The new Toyota Corolla Cross will arrive in South Africa in November, with the range-topping hybrid model coming in at R448,300.
This puts the “small SUV” in direct competition with VW’s best-selling T-Cross in its Highline R-Line trim, which also sells for R448,300.
As the competition for best-selling car brand in the country between Toyota and VW is now more heated than ever, these little SUVs will have a big battle on their hands once the Corolla Cross hits the market.
Features
Toyota paid close attention to crossover trends with the development of the Corolla Cross, as it offers a comprehensive feature-set that manages to one-up the competition in most categories.
On this range-topping Xr, you receive a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and partial leather upholstery.
The competing T-Cross sports an analogue gauge cluster with a multi-information display, single-zone climate control, standard cruise control, and fabric upholstery with sports seats at the front.
Both SUVs are fitted with leather multifunction steering wheels, automatic LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the VW’s R-Line styling package adds sportier bumpers and loads of R-Line badging.
In addition, an 8-inch touch display in both provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with VW WeConnectGo and Toyota Connect online services.
A few finer details set apart these little SUVs further, such as the T-Cross offering ambient lighting and paddle shifters, while the Corolla Cross offers keyless entry and start, and a reverse camera.
Safety
In the safety department, both the T-Cross and Corolla Cross come with hill-hold assist, all-round parking sensors, and six airbags – while achieving 5-star crash scores from separate branches of the NCAP organisation.
This is also where the Corolla Cross pulls firmly ahead, as it brings lane keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, and a pre-crash system as standard – while the T-Cross gains a driver fatigue monitor only.
With the pre-crash system, your Corolla Cross automatically scans for obstructions in the road and warns the driver both audibly and visually in the case of an imminent accident, and provides brake assistance if needed.
It is worth mentioning that nearly all of the Toyota’s equipment can be fitted to the VW at an additional cost, while no extra features can be optioned on the Corolla Cross.
Performance
The VW T-Cross Highline is driven by a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine that develops 85kW and 200Nm.
In this specification, it pairs to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that assures a sprint to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
A top speed of 193km/h is achievable, and combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.3l/100km.
Powering the top-end Corolla Cross is a petrol-hybrid drivetrain with a total system output of 90kW. This figure is attained by combining its 1.8-litre petrol motor’s 72kW and 142Nm with an electric motor that produces 53kW and 163Nm.
The total output does not equal the performance of the two engines put together, however, due to “transmission reduction losses”.
A dedicated EV mode is also available with this configuration, where operation is fully-electric and aimed at situations such as peak-hour traffic.
The top speed for the Corolla Cross then comes in at 170km/h, with combined fuel consumption at 4.3l/100km. Toyota has not revealed official acceleration figures for the Corolla Cross.
A noticeable size difference between the two also contributes to the Toyota supporting a larger standard cargo capacity of 440 litres, compared to the VW’s 377 litres.
Price
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid Xr has a South African price of R448,300.
Each purchase includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty, a six-services/90,000km service plan, and an 8-year battery warranty.
The VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Highline R-Line has a South African starting price of R448,300.
Along with this, you get a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
Toyota Corolla Cross
VW T-Cross R-Line
Keyword: Toyota Corolla Cross vs VW T-Cross – Big little-SUV battle