The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross appears set to take on mini-SUVs in the tough crossover sales battle, with its charming pug-like appearance and an available hybrid powertrain.
The mini-SUV market is fierce in Bangladesh, as the growing demand for these vehicles has compelled manufacturers from all over the world to compete in this lucrative market.
The Toyota Cross is available brand new from Toyota’s official dealership Navana’s showroom at Tejgaon in the capital and is priced around Tk48 lakh.
Under the hood is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that can be connected to either front or all-wheel drive, even though a more powerful 2.0-litre version is available in the international market.
The Toyota Corolla Cross sits in the middle of the Toyota SUV series, between the smaller C-HR and the bigger RAV4, putting it in the same category as rivals like the Jeep Compass, and Nissan X-Trail.
The interior is primarily influenced by the Corolla and Fielder models, but with significantly more cargo room and, of course, a higher driving position.
Under the hood
The Corolla Cross Hybrid models use the same hybrid powertrain that has been in use in the Prius for a long time. The petrol engine is a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle normally aspirated unit with 73kW and 142Nm of torque, and it works in tandem with an electric motor and CVT gearbox to generate a total system output of 90kW.
It's also surprisingly efficient in town, thanks to the electric motor's assistance with acceleration, which is when a gasoline engine is at its least economical. On pull-off, the vehicle is quiet and impressively refined.
According to multiple users, who have owned the car for some time now, the overall performance is satisfactory, but overtaking maneuvers can be tricky.
Interior
Inside the Corolla Cross, drivers who are familiar with the Corolla sedan will feel right at home. The interior materials, dashboard arrangement, and convenience features are substantially identical to the four-door variant.
The wider proportions of the Corolla Cross, on the other hand, provide more space for passengers – particularly in the back seat – and goods.
The ‘XLE’ variant has nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a flip-down centre armrest for rear-seat passengers.
Overall, the built quality of the cabin is solid and has a certain sense of quality, although it's far from luxurious.
Fuel consumption
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a remarkable fuel economy. In city driving, the vehicle averages 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, whereas, on the highway, it averaged 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
That's not bad for a vehicle that weighs roughly 1,385kg. The minimal difference in consumption between urban and rural areas further emphasizes the fact that hybrids are best suited to city contexts.
The petrol tank is small (36 litres) to make room for the hybrid battery, which means you'll only go 500 kilometres between refuelling if you're lucky.
The 1.8 hybrid model is a steal for its price tag and the balance it achieves between value, quality, usability, and efficiency is difficult to beat. However, because of its more relaxed powertrain, it may not be suitable for those who are looking for a car to put the accelerator to test.
