A few tweaks keeps the Toyota Corolla Cross fresh. Still, it remains as simple and practical as ever
Singapore – If you like your cars economical, practical and simple, look no further. The Toyota Corolla Cross is the Japanese carmaker’s idea of middle class utilitarian everyman transport.
The Corolla Cross is around 3 years in, so a mild midlife update is due. The facelift is a case of “if it ain’t broke, make it a little nicer at least”. Toyota has dropped the Corolla Cross’s gaping grille, which seems more congruent with the American market Tacoma, in favour of a more futuristic honeycomb body coloured affair. The head lamps have also been given a design update, featuring new LED DRLs on its upper half.
For the rear, Toyota has retained the boot lid and rear bumper. There is, though, a new tail light design, and as a clever way to save pennies, the “Corolla Cross” moniker is now integrated as part of the moulding for the license plate lamps. Across the car, a new “HEV” (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) tag, replaces the (longer, and probably more costly to make) “Hybrid” tag. Again, saving pennies on production, but it adds up.
Simple on the inside too
It is no surprise that much of the Corolla Cross’s dashboard is lifted right out of the Corolla Sedan it is based on. There is a new gearshift lever, and a redesigned wireless charging tray, which can now accommodate two mobile phones, but that is just about it. The dashboard, black with frosted silver accents feels increasingly dated.
While I appreciate that there are no squeaks and creaks, material quality pales in comparison to cars like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, I was hoping that Toyota would finally up their interior game. So yes, you make do with heaps of scratchy cheap plastics.
The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is by now, also an extremely dated affair. Its low resolution, paired with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone mirroring, are not going to do the SUV any favours. This is especially if the facelifted Corolla Cross is supposed to last another three to four years in the market. As a consolation, the updated Corolla Cross retains a good scatter of physical buttons, to make searching for functions easier.
For the driver, a 12.3-inch digitised instrument panel displays clean graphics which are easy on the eyes. I appreciate that there is a pretty low learning curve in how to customise your display settings here. Interestingly, the drive mode change graphics seems to be taken right out of the Lexus playbook.
The interior easily fits a family of five, thanks to the flat floor at the rear, paired with a relatively straight roofline. While there are useful USB-C ports at the rear, the Corolla Cross is devoid of rear air-conditioning vents.
A 425 litre boot offers decent space for grocery runs, and keeps things easy via an electric tailgate.
Fuss free to drive
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross retains the same 2.0 natural-breathing engine, paired with its signature Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In all, it delivers 193hp and 190Nm, which I have to stress is very efficient in getting the job done. In checking with the product guy at Borneo Motors, Toyota’s official dealership here, they claim that Toyota has remapped the powertrain to lean more on its electric drivetrain for better efficiency.
Setting off, the SUV utilises its electric motor, which is part of the eCVT to do the heavy lifting. The engine only takes over once you have gotten to speed. The four-cylinder does get rather vocal, once you go heavy on the accelerator. On cruise, it again prioritises the electric motor.
Toyota claims that the Corolla Cross averages 20.8km/l (the prefacelifted Corolla Cross did 18.8km/l). With a heavier foot, I managed 19.8km/l; while with some disciplined driving (disciplined, not slow), I got 22km/l. Very good numbers I should say.
As for handling, the Corolla Cross is not going to be the sharpest knife in your kitchen drawer, or whatever that means. It prioritises passenger comfort over sheer driver dynamics.
Its handling is decent enough, though I wish that they would have sorted out that rear suspension rebound, and given the light steering more weight. Then again, this is just me.
Any good?
Well actually yes. Especially from a drivetrain and efficiency standpoint.
While we are beginning to see an influx of similar sized electric Chinese SUVs, like the Aion V and the MG S5, the Corolla Cross does have a significant advantage over “New Energy Vehicles”. And key to that is its range. And also, you’re looking at a five-minute refuel, which sure beats having to have your vehicle charged every few days. Therefore, you actually do stay on the road for quite a long time.
While EVs have become an international buzzword, and looking back at home, with the numerous EV owners beginning to hog public charging bays, Toyota’s idea of a self-charging hybrid seems increasingly to be a very good idea.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic fuel efficiency | Dated, cheap interior |
| Improved insulation means a quieter ride | Dated infotainment |
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2.0 Premium Facelift
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric hybrid |
| Layout | 1,987cc, inline 4 |
| Power / torque | 183hp / 190Nm |
| Transmission | eCVT |
| Efficiency | 20.8km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 43 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 7.7 |
| Top Speed | 180km/h |
| VES Band | A2 |
| Dealer | Borneo Motors |
| Price | S$217,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Hybrid drive equals very good fuel efficiency |
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