9520 Pleasure..have you driven the petrol XR? It drives very well and I think it's a better option than Hybrid (20 odd k cheaper). Hybrid fuel consumption is around 5.5 vs petrol will be approx 7 or 8l/100kmm (I think Toyota claim 6) I still like petrol as it is tried and trusted. No batteries to replace when warranty runs out. Towing also higher for petrol. Maybe it's just me..Im still old school 😉
@Theuns Snyman I have a Corolla Cross Hybrid XR on order. (Wife has a Mazda CX-5 Akira so a Rav4 size-wise doesn’t make sense to us.) Believe the extra cost for the adaptive cruise etc in the XR is worth it.
I think Toyota has messed up with the Rav4 hybrid being in GX spec only and not offering a VX or a VX-L specification. It would obviously push the price significantly though. However if Toyota is trying to win buyers across to hybrids then it should be considering more than just a base spec in the Rav4.
My 2 cents worth.
@@Deckard717 Ja I also find myself falling in the "Old school" camp - I think the hybrids are amazing but it is that little doubt in the back of my mind - with it being a first gen model, first hybrid being assembled in ZA ( I think - correct me if I am wrong) and the fact that I look at this for a 10 year keeper. I know it has 8 years warrantee on the battery, but local mechanics - even at toyota - have more experience keeping a petrol klunker going than a fancy hybrid.
Grt review.. i was little concerned about the noise while speeding and acceleration due to low hp.
Very good review sir
Ordered the new, yes its coming, Gr Sport Hybrid Cross.
Looked at a Rav4 hybrid. Waiting lists are insane. R250 000 more expensive. Better resale on the Crossvs Rav4. The cross has a softer ride than the Rav 4
I haven't heard confirmation regarding the GR Hybrid. I am aware that Toyota SA have had severe supply constraints on hybrid powertrains and that's why the GR was launched in non-hybrid only. Overall, I think the hybrid version will be a winner. Coincidentally, I am getting the GR Cross on test tomorrow so watch for my review soon
Well if Renault brought their Captur 1.6 PHEV and the smaller hybrid , that would be the competition. I don't think they will be launching it here sadly.
Yeah South Africans just love the Toyota brand. The Corolla will sell 10s of thousand more...eventhough the Renault is a good car.
Hi sir. Thanks for the review. I am planning to buy this car. I can hear you have not had so much problem with acceleration of the car, but have you ever feeled the car might be underpowered on the road, on highways or when ou want to overtake?
You always have to be aware of the power and acceleration of the car you are driving. Please, always exercise caution when wanting to overtake.......
XR hybrid is now 500K new which is very steep. The prices have shot up so much its not worth it IMHO.
Sadly all vehicle prices have increased, I think its still good value