New Toyota Corolla Cross arrives in the UAE – and it's a bit of a surprise


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

An all-new Toyota Corolla has arrived in the UAE, but it’s not what you might expect. Moving on from its traditional sedan guise, the latest version has taken on a compact SUV skin.

Dubbed the Corolla Cross, the car is exactly that – a new vehicle that attempts to combine everything buyers loved about the 12 generations of the original vehicle (and love it they do – since the Corolla's launch in 1966, about 45 million units have been shifted, making it the most sold car on Earth).

The Cross was unveiled in Thailand in July 2020 as a more practical and larger alternative to Toyota’s C-HR.

Available only as a hybrid, the Cross is a vehicle designed to “move occupants in comfort and style”, Toyota says, and the company has given it a gritty, urban exterior that is an indicator you can use it for more than your daily commute.

It’s no surprise than the new arrival as a higher ride height than its sedan sibling, alongside a wide stance giving the impression of stability.

Features include newly developed 17-inch alloy wheels, an air conditioning system with smart-flow control, a moon roof, a seven-inch multi-information display in the cluster gauge, an eight-inch multimedia display, and smart entry and start systems.

Power comes from a 1.8-litre petrol engine that works in tandem with two electric motors. Together, they produce a 122 horsepower. Drivers can also choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, depending on what they're after.

You can see design clues from the Rav-4 in the Cross, but the latter is much more compact and has a lower base price.

The compact SUV market is tough, but the Corolla name badge should attract a little more attention than other newbies in the marketplace. That said, it remains to be seen whether hardcore fans of the sedan will be tempted by a crossover.

The Corolla Cross is in UAE Toyota showrooms now, and the vehicle has a starting price of Dh89,900.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

Racecard

6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m

The National selections

6.30pm: Chaddad

7.05pm: Down On Da Bayou

7.40pm: Mass Media

8.15pm: Rafal

8.50pm: Yulong Warrior

9.25pm: Chiefdom

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Villains
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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