KEEPING UP WITH THE PROLIFERATION of models has just been made even more difficult with Toyota’s announcement that it will introduce the new Corolla Cross, with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, in October.
The new model will be priced from $33,000 (plus on-road costs).
Customers will be offered a line-up of eight different variants with a choice of two-wheel drive or electric all-wheel drive, petrol or hybrid powertrains, and three grades – GX, GXL and flagship Atmos.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the Corolla Cross would appeal to a broad range of customers.
“Bringing the Corolla Cross to market shows Toyota’s commitment to offering customers the vehicle that best suits their lifestyle,” Mr Hanley said.
“With ample space for a variety of customers and lifestyles, new safety and connected features and fuel-efficient powertrains, the Corolla Cross gives customers what they want out of a small SUV.”
The range kicks off with the 2WD GX, available for $33,000 for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol version or $35,500 for the 2WD hybrid.
The GX is distinguished from the outside by 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, daytime running lights, and heated and auto retractable door mirrors while inside, standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, fabric seats, and smart entry and start.
The GX features the latest-generation Toyota multimedia system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and six-speaker audio system, and supports wireless Apple Carplay, wired Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio.
The Corolla Cross will offer the most expansive suite of Toyota Connected Services safety and convenience features of any Toyota when it launches, which will be supported by the car’s data control module (DCM).
New safety features will also debut on Corolla Cross with the support of the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features that is standard on every variant.
Lane change assist joins existing features that have been further enhanced including pre collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, active cruise control with curve speed reduction, lane trace assist, and lane departure alert.
All grades also offer eight SRS airbags, automatic high beam, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, rear cross traffic alert and a reversing camera.
The mid-range GXL grade is priced at $36,750 for the petrol, while hybrid versions are available with the choice of 2WD ($39,250) or E-Four AWD ($42,250).
Stepping up to the GXL adds high-grade LED headlamps, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, and roof rails, while on the inside, combination leather-accented and fabric seats, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, electrochromatic rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic air conditioning, offering a more premium ambience.
An enlarged 10.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation is introduced on GXL, with a pair of USB-C ports included for rear occupants.
Further safety features include front and rear parking support brake with static object and rear-crossing vehicle detection and a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM).
The flagship Atmos grade further increases the appeal of the Corolla Cross, and is priced from $43,550 for the petrol engine. 2WD and AWD hybrid grades are priced at $46,050 and $49,050 respectively.
Externally, Atmos grades feature larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moon roof and power back door with kick sensor.
Leather-accented seats with front seat heating and driver’s eight-way power adjustment add further comfort and convenience along with a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, automatic rain-sensing front wipers, and 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display. Atmos hybrid grades also gain Advanced Park Assist and a full function Panoramic View Monitor with see through moving view.
Toyota Corolla Cross pricing (all plus on road costs)
| GX | |
| Petrol | $33,000 |
| Hybrid 2WD | $35,500 |
| GXL | |
| Petrol | $36,750 |
| Hybrid 2WD | $39,250 |
| Hybrid AWD | $42,250 |
| Atmos | |
| Petrol | $43,550 |
| Hybrid 2WD | $46,050 |
| Hybrid AWD | $49,050 |