Corolla Cross hybrid SA’s favourite new energy car for good reason

Not that long ago, we were made to believe by many manufacturers that electric vehicles (EVs) will soon be the be-all and end-all.

Staying true to its traditional measured approach, Toyota refused to put all its eggs into one basket. The Japanese manufacturer believed different markets will require different solutions. Apart from EVs, alternative fuels, fuel cell technology and a variety of hybrid powertrains were kept in the mix.

As the world started backtracking on its ambitious plans of an immediate all-electric future, Toyota’s approach turned out to be quite visionary. Especially in the hybrid department, which in theory is the perfect automotive evolution from internal combustion engines. And it’s something they have extensive knowledge of since the pioneering days of the Prius and the Lexus brand’s commitment to it.

Enter Toyota Corolla Cross

What really put Toyota’s hybrid technology on the map is the Toyota Corolla Cross. It would be unfair to call it the spiritual successor to the Corolla as the sedan is still alive and kicking, so let’s just say it has taken the baton as Toyota’s go-to family car. The carmaker expected it to sell well at its introduction in 2021 and its lofty sales numbers was therefore no surprise. What did come as a bit of a surprise to them was the demand for the hybrid powertrain compared to the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine derivatives.

The Prospecton-built Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid or HEV quickly became South Africa’s best-selling new energy vehicle, a distinction it still holds on to by a country mile. Something that is unlikely to change any time soon as most local new energy offerings are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and EVs with much loftier price tags that the Cross HEV’s entry point of just under R500k.

After undergoing its first model update in January, The Citizen Motoring spent the last three months and over 6 000km in the Corolla Cross HEV in Xr guise. At R545 200, the Xr trim level comes at a R51 000 premium over the Xs HEV.

A hit all-round

The only way we can start out overall report card on the Cross is to say that everyone that drove it, absolutely loved it. And it was driven by quite a motley crew of people which included tamed racing drivers, overly cautious men and finicky women. Giving the Corolla Cross a huge thumbs-up is probably the only thing all these people will ever agree on.

Topping the list of what everyone enjoyed most about the car are ease of operation, excellent fuel economy and the comfort and space it has to offer.

The beauty of an HEV is that it is what we call a self-charging hybrid. It draws power from both a 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor and battery which produces a total of 90kW of power and 143Nm of torque. The power sources work seamlessly together – or on their own – to not require any input from the driver. At lower speeds it runs just on electricity powering the electric motor, when the engine kicks in it works together with the electric side and then the engine can also generate power back into the battery or run the car all on its own.

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On-board education

At first the various configuration all seem a bit confusing, but a little graphic in the digital instrument cluster indicating which power goes where educates you very quickly. During start-up and pulling away there is hardly any sound as the Corolla Cross runs purely on electricity. Then you hear the engine kick in and see the two power sources sending the twist to the wheels. When you need brisk acceleration or start pushing it beyond the national limit, the internal combustion engine roars with a distinctive continuously variable transmission (CVT) sound.

The typical CVT-droning is in fact the only criticism that came up during its time with us. From mostly the tamed racing drivers.

In terms of fuel consumption, we averaged an excellent 5.5 litres per 100km for the duration of the Corolla Cross’ stay with us. That includes lots of city traffic and two open road trips to Kroonstad and Durban. When you start figuring out the hybrid system and take it easier on the accelerator to use more pure electric power, inner city trips done at less than 4L/100km is not uncommon.

ALSO READ: Toyota Corolla Cross Mzansi’s most popular pre-owned hybrid

Toyota Corolla Cross’ crown safe

The Toyota Corolla Cross will face its biggest test soon when Chery introduces the Tiggo Cross HEV locally. There is talk that it will undercut the Corolla Cross’ sticker by an attractive sum which will make it hard to ignore. But it is less likely to undercut the Corolla Cross’ fuel consumption, taking into consideration Chinese carmakers’ struggle in this department.

Until rivals top the Toyota Corolla Cross in all departments, its crown as Mzansi’s favourite new energy vehicle will rest easy on its head.