Style, comfort and SUBSTANCE

Why Good editor Carolyn Enting has fallen in love with the new Toyota Corolla Cross.

In motoring speak, ‘cross’ stands for ‘crossover’ – a model that’s crossed over to become a mix of a sedan and an SUV – and the new Toyota Corolla Cross is the latest to join the line-up. The new, all-hybrid Corolla range features a compact Crossover with a 2.0-litre hybrid electric engine that o ers comfort, pedal power and climate credentials. Yet it boasts more than fuel e iciency and carbon credits. Here are its top features!

Beauty treatment

The air con in the Limited model doesn’t dry out your skin, thanks to its Nanoe X technology, originally introduced to Lexus as a luxury feature. The dual zone climate control Nanoe X cleans the air and adds moisture, so your skin and hair remain hydrated.

Sun protection

The front door windows across all grades o er 70 per cent more UV protection, protecting your hands from the sun’s harmful rays.

Hands-free

If you’re weighed down with groceries, a simple swing of your leg under the rear bumper (Limited model) in a kicking motion will set o the sensors and open sesame, the boot opens like magic.

Sit pretty

The new Corolla Cross Hybrid has a ground clearance of 160mm which is 25mm higher than a Corolla Sedan, so getting in and out of the car is easier, and there’s more height in the upper cabin. A skylight provides a sense of even more space – and the car has heated front seats and steering wheel for maximum comfort.

Environmentally conscious

The Corolla Cross has low fuel consumption and CO2, with just 4.8L/100kms for the FWD grades and 4.9L/100kms for the AWD Limited grade. The CO2 emissions are a low 107gm/km (FWD) and 112gm/km (AWD) which means the Corolla Cross is eligible for a rebate under the Clean Car Discount.

A lot of care has also been taken to design with minimum waste. For example, the bumper is split into multiple pieces which means if you ding it, you only need to replace the section you damaged, and you can also recycle these materials.

Safety

The Corolla Cross features the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes Pre-Collision Safety system with AEB for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles, Intersection Turn Assist and Emergency Steering Assist. There’s also a blind spot monitor, and rear cross tra ic alert to help you back out of spaces where you may not see approaching tra ic.

Cost conversion

The usual slight increase in cost to buy a hybrid vehicle has been eliminated because of the current Government rebate. Toyota’s driveaway prices range from $41,990 (Corolla Cross GX) to $51,990 (Corolla Cross Limited AWD), which includes all on road costs.

As Toyota product planning manager, Sven Tulicic rightly says, “The little old Corolla is no longer just a steering wheel with some wheels that gets you from A to B. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a lovely car to live with every day.”