Toyota Corolla Cross: Cardigan not required

What is it?

With the automotive industry increasingly switching on to electric power, getting into a new Corolla was like putting on a comfy cardigan.

Not that the Toyota favourite that has been around since 1966 was at all moth-eaten and had seen better days.

Far from it, the latest iteration, the Corolla Cross SUV, unlike back in the day, does not run on fossil fuel (petrol) alone.

With the latest Toyota hybrid system on hand, there are a few electrons whizzing down the wire here too.

The ‘Cross’ is Toyota’s way of giving its world best seller a genuine lift with added ground clearance, plus larger cabin with more occupant and cargo space, and the choice of petrol or hybrid power.

Sitting between the C-HR and RAV4 in terms of size, the Cross uses the same platform as the C-HR and Corolla.

What’s it cost?

There are three model grades – GX, GXL and Atmos – that make up the range, with the entry-level GX, in front-wheel drive only, coming to market at $36,480, plus on road costs.

GXL and Atmos to be had with front- or all-wheel drive for an extra $3000, or about $40,000 and $54,000, drive-away.

On test was the GXL front-wheel drive model.

A fresh look across the range incorporates a newly-designed grille, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The GX is distinguished on the outside by LED head and tail-lights, automatic high beam, daytime running lights, heated and auto retractable door mirrors and a shark fin antenna.

A large multimedia display is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wireless and with voice recognition as standard.

Plus, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, music, podcasts and audiobooks are always easily accessible.

The upgraded multimedia system features a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen display and gains satellite navigation as standard, with extra safety features including a panoramic view monitor and parking support brake.

Building on the infotainment system, the Corolla Cross features the most comprehensive Toyota Connected Services of any Toyota model to date, using a data communication module inside the vehicle and the myToyota Connect smartphone app to provide real-time remote information and convenience for owners.

Through the app, owners can undertake such things as remotely check the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control.

With the app there’s remote access to key vehicle functions on a compatible smartphone. Features include remote start, vehicle locator, access to vehicle information, and the ability to set driver profiles — all designed to give you greater visibility and control, wherever you are.

Toyota Connected Services makes use of the Corolla Cross’s inbuilt communication device, designed to connect you with help in an emergency or a serious accident.

It can even help police track a stolen car.

Toyota SafetySense is one reason for the Corolla Cross earning a five-star ANCAP rating.

Eight airbags surrounding the cabin interior help keep driver and passengers safe in the event of a serious accident.

A pre-collision system uses the vehicle’s built-in camera or radar and is designed to alert when a frontal collision is likely and help avoid, or reduce, the severity of a collision

Lane trace assist observes road markings and can make adjustments to help the car maintain its position by applying extra steering support and sounding an audible alert, while helping a merge by regulating speed against the vehicles ahead.

This helps make lane changes smooth and helps reduce the risk of collisions with slower vehicles.

Toyota answers the question of the reliability of hybrid technology with a 10-year unlimited kilometre hybrid battery warranty from the date of the first delivery and capped price servicing cost of $250 per service for up to five years or 75,000km.

What’s it go like?

Inside, GX grades come standard with automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch digital multi-information display, electric park brake, smart entry and start, fabric seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a luggage cover.

The addition of a wireless phone charger and heated and ventilated front seats add further to comfort and convenience.

GXL gains combination leather-accented and fabric upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and two extra USB-C ports in the rear of the centre console.

Boot space is generous at 425 litres with seat backs up.

Under the bonnet, the Corolla Cross benefits from the best of both worlds, hybrid electric vehicles combine the power of petrol a 2.0-litre petrol engine with the efficiency of electric motors.

While the motor directly powers the wheels, the petrol engine automatically turns on to support heavy acceleration and high-speed cruising.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 146kW of power and is responsible for driving the front wheels only.

The engine is often used to charge the battery, which is controlled automatically, while regenerative braking occurs when coasting or applying the brake pedal.

Power use can be monitored through the driver’s instrument display.

The Toyota hybrid system is definitely in control here, with full electric power full on at low speed or when the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

Shifts between the two are slick and almost silent.

Toyota puts fuel economy at 4.4L/100km on the combined urban/highway cycle. Best fuel economy on test was 3.9L/100km.

As is the norm with a Toyota, the Corolla Cross carries itself with the assuredness we have come to expect, even on some of Australia’s weather-worn surfaces.

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Steering provides direct, positive feedback to the driver and safety tech continues to be on top of the odd unscheduled incident.

Audible alerts are restrained, unlike some foisted on unwary drivers.

Corolla Cross backs this up with a quiet petrol/electric hybrid system, allowing discreet disturbance in the bush to the advantage of passengers coming across creatures in their natural surroundings.

Well done, Toyota.