Corolla Cross is a spacious and frugal family car
Corolla Cross ranges in price from €38,380 to €43,750, which is the price of the reviewed model.
MMAI Toyota's Corolla model is available as a saloon, hatchback or Sports Tourer estate. In recent times a Cross version has been added to the mix which is a crossover SUV. All are offered as self-charging hybrid electrics. My most recent press car was the new 1.8 Corolla Cross which joined the more expensive and more powerful 2.0 version making the model more affordable to a wider range of customers. This robust, mid-sized SUV five-seater is a stylish and practical option for growing families offering comparatively low-cost driving. With a 2640mm wheelbase, it slots in between the Yaris Cross and bigger RAV4 SUV in the brand’s line-up.
As it is a high car, getting in and out is easy and the car’s height also allows for good visibility. Light filters into the cabin via the panoramic sunroof and also from the amount of window glass. However, I found the very big side mirrors, fixed way out from the doors, reach so high that they blocked some of my vision of cars coming from my right when approaching roundabouts or in busy car parks. It necessitated me having to raise my driver’s seat more than comfortable for my height. Side mirrors have very good blind spot detection.
The cabin is well appointed, the dash stylish and modern with good basic easy-to-use features. Mid dash, is the 10.5-inch central multimedia infotainment touchscreen with very nice high-definition graphics. It features 3D navigation, can receive messages, podcasts and audio books, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity as well as a Toyota Smart Connect package. Below are volume controls and actual knobs for the climate control.
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster shows your digital current speed, the hybrid charge EV, Eco and Power source and your EV driving ratio. The gear shifter on the central console flat includes a ‘B’ mode for better brake energy regeneration. There are buttons for the EV mode and Drive Mode switch of Normal, Eco and Power. There’s also a mobile phone charger and USB port.
Storage areas are a decent glovebox, and good sized front door bins, and space below the narrowish front armrest with a 12-volt socket.
Seats in my top grade spec were very comfy and looked well in a mix of imitation leather and fabric. Front ones could be heated. My driver’s seat had a power lumbar support function, but otherwise manual seat adjustments. The rear will fit three adults who will enjoy very good head room and decent leg space.
