Corolla Cross changes game

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has ended months of speculation by confirming the mystery new model set for production at its Prospecton Plant in Durban as the Corolla Cross.

Part of the marque’s R2.4-billion investment announced two years ago, local production of the Cross will see the newcomer being made in right-and-left-handdrive for South Africa and the rest of Africa, resulting in the creation of 500 new jobs plus 1 000 more in the automotive supply chain.

Production will commence in October with pricing and specification set to be announced in the fourth quarter of this year.

Unveiled in July last year, the Cross, as indicated, rides on the GA-C version of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform shared with the Corolla hatch and sedan, but with a longer wheelbase, higher ground clearance and a 85mm gain in overall length compared to the latter.

The confirmation of the hybrid powertrain is likely to be carried over from the international model, which comprises a 103kW/177Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with a 53kW electric motor for total system output of 98kW/142Nm directed to the front wheels via a CVT.

“It provides an exceptional balance between drivability, roominess, comfort and high-tech features – truly a game-changing SUV. It combines everything you love about Corolla with the utilitarian, rugged aesthetics of a segment-leading SUV,” TSAM CEO Andrew Kirby said.