Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 LE
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Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 LE
© press-inform – the press office
Many Americans see Toyota as a quintessentially American brand. In the land of unlimited automotive possibilities, the US-Japanese alone offer ten different SUV models. We have already ridden the latest Corolla Cross model. It will also come to Europe in 2022 and should find buyers in the compact class.
Toyota has expanded its model range in the USA gigantically. While Camry, Corolla and Prius once set the tone, it has long been SUVs and off-road vehicles that give the mighty portfolio a voluminous face. The latest representative is the Corolla Cross, and at a base price of 22,000 US dollars or more, it ranks between the boldly drawn Toyota C-HR and the mass-produced RAV 4. Almost 4.50 meters long, it will also attract customers in Europe from mid-2022 – with solid technology, hybrid power and all-wheel drive. Like its namesake Corolla, the Corolla Cross does not risk anything visually or technically. If you are looking for something funky, sporty or innovative – Toyota has other models for you. The Corolla Cross is something like the SUV variant of the VW Golf in our latitudes. Visually and technically, it is much more restrained than a VW T-Roc, which would be one of its competitors in the old world.
While it rolls out as a hybrid version in Europe, things are more down-to-earth in the USA. There is the well-known two-liter four-cylinder without turbocharging with 124 kW / 169 PS and a maximum torque of a manageable 204 Nm at 4,400 rpm. In addition, the compact model offers a tired automatic CVT and in addition to the three equipment variants L, LE and XLE alone the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The two-liter vacuum cleaner doesn’t sound like too much and that’s how it drives, but for most interested parties the engine in the compact crossover should be just right. Swim comfortably in traffic, enough space in manageable dimensions and an all-wheel drive that is just right for snow and rain – the Corolla Cross quickly made friends without being excited.
European customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive when they buy the new SUV from next year. However, the Japanese will come here as a hybrid version. With the combination of a two-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the front-wheel drive delivers 146 kW / 197 hp and accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds. With the additional electric motor on the rear axle, there is a power boost of 31 kW / 42 hp, which, however, does not bring more dynamism, but only provides better traction. There is currently no plug-in hybrid with a correspondingly large electric range. Here the interested party has to resort to the larger Toyota RAV 4.
Regardless of whether it is a hybrid or a pure combustion engine – you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Corolla Cross. Because on the 4.46 meters there is enough space in the front for tall occupants and thanks to the 2.64 meter long wheelbase in the family seating, two children or even an adult can easily find space and a lot of practical storage space. For the rear there are only USB connections, cup holders and no seat heating that warms up during the cold season, as these are only reserved for the passengers in the front. The load space is very stately with almost 690 liters and can be expanded significantly for large or at least long items by folding down the rear seats.
Just as calm as the two-liter four-cylinder is the chassis of the 1.4-ton Corolla Cross, which is 80 kilograms heavier with the recommended all-wheel drive option. McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link axle built into the 4×4 version at the rear ensure that the Japanese roll away happily even on bad roads without passing on too many disturbances to the passengers in the interior. The electric steering assistance makes maneuvers on the steering wheel very easy. However, it does not convey a lot of contact with the road via the mounted 215/65 R17 wheels. Hardly anyone should miss it, because instead the cross-shaped Corolla shines with a strength that has made Toyota so powerful in the USA: it works easily and without problems. No frills and no frills – this also applies to the interior. The analogue instruments of the basic variant are admittedly unbeatable in terms of boredom and the design department probably had a long break in designing the interior anyway, after which the exterior of the Corolla Cross became very pleasing. But even here Toyota knows its customers very well – nobody wants experiments and so much should concentrate on the solid workmanship and the corresponding ergonomics. Unfortunately, the charm is neglected. Last but not least, the price will also make the music in Europe. Even the top model of the Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 XLE with all-wheel drive costs little more than $ 27,000 in the USA. This is an announcement that is also causing tension in Europe.