Driving the small Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid AWD – the flagship of this
8-model small SUV range, rather expensive at around $54,000 drive-away, a lot for
a small SUV, having said that, the more you drive it the more it impresses.
Polished in every way, roomy and practical, smooth, frugal and highly equipped
which somewhat makes up for the price. With Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid
system the top spec Corolla Cross features a 2.0-litre 112kW engine linked to an
83kW electric motor on the front axle with the benefit of a 30kW on-demand
electric motor on the rear. On a 60k urban drive for example I found electric drive
represented 68 per cent of the distance, without trying to drive for economy, and I
came away with a consumption figure of 4.2L/100Km. Three drive modes, Eco,
Normal and Sport the transition between electric and petrol power is smooth but
the latter can get a little raucous given the CVT transmission. The Toyota Corolla
Cross Atmos Hybrid impressive, with ride quality and chassis tune a high point,
the only dampener, the hefty price tag for the AWD hybrid models. I look forward
to driving the entry front drive pure petrol variant at a more affordable $33,000.
I’m David Berthon

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