This car, the all-new Corolla Cross, is tangible proof of our commitment to the local motor industry, as well as the South African economy.
– Andrew Kirby, TSAM President and CEO.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced that it will be manufacturing and selling the brand-new Corolla Cross in South Africa in the fourth quarter of the year. The model reveal, made by TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby, follows the company’s announcement in 2019 that it was investing R2.43 billion in the production of a new passenger vehicle in South Africa.
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
“We will be manufacturing this very model [Corolla Cross] in both right- and left-hand drive for South Africa and the rest of Africa right here at Prospecton. The Corolla Cross is based on the acclaimed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and will be built on our passenger car production line alongside the Corolla Quest,” says Andrew Kirby, TSAM President and CEO.
It is the very first time that we will be manufacturing a Hybrid model which I believe will fast become a very popular choice.
– Nigel Ward, TSAM’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Group
The local production of the Corolla Cross also ushers in a couple of “firsts” for TSAM’s manufacturing team at the Prospecton Plant.
“This is a significant milestone for Toyota South Africa. It’s not often that we get to produce a brand-new body shape in our factory; plus, it is the very first time that we will be manufacturing a Hybrid model which I believe will fast become a very popular choice. And it’s the first time for us to manufacture using the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) – which allows us to keep up with global technology and trends,” says Nigel Ward, TSAM’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Group.
WATCH: Andrew Kirby introduces the proudly and locally manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross will be exported to 43 countries in Africa and is expected to push Toyota export volumes to about 15-20% per annum. Toyota is projecting growth of 7% per annum in the SUV market in Africa – offering significant growth opportunities to expand production of this new model.
This is an ideal vehicle for our market as it provides an exceptional balance between drivability, roominess, comfort and high-tech features
– ANDREW KIRBY, TSAM PRESIDENT AND CEO
While the Corolla Cross shares the same TNGA C platform with its namesake Corolla, it boasts a higher ground clearance and other attributes normally associated with an SUV.
According to Kirby: “This is an ideal vehicle for our market. It provides an exceptional balance between drivability, roominess, comfort and high-tech features – truly a game-changing SUV. It combines everything you love about Corolla with the utilitarian and rugged aesthetics of a segment-leading SUV. Overall, expectation is that the Corolla Cross will not only contribute significant sales towards the Toyota brand, but also accelerate growth mini-SUV segment, increase overall size of the passenger market in South Africa and give momentum to electrification technologies.”
“This car, the all-new Corolla Cross, is tangible proof of our commitment to the local motor industry, as well as the South African economy,” says Kirby.
A comprehensive specification, including pricing, of the local models will shared upon product launch in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Cognisant of the financial challenges faced by all South Africans in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Agya is aimed at discerning budget-conscious first-time buyers.
As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya competes in a fiercely fought segment where value and Rands-per-feature matter most. The Agya boasts a host of standard features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) enhanced by electronic brake force distribution (EBD), 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger airbags and the option of an automatic transmission.
The generously-appointed cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and attractive, hard wearing fabric for the seats with a touch of polyurethane for the gear lever and steering wheel. The instrument binnacle features easy-to-ready graphics and sees the tachometer and Multi Instrument Display (MID) flanking the speedometer.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Powering up the Agya experience is a Push Start button and remote central locking. All models are prepared for the use of Toyota Connect, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices as well as a host of connected online services; and 15Gb of complimentary data. Once linked to the MyToyota App, owners can make on-demand service bookings, retrieve vehicle usage information (logbook), renew vehicle licenses, review tracking data, request roadside assistance and more.
Interior comfort is taken care of by power steering and automatic air conditioning (climate control), while all passengers enjoy the luxury of electrically operated windows. An auxiliary 12-volt socket is on hand for charging additional mobile devices.
The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability
– Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.
The Agya is also fitted with driver and front passenger airbags as standard. At the back, two ISOFIX mounting brackets serve to secure baby seats to the rear seat; while the rear doors are fitted with child locks for complete peace of mind. Safety also meets convenience through the fitment a vehicle security system in the form of an alarm/immobiliser.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Engine & Performance
The Agya’s nippy but thrifty 998cm3, three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine serves to make light work of urban commutes. Powering the front wheels and developing maximum power of 49kW @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 89Nm @ 4400 rpm, the engine is mated to either a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission for ultimate driver control; or a self-shifting four-speed automatic transmission for complete driving comfort.
The manual version of the Agya reportedly sips an average of just 4.8 l/100 km and emits a corresponding 112g CO2/km; while completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 14.6 seconds and runs to a top speed of 165km/h.
Its automatic variant is claimed to consume 4.9 l/100 km and has an emissions figure of 115g CO2/km. It accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 16.3 seconds and has a top speed of 145km/h. An eco-indicator assists drivers in achieving fuel efficient driving.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Driven at the recommended speeds, the Agya’s 33-litre fuel tank should yield a theoretical maximum range of around 687 km.
“The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability,” says Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.
Model line-up & Pricing
Agya MT – R178 600
Agya AT – R192 500
Agya MT (with audio) – R182 400
Agya AT (with audio) – R196 300
Warranty & Maintenance
All Agya models are sold with a 2-services/20 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
First launched in 2016, the eighth-generation Hilux debuted with an increased focus on technology, convenience and comfort, while still retaining the traditional Hilux hallmarks of toughness and durability.
The new model builds on the robust foundation of the eighth-generation architecture and represents a new frontier with even greater dynamic performance, technology, style and features.
New Grade Strategy : In keeping with a progressive target market and evolving market trends, the model line-up and grade strategy has undergone a revision. The utility-focused S and SR models continue as before, complete with their original front façades. The largest change to the grade strategy takes place in the ‘mid-range’ where the long-serving SRX nomenclature falls away, being replaced by Raider.
“The SRX model has continuously evolved in line with market requests and in turn advanced into traditional Raider territory. We saw this as an opportunity to rationalise the line-up and offer customers more across the board. SRX and Raider have now effectively merged, creating an opportunity for a flagship grade above Raider – and this is precisely what the new Legend grade will offer,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing.
“We’ve also created three distinctive appearance profiles for the respective core grades. S and SR keep their current design traits, Raider continues with its chrome-accented styling and Legend will offer a distinctive new look aimed specifically at the leisure user,” he added.
The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle
Exterior Styling: The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle, with new chiseled, slim-line headlamps flanking an all-new front-grille and bumper design. The new styling now aligns with Toyota’s global truck-design language and gives Hilux a modern yet unmistakably tough appearance.
Raider: Raider models feature a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally-separated 3D grille elements. New boomerang-shaped fog lamp bezels and integrated bumper guard round off the design. 2.4 GD-6 models receive an upgrade to four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while 2.8 GD-6 Raider derivatives now boast a Bi-LED configuration with stylised internal-light-guides and LED turn-signal lamps. The side profile remains largely unchanged, with the rear tail lamps also receiving the stylised LED treatment (2.8 models only). A chrome rear-step bumper and chrome door handles create unity with the front design.
Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
Legend: The Legend name now signifies a new flagship grade built on the brand equity of the previous celebratory models, to introduce a Hilux like never before. The trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrates with the front bumper, bonnet protector and unique integrated skidplate – to create an imposing front façade. Further differentiation is achieved with dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay, which suspends the Toyota insignia. A graphite rear bumper and Legend-specific tailgate garnish complete the package. The overall result is a rugged, yet advanced look.
Legend ‘RS’: An optional ‘RS’ accessory package (referring to Roller Shutter) will be offered on Legend-grade models which amplifies both utility and aesthetics, offering a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sportsbar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function and dust-defence kit.
All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data
Interior Upgrades
Raider: A new instrument cluster design welcomes the driver and features an 8-inch infotainment system which incorporates a floating screen-design while retaining rotary adjustment knobs for ease of use. It is framed by a metallic border – reminiscent of high-end electronics.
Legend: Legend variants receive bespoke interior treatment befitting their flagship status. A unique accent treatment is applied to the instrument cluster, interior trim panels, switchgear and gear lever. Cool, blue door illumination provides a sophisticated ambience and complements the perforated leather upholstery and black roof lining.
Exterior Colours: A total of nine exterior colours are on offer, including the newly-added Oxide Bronze (replacing Avant-Garde Bronze) and a first for Hilux, Pearl White. Attitude Black is exclusively available on 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend models.
More Power & Performance: The enhancements are not limited to aesthetics however, as the output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted by 20kW to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm on offer, bringing the figure to 500Nm (in auto transmission guise).
New-Generation Infotainment: Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone – for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty
Safety & Security: For the first time on Hilux, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety system forms part of the standard inventory on Legend 4×4 models. TSS integrates a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control – to offer drivers additional peace of mind. TSS joins the existing array of airbags, ISOFIX, seatbelt pre-tensioners and the full suite of active safety aids (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Traction Control). As before, 4×4 models also include Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
A comprehensive anti-theft system, speed-dependent auto-door lock function and remote or keyless locking functionality is included.
Toyota Connect: All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.
Warranty and Maintenance: All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models. Customers can also purchase extended service plans and warranty packages via their Toyota dealer.
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