Toyota Australia believes nearly three in four Corolla Cross customers will opt for hybrid power, as the new SUV nameplate hits local dealers this month.
Sean Hanley, vice president for sales and marketing at Toyota Australia, broke down the brand’s sales projection for its anticipated new model, headlined by a 70 per cent expected hybrid sales mix – though the company wouldn’t divulge volume figures.
The entry-level GX grade is expected to account for 45-50 per cent of overall sales, followed by the top-spec Atmos at 30 per cent. Finally, the mid-spec GXL should account for the remaining 20-25 per cent.
Part of the appeal is the Corolla Cross’s fifth-generation hybrid system, which the company claims offers better performance and driveability over previous iterations, as well as improved efficiency.
Developments include a re-engineered transaxle, new lubrication and oil distribution systems, and new lithium-ion batteries that are both more powerful and 40 per cent lighter.
There are also performance improvements to the electric motor and petrol engine – with a “more than 8 per cent” improvement to total system output.
All Corolla Cross Hybrid variants are powered by a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, available in front-wheel drive and E-Four all-wheel drive variations. There’s a less powerful 1.8-litre hybrid system available in other markets, but not offered in local Corolla Cross models – though it will feature in the new Corolla Hatch and Sedan.
AWD Hybrids are projected to account for 40 per cent of that 70 per cent electrified sales mix, while the $35,000 Corolla Cross GX 2WD Hybrid is expected to be the most popular model in the line-up.
Corolla Cross Atmos
Both the 2WD and AWD versions feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine, making 112kW and 190Nm, mated to an e-CVT. In the front-wheel drive, it’s mated with an electric motor making 83kW and 206Nm. The all-wheel drive additionally features a 30kW motor on the rear axle.
Hybrids features a 4.06Ah lithium-ion battery pack which Toyota says is 14 per cent lighter, and more powerful than previous batteries. Toyota quotes a combined power output of 146kW from the front- and all-wheel drive hybrids, but no combined torque output.
Fuel consumption is rated at 4.3L/100km for the 2WD Hybrid, and 4.4L/100km for the AWD Hybrid. Both drink 91 RON unleaded petrol. The Corolla Cross GX 2WD Hybrid is the quickest variant in the entire line-up, quoting a 0-100 time of 7.5 seconds. Other hybrid variants are 0.1-0.2s slower to triple figures irrespective of 2WD or AWD drivetrains.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch review of the Corolla Cross, coming 7:00PM AEDT October 20.
GXL AWD Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross pricing:
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GX: $33,000
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD Hybrid: $35,000
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL: $36,750
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD Hybrid: $39,250
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL AWD Hybrid: $42,250
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos: $43,550
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid: $46,050
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD Hybrid: $49,050
Prices exclude on-road costs
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