Corolla crosses over

Iconic nameplate morphs into an SUV for 2022

Toyota New Zealand is preparing to launch the next evolution of the iconic Corolla, in the form of the Cross SUV.

A compact crossover that sits in between the Yaris Cross and RAV4 models, the Corolla Cross will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, with a choice of FWD or AWD.

The hybrid set-up is very similar to the larger RAV4: in the FWD version the petrol engine is assisted by an electric motor; the car can also travel for very short distances on electric power alone. The AWD version has an additional electric motor on the rear axle.

“For some time now, Toyota’s hybrid-electric powertrain has been the most popular choice across not just the Corolla range, but passenger cars generally,” says Steve Prangnell, general manager of sales.

“We have reached the tipping point of customer sentiment towards hybrid-electric options, and Toyota’s customer focus is reflected by this change. We are also committed to reducing the carbon emissions of our new vehicle product range and are on track to exceed the Government’s 2023 Clean Car Standard target for Toyota and Lexus.”

Toyota NZ has already confirmed that the rest of the mainstream Corolla range – hatch, sedan and wagon – will transition to hybrid-only power by the end of the year.

That’s hybrid power for all “mainstream” Corollas, of course. The forthcoming highperformance GR Corolla remains a pure-petrol machine.