Facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross makes South African debut

The facelifted version of Toyota's highly successful Corolla Cross has made its official debut at the company's State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event in Johannesburg.

The updated cross receives a more modern look, complete with a so-called 'borderless' grille, as well as some new features, but the model range remains identical to the outgoing version, with moderate price increases implemented across the board.

Starting at the base of the range, the 1.8 Xi now costs R414,800, up from R408,400, with the 1.8 XS coming in at R452,200 (up R8,300) and the 1.8 XR at R501,500 (up R18,000). The XR has however gained some new features, such as a powered tailgate, Panoramic View Monitor and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Finally, the 1.8 GR-S, at R518,200, is also up by R18,000, although this sporty variant does not feature the same exterior updates as the other models. On the hybrid front, the facelifted 1.8 HEV XS is priced at R494,400 and the more luxurious XR version now commands R545,200, while the GR-S will set you back by R561,700, with prices having increased by the same margin as the non-hybrid 1.8 models.

What’s new for 2025?

The big changes take place at the front end where we see a new “integrated geometric bumper” incorporating a borderless grille with honeycomb elements and a slim upper bar flanked by newly designed LED headlights with sequential turn signals (on the XR). Round back new taillight lenses feature on select models.

Toyota has also added two new exterior colour options to the mix, in the form of Desert Gold and Oxide Bronze.

As before, Xi and XS models roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the XR and GR-Sport feature 18-inch rims.

Interior changes appear to be minimal but select models do receive the option of “Terra Rosa” red leather seat trim as an alternative to the regular black offering.

Standard features on the Corolla Cross Xi entry model include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with cable Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Xi also comes with manual air conditioning, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, rear park distance control, LED headlights and five airbags (front, side and driver’s knee).

The XS gains a 10-inch infotainment screen, wireless CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, front park distance control, rain sensor leather trim for the seats and steering wheel and roof rails, among other additions.

Over and above that, the XR comes with a handsfree powered tailgate, panoramic view monitor, powered driver’s seat, curtain airbags, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The engines carry over as before, with the 1.8-litre normally aspirated unit producing 103kW and 172Nm, and the 1.8-litre hybrid offering a system output of 90kW, with claimed average fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100km.

Stay tuned to IOL Motoring for more news from Toyota's SOMI event.

Toyota Corolla Cross Pricing (January 2025)

• 1.8 Xi - R414,800
• 1.8 XS - R452,200
• 1.8 XR - R501,500
• 1.8 GR-S - R518,200
• 1.8 HEV XS - R494,400
• 1.8 HEV XR - R545,200
• 1.8 HEV GR-S - R561,700

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