Toyota is considered a pioneer of hybrid technology, which counteracts the excessive thirst for petrol in our cars with a combination of classic combustion engines and modern electric motors. At the same time, the Asians were among the first to recognize and cater to customers’ desire for long-legged SUVs. Now there is a new model that combines both competencies.
The new Corolla Cross, in the typical guise of this type of car, competes in the SUV compact class, but faces stiff competition there. Massive front end with a steep cooler, framed by slanted LED eyes. In addition, clearly flared fenders, a straight rear end with a large flap. While other manufacturers now like to replace the optical upgrade with sleek elegance, Toyota remains true to its “here I come” image with the Corolla Cross.
At the same time, the Japanese maintain their reputation, thanks to hybrid technology, to lure customers with quite frugal consumption. The Corolla Cross has one electric motor on board, the four-wheel drive model has two. They are powered by a small lithium-ion battery with just 1.5 kWh. In contrast to earlier hybrid models, the Stromer have increased in power. They increase the output of the two-liter four-cylinder from 112 kW/157 hp to an impressive 146 kW/197 hp.
In the test Corolla with all-wheel drive, which is also the luxury version, a separate electric motor is responsible for the power on the rear axle. While the front wheels are always powered by the combustion engine and the electric heart, the 30 kW/41 hp of the rear engine only take care of their area. The resulting all-wheel drive is always controlled by sophisticated electronics in such a way that the Cross always offers optimal grip. A technology that is also used in many purely electric cars such as the VW ID.5.
The Toyota knew how to convince in the winding terrain near Barcelona, on gravel roads off the beaten track, but also in tight bends. Whether the additional costs of 2,000 euros for all-wheel drive are really worth it depends on the geographic circumstances of a new customer. All-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, both spoil you with precise steering with sensitive support from the on-board computer.
In the test Corolla with all-wheel drive, which is also the luxury version, a separate electric motor is responsible for the power on the rear axle.
The same applies to the easily adjustable brakes, which cross riders should quickly become friends with. As usual, they don’t notice the hectic back and forth of the constant interaction between the two drives. The system is configured in such a way that the petrol engine always operates in a window in which the least fuel is used in relation to the speed, the nature of the route and other conditions.
For the crew of a Corolla Cross, this has a somewhat unexpected effect. Even when accelerating from 40 to 80 km/h on a slightly uphill country road, the combustion engine struggles to quickly reach the required speed. It revs up so noisily that only real fans of a robust, old-school engine sound get their money’s worth.
It is questionable whether more sensitive customers can get used to the acoustic spectacle from the engine compartment. But at least your Toyota offers decent pulling power in all situations. And above all, really low consumption. The accountant in the on-board computer reports 6.3 liters per 100 km for normal to brisk driving, which sometimes involved quite steep uphills. The standard value is one liter cheaper.
Admittedly, the Corolla Cross feels most comfortable in the hands of relaxed people behind the wheel, letting them enjoy the largely sober but solid ambience in the interior. Added to this are the blessings of networking and the benefits of over 30 assistance systems, some of which were previously only available one class higher.
Of course, with its compact SUV, Toyota has customers in mind who do not consider a purely electric car for price reasons or fear of range. Or people who simply don’t want to or can’t do without their combustion engine. Toyota speaks of the “self-charging hybrid”, where you don’t have to worry about charging stations.
The other side of the Japanese coin: If zero-emission zones are soon set up in inner cities, the Toyota Corolla will remain locked out.
