A Cross offering the best of both worlds

The compact car is for those who love and trust Toyota's Corolla nameplate, but are not thrilled by sedans

- Christopher Tan

The Toyota Corolla has been around for nearly 60 years and remains the most popular car in the world.

Now, there is a crossover variant called the Corolla Cross which, it goes without saying, has big shoes to fill.

First, a look at dimensions. Although the two cars share the same platform, the Cross measures 4,490mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,620mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640mm.

The sedan is 4,630mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,435mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm.

The sedan has a 490-litre boot, while the crossover has a 425-litre one.

So the Corolla Cross is taller and wider, but its sedan forebear pips it in overall length and wheelbase. This is obvious when you look inside.

The Cross is not much roomier than the smaller Toyota CH-R. But its boot, although smaller in actual capacity, is more accessible because of its crossover architecture.

Design-wise, the Corolla Cross is somewhat forgettable, with none of the distinctive features which make the sedan striking - or handsome, even.

It will blend easily into the crossover crowd. Its rear is especially nondescript there is a hint of Hyundai Kona, but more bland.

As with most new Toyotas, the model has been offered by parallel importers for some time now.

But the one from authorised agent Borneo Motors is powered by Toyota's latest fifth-generation hybrid system, paired with a 2-litre engine. The combo promises verve and efficiency.