Toyota Corolla Cross here soon

THE locally-built Toyota Corolla Cross is set to go on sale in South Africa in early November and the manufacturer has released local pricing and spec information ahead of time.

Toyota SA is positioning it quite aggressively, with the Corolla Cross starting at R349900 and topping out at R448300 (see full pricing below). This makes it significantly cheaper than the imported Corolla hatch and sedan models with which it shares a platform, which start at R391700 and R403 500, respectively.

Slotting beneath the Rav4, the Corolla Cross also has a price advantage over natural rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 (from R469000), Hyundai Creta (from R377900) and Nissan Qashqai (from R422900).

Toyota Corolla Cross buyers will get to choose from two engines and three trim grades. The normally aspirated 1.8-litre base engine produces 103kW and 172Nm, while the 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid boasts a system output of 90kW. All models are fitted with a CVT gearbox, with power going to the front wheels in all cases.

The Xi base model comes with manual air conditioning, cruise control, one-touch power windows all round, steering switches, automatic headlights, keyless entry, a 12-volt power outlet, and ABS brakes.

All Toyota Corolla Cross models will be sold with a six-service/90000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty. In the case of the Hybrid model, there's also an eight-year warranty on the hybrid battery. Toyota Corolla Cross pricing

1.8 Xi - R349900 1.8 Xs - R390100; 1.8 Xr - R425400 1.8 Hybrid Xs - R413000

1.8 Hybrid Xr - R448300

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