SPOILED FOR CHOICE

Toyota has expanded its hybrid line-up with an all-new compact family SUV

Toyota has managed to shoehorn another model into its comprehensive SUV line-up. The Japanese giant’s new Corolla Cross SUV is smaller than the topselling RAV4 but bigger than the Yaris Cross. It’s a similar size to the funky looking C-HR, but more conservatively styled and practical, aimed at young families rather than couples.

Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, says the brand has healthy supplies of the new model, unlike the in-demand RAV4, which has waiting times stretching out beyond a year.

The Corolla Cross becomes the ninth model in Toyota’s range to be available with hybrid technology.

The three-tier range kicks off at $37,400 drive-away for the GX petrol. Adding hybrid power costs an extra $2500.

Mid-tier GXL models start at about $41,300. Hybrid power again costs $2500 and all-wheel drive a further $3000. Range-topping Atmos versions are expensive, starting at $48,300.

Toyota expects 70 per cent of Corolla Cross buyers will opt for hybrid power and the new model is the first to offer the brand’s latest petrol-electric tech.

The new hybrid set-up combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 146kW.

Toyota claims fuel use of just 4.3L/100km for front-wheel drive versions and 4.4L/100km for AWD models. It only requires cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Petrol versions use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that makes 126kW and 202Nm. It drinks 6.0L/100km.

GX versions have 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and power folding side mirrors.

Inside there’s an eight-inch central touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital driver display.

Higher spec models have a 10.25-inch touchscreen and satnav, while Atmos versions score a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

Disappointingly there is only one USB-C charging port in the GX. Higher grades have two charging points and the Atmos adds a wireless device charger.

GX versions come with manually adjustable cloth seats, while GXL models have a combination of faux leather and cloth upholstery.

Atmos variants have full faux-leather seats that are heated and electronically adjustable in the front row.

There are lots of hard wearing, basic plastic surfaces in the GX, but they are replaced by softer touch materials in the GXL and Atmos.

The cabin space is generous, offering plenty of head, leg and shoulder room. The back seat can accommodate two average-sized adults in comfort.

The boot measures a biggish 436 litres, but that shrinks for the hybrid and all-wheel drive versions.

All Corolla Crosses are stacked with safety gear.

Eight airbags cover all rows and the car will automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist.

Multiple sensors keep the car centred in its lane and monitor for vehicles in your blindspot.

The car will also sound an alert if a vehicle is approaching as you reverse out of a driveway, or if you’re about to open your door into the path of an oncoming car.

On the road the hybrid versions are quiet and refined.

There is ample shove off the mark thanks to the electric motor’s torque kicking in from standstill.

The electric motor works seamlessly with the petrol engine, chipping in when necessary to add extra oomph and cut fuel use.

The 4.3L/100km claim appears achievable with gentle use of the throttle.

The petrol version is a competent performer on the open road and in city driving but it can sound gruff under heavy acceleration and laboured when powering up steeper inclines. The CVT auto can also drone at higher revs.

Soft suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps and lumps of all sizes. There is some lean through corners but the Corolla Cross is a surprisingly agile and fun little SUV to drive, with light and direct steering.

A five-year/unlimited km warranty provides peace of mind and a capped price servicing plan costs just $230 a year.

VERDICT

Cheap to own and predictably dependable, the Corolla Cross shines in more affordable hybrid grades.