Fine-tuning for the top seller: The Toyota Corolla Cross now looks cooler

With slight visual tweaks, improved functionality, and the introduction of a GR Sport Line, Toyota is giving the Corolla Cross a new lease of life. ntv.de took a look at the refreshed model series.

When you think of Toyota, you inevitably think of the model name "Corolla" – hardly any other name has more tradition than this. After all, Corollas have been rolling off the production line since 1966 – the series is essentially Toyota's Beetle, if you will. And the Cross is the modern interpretation of the Corolla's all-rounder, easily off-road capable, all-rounder, with sleek wheel arch liners and distinct SUV vibes. After all, it's 18 centimeters taller than the conventional Corolla. But honestly? That was a clever marketing ploy by the Japanese, because while the Cross is also based on the global Toyota "TNGA" platform, it has little to do with the classic Corolla.

Be that as it may, Toyota is now making the higher-end Corolla model more stylish for its remaining lifespan. It's a truly global car, with a market presence not only in Europe, but also in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The redesigned grille is particularly eye-catching; an adaptive high beam is now available as an option, which adjusts the light cone to reduce glare for other road users. In addition, the visual change to the front end (now more discreet) has another technical reason: better airflow for the engine.

Snow mode for slippery slopes

If you're hoping for more power, Toyota won't fulfill that wish. Instead, they'll stick with more sedate hybrid engines with 1.8 and 2-liter displacement, respectively. Whether the 140 and 197 hp will remain remains to be seen—Toyota hasn't yet released any official details. However, potential customers from alpine regions can look forward to it. The Cross will also offer a snow mode in the future. This should provide greater stability on slippery slopes. The all-wheel drive in the Corolla Cross generally operates without a mechanical connection. Instead, there's an additional electric motor on the rear axle. For sportier drivers, the upcoming GR Sport variant with specific design accents is ideal.

Customers can also expect revised tuning of various components. These include features like a chassis lowered by ten millimeters and modified steering. Shift paddles on the steering wheel and a sport mode complement the sleek equipment. Black 19-inch aluminum wheels and a two-tone paint scheme complete the trim-specific look. Anyone who's skeptical at this point has a point. Sure, the compact SUV is by no means a sports car, but there's nothing wrong with a pleasing look.

Interior renovation

The interior of the GR Sport is pampered with fine Alcantara upholstery; red decorative stitching and distinctive GR logos serve as silent ambassadors of this equipment line, which is now a feature of every model of the brand. Speaking of the interior: Toyota has thoroughly renovated it for the new generation. The center console, for example, boasts a new design – even at first glance, it's immediately apparent that the designers have effectively tidied things up. The previously rather crude buttons for the steering wheel and seat heating have been moved from the vertical part of the console to the horizontal part. While they are still designed as classic push buttons, they are now somewhat more delicate. Engineers have also significantly increased the performance of the inductive charging function for smartphones. For infotainment, the company continues to rely on the tried-and-tested two monitors as the instrument cluster (12.3 inches) and a 10.5-inch touchscreen positioned within easy reach.

And then there's another promise from Toyota, which, however, cannot be verified at this point. Driving in the Corolla Cross will be significantly quieter in the future. The Japanese company is using significantly more soundproofing material in the roof and rear compartments. Depending on the trim level, there will also be more insulation in the dashboard area in the form of a three-layer soundproofing system. The modified Toyota Corolla Cross will be rolling out to customers for the first time this fall.