The Toyota Corolla Cross has been unveiled via Toyota Thailand's website. The New Compact Toyota SUV is now officially on sale in Thailand and will be launched in a number of markets, including Malaysia from the looks of it as we actually received the word of the launch from UMW Toyota Motor, the Malaysian distributor of all things Toyota. No idea as to when it will officially be launched here but do expect Thailand imported vehicles to be sold here when that happens (much like the Corolla Altis 1.8G we currently have here.
The Toyota Corolla is the brand's most famous model. Since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series of cars which is now into its 12th generation, has to date sold a cumulative total of 48 million units or more,
in more than 150 countries and regions around the world; it is Toyota's best-selling car. The Corolla has
continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and of the regions it is sold in. This is why we now have a Corolla SUV launched. It actually makes perfect sense to have a crossover Corolla. Wonder why they didn't think of it sooner.
Actually, maybe they had, but after covering the automotive industry for over a decade, I have to say that a company as successful as Toyota usually takes their time in coming to a decision on what comes next. Here, a Corolla SUV would need planning, research and also countless customer surveys before a conclusion is made. But it still does show that Toyota is quite forward thinking using the Corolla name for their latest SUV.
By adding a new model
to the Corolla series to suit the current popularity and growing demand of SUVs, the enhanced Corolla line-up enables customers
to select the model that better suits their diverse lifestyles and life stages.
With "Corolla Meets SUV" being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was
designed as a new type of SUV that combines dignified sturdiness in the exterior, and utility in a manner
that exceeds customer expectations.
According to Toyota, the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform (GA-C) has enabled the Corolla Cross to achieve
high-quality performance, a comfortable ride, and outstanding quietness. In addition to its exceptional
comfort, the Corolla Cross provides a spacious cabin, easy entry into and exit from the car, class-leading luggage space suitable for all scenarios (This was according to the Toyota survey comparison within the C-segment market in Thailand), and safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series. In this way,
the new model realises comfort, utility, and peace of mind for customers.
Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, commented on the unveiling of the new model:
"Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will
warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends.
We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle
the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future."
Toyota's company-wide global program to structurally transform automobile design. The
goal of TNGA is to dramatically improve the basic performance and marketability of Toyota vehicles by redeveloping
powertrain units and vehicle platforms and reworking overall vehicle optimization.
What do I think of Toyota's interpretation of the Corolla into a SUV? As a Sports Utility Vehicle, it does look its part with its roofline and rails, high ride height and black plastic bits. But is it a Corolla? From the rear we do see the similarity in terms of its tail lights with the current Corolla Altis sold here.
The front seems to be current Toyota and looks like a Toyota SUV but is it a Corolla Hatchback turned into a SUV? Not so much as the Corolla hatchback looks a little more swoopy and low slung with its even more squinty headlights and sportier stance. The same goes to the front end of the current Corolla Altis. That too looks different. It however looks like a tall Corolla Hatchback when viewed from the side. There is some family semblance in terms of its side profile in my opinion. Not the same with its more prominent wheel arches and the character creases above them, but you see the similarity.
So what else makes it a Corolla? The TNGA platform shared by the Corolla sedan, station wagon and hatchback of course. And also the interior. That seems to be pretty much the same as the one you see in the Corolla Altis sedan which we get here. Everything seems to be the same in terms of switchgear and button layout. So it would feel like you are driving or inside a taller Corolla. A good thing actually.
So where does this sit in the Toyota lineup? Well, it definitely should sit below the newly launched RAV4. This should be a C segment SUV which is suited for the small family. Much like were the Corolla sits in the line-up and should be priced closer to RM150K over here as it costs around 989,000 Baht or about RM135K over in Thailand for the 1.8 Sport gasoline variant.
Unlike the similar priced Toyota CH-R, this will be more suited for the family as it will have more interior space especially at the rear which does not have that sporty sloping roofline. It still looks quite good for a SUV crossover thingy actually. This would make a feasible competitor in the RM150k C-segment SUV market here in Malaysia and because of this, it should make its way into Malaysia for that reason alone. When exactly, we will have to wait.
The key characteristics of the Corolla Cross are outlined below:
(Specifications are subject to change depending on the target market)
The Corolla Cross frame is based on the TNGA platform (GA-C)
- A new torsion-beam suspension results in a stable, cushioned ride
- A spacious cabin and class-leading luggage space
Exterior
The Corolla Cross features a powerful, sleek, and sophisticated appearance
- A relaxed side view hints at a spacious interior and underlines the car's status
- An imposing and powerful front and rear
- Sturdy front fender molds underscore the car's sense of energy
- The contrast between the rear fenders and the cabin results in an impressive rearview
Interior
A comfortable interior space
- Outstanding views and ample head clearance
- Class-leading luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters
The Corolla Cross features 487 liters of luggage space when carrying the puncture repair kit, and 440 liters when carrying
a temporary spare tire
Outstanding utility
- The height providing easy access to the luggage space
- The large spacious door openings; this makes entering or exiting the vehicle easy even when
carrying a child
Superb maneuverability
- An elevated driving position contributes to a wide field of view, and helps minimize blind spots.
- A class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters results in responsive handling.
Combination of driving performance and comfort
Optimized suspension geometry and the use of large, soft bushings ensure that passengers in all seats
enjoy a comfortable ride.
Safety equipment
Safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series provides safety and customer peace of mind.
The Toyota Safety Sense will be installed as a standard feature for the Hybrid High grade model introduced in Thailand.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are equipped to the High and Mid grades in Hybrid models for Thailand.
Environmental performance
Lightening the body has enabled even the gasoline-powered grades to achieve superb fuel efficiency. As
a result, both the gasoline-powered and hybrid models boast class-leading environmental performance.
The Thailand-specification Corolla Cross hybrid electric models achieved a fuel efficiency 4.3L/100km, CO2 emissions of
98g/km, and the gasoline-powered models achieved a fuel efficiency of 6.5L/100km, CO2 emissions of 150g/km under the
NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
Main specification (specifically for Thailand)
(Values are according to Toyota measurements)
Hybrid Gasoline and Gasoline (Petrol) variants
Length / Width / Height (mm) 4,460 / 1,825 / 1,620
Wheelbase (mm) 2,640
Curb weight (kg)
1,385 Hybrid
1,325 Gasoline
Minimum turning radius (m) 5.2
Occupancy (people) 5
Powertrain layout Front-wheel drive (FF)
Engine 2ZR-FXE
THS II with reduction gear
2ZR-FBE
Engine displacement (cc) 1,798 for both Hybrid and Gasoline variants
Maximum output (kW[PS]/rpm)
72[98]/5,200 for Hybrid variant
103[140]/6,000 for Gasoline (Petrol) variant
Super CVT-i Transmission for Gasoline variant
Maximum torque (N･m[kgf･m]/rpm)
142[14.5]/3,600 for Hybrid Variant
177[18.05]/4,000 for Gasoline Variant
Motor 1NM for Hybrid Variant
―
Maximum output (kW[PS]) 53[72]
―
Maximum torque (N･m[kgf･m]) 163[16.6]
―
System maximum output (kW[PS]) 90[122]
―
Transmission Electric continuously variable
transmission
Suspension (Front / Rear) MacPherson strut / Torsion-beam
Brake (Front / Rear) Ventilated disc / Disk
Tyre size 215/60 R17 / 225/50 R18
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