70 days to Corolla Cross
Another sign of the times in car buyer’s habits is the move away from the normal four door and boot sedan car to a SUV. And if you are Toyota and have been selling the ‘World’s best-selling car’ the Corolla sedan in South Africa since 1975, then you really need to adapt to the new demand.
Introducing the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross SUV poised to take the Corolla brand into the ‘new-age’. To keep with the move towards ‘New energy vehicles the Corolla Cross will be offered in two powertrains.
First the petrol variant hosting a Toyota 1.8 litre 2ZR-FEmill featuring VVTi. This engine currently propels the current generation Corolla Quest and Xs-grade Corolla sedan. 103kW at 6 000rpm and 173Nm at 4 400rpm mated to 7-step CVT transmission. A frugal 6.8 litres per 100km fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions checking in at 154 g/km.
Next the Hybrid model employing the same engine as found in the Prius the 2ZR-FXE. The 1.8 litre engine delivers 72kW and 142Nm in the internal combustion engine. Advancements to the electric system includes lighter weight and lower costs reflecting advances in battery and electric motor technology. The battery has higher energy density and although 10 per cent smaller its power output remains the same. The battery can absorb 28 per cent more energy in the same amount of time for improved rapid charging. The electric motor provides a supplementary 53kW and 163Nm to boost overall system output to 90kW.
The month of August saw the production of the first ever Corolla Cross in Prospecton Plant, the first Hybrid powertrain to be manufactured in South Africa.
