The Toyota Corolla Cross raises the bar

The Corolla Cross is the best-selling SUV in South Africa, but it faces growing competition from the influx of SUVs from China. To make sure it stays ahead of the pack, Toyota has introduced a range of updates to the facelifted model,

- Jaco van der Merwe.

The first model update since the Toyota Cross’s arrival in 2021 includes styling enhancements and more tech, two areas for which offerings from China are renowned.

The four trim levels are unchanged in the Xi, Xs, Xr and GR Sport, while the two powertrain options are also carried over. These include the producing 103kW of power and 172Nm of torque and the self-charging an electric motor and battery pack for total outputs of 90kW/143Nm. Both powertrains are mated to continuously variable transmission, which sends the twist to the front wheels.

The most obvious exterior change is the front end, where the single grille has been split into an upper part connection of the newly designed LED headlamps and a lower section finished in a geometric gradient pattern, which is not completely different from the Lexus design philosophy.

Flanking the lower grille, accentuated bumper vents create a more dynamic appearance. The only change at the rear is newly designed taillights.

The Xr and GR Sport models feature bi-beam LED lamps and LED daytime running lights, LED tail, fog and stop lamps, as well as sequential turn signal lamps.

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