The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross has been unveiled online today. According to UMW Toyota Motor, the Corolla Cross will go on sale from 25 March 2021. It offers a Corolla crossover for those who want a C segment sized car or a Corolla for urban and outdoor adventures. The new model will be a CBU or fully imported model from Toyota's plant in Thailand and is available in two variants; the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V and Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G. They are priced from RM134,000 (without sale tax exemption) and RM124,000 (with sale tax exemption until 30 Jun 2021) in Peninsular Malaysia without insurance. Still reasonable in terms of pricing as it is an ASEAN import thereby benefiting from the ASEAN tax break arrangements.
Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor had stated that initial market studies whether or not to bring in the Corolla Cross had shown that there is a strong and positive response to this new type of Corolla. Most likely due to the simple fact that these days, crossover or SUV vehicles are more popular than sedans. A good example is the recent surge in B and C segment SUVs on the roads throughout Malaysia.
“This response is not surprising as there is great demand for SUVs globally. As such, we will have this model assembled locally around the end of this year,” Said Akio.
Although a member of the Corolla family, the Corolla Cross has different styling from the Corolla Sedan. It has a bold design which does not really share many of the body parts of the sedan. The car looks very much like a different SUV model rather than a Corolla offshoot from most angles. Maybe the rear lights take after the Corolla we get here but that's about it actually.
UMW Toyota says that the styling indicates a sporty and fun-to-drive character with the functionality of a SUV. Like many of the latest Toyota models, the Corolla Cross is still based around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) which from this SUV is definitely a platform that allows a lot of engineering flexibility. It also offers a number of benefits, notably a lower centre of gravity and a rigid monocoque chassis. This improve stability while the highly rigid body enhances agility and ride comfort.
If you compare its dimensions to the current Corolla Sedan, the Corolla Cross has a marginally shorter body with an overall length of 4,460 mm. However, it has 45 mm more overall width at 1,825 mm, and stands 185 mm taller at 1,620 mm. The extra height allows ground clearance to be raised to 161 mm. Modern SUVs have a passenger car-like interior with all the comfort and convenience features, pioneered 25 years ago by the RAV4. In fact, you could actually badge it as a RAV4 and people will think that it is one. But its a Corolla, go figure.
The car sits on 225/50/18 tyres (18inch wheels) and is front wheel drive. It has a 1.8liter 4 cylinder engine (for both variants) much like the Corolla sedan here. Standardisation makes parts easier for maintenance and while it may only be a normally aspirated petrol engine, it should be sufficient for the daily commute and occasional outstation jaunts much like the sedan. It weighs 1,405kg and the engine makes 139PS and 172Nm torque making it have a 185kmh top speed. The 7 speed CVT transmission also comes from the Corolla and should be smooth shifting like the sedan. All in all, typically Toyota in terms of drivetrain offerings - i.e it looks like it was designed to be reliable for the long run and not about making it a hot SUV or something like that. So no 3 cylinder turbo here but a staid and reliable 4 cylinder 1.8liter engine.
Go check the new variant out at Toyota showrooms nationwide folks. This is quite an interesting choice and it is the sign of the times. This could be the only type of Corolla in the future if the SUV craze goes on.
In terms of colours, you can choose from an exterior colour line-up of five finishes - Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Metalstream Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Nebula Blue Metallic. A full 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty is provided as well as assurance of nationwide aftersales support with ready availability of genuine parts
The Official Product Summary of the all-new 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross continues with this concept, providing an urban space with a tough premium expression. Besides having a higher seating position, the extra height of the vehicle provides significantly better headroom than other competitor SUV models in the same class. While the Corolla Cross 1.8G uses projector-type halogen headlamps, the 1.8V variant has Bi-LED units that give better illumination. The integrated Day Running Lights clearance lamps feature an intricate ‘light curtain’ graining for a unique, high-quality appearance. The same ‘light curtain’ feature can also be seen on the rear lighting units.
The overall colour theme for the cabin is black with black leather upholstery for the seats, while satin-finish paint is used to highlight ornamentation parts. LED illumination on the front door trim creates a high-quality feel and gives an advanced impression. To enable drivers of any size and height to achieve a comfortable position, the seat has 8-way Power Adjustment.
The instrument panel has a sporty appearance with a dominant speedometer in the middle and a 4.2-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID). The large 9-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard serves as the display for the audio and infotainment system, as well as the image from the rearview camera. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can be linked to the infotainment system. Other connectivity options include USB mirroring, AUX and Bluetooth.
Besides the convenience of a Smart Entry & Push Start System to lock/unlock the doors and start/stop the engine, the Corolla Cross also comes with a Power Back Door with kick sensor that opens and closes automatically by just positioning a foot under the rear bumper which has a proximity sensor. This allows for handsfree operation which will be convenient when both hands are holding bags or other items. The cargo area has a volume of 440 litres with the rear backrests raised. This can be expanded by folding down one or both backrests and when folded, the floor is completely flat. With both backrests down, it is possible to carry two road bicycles. To conceal the items in the cargo area, there is a tonneau cover which can be rolled up when not needed.
The Corolla Cross is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i. This proven engine produces 139 ps of power at 6,400 rpm with 172 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. With the optimized fuel delivery system, the engine offers an excellent balance of power, agility and fuel efficiency. The 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (CVT) has improved performance with an electronically-controlled throttle to provide responsiveness, smoothness and quietness.
TNGA encompasses the chassis engineering as well and the suspension is designed to provide a fine-tuned balance of dynamic handling and stability with exemplary ride comfort. The highlyacclaimed handling of the Corolla sedan is also evident in the Corolla Cross and some of the characteristics have been optimized for the taller SUV.
Furthermore, the 5.2-metre turning radius – best-in-class – parking and moving around easy. At the same time, the increased ground clearance allows the Corolla Cross to handle rough urban roads with ease, not to mention flood conditions. Additionally, with an 18° approach angle, it can also travel over uneven terrain and up steep inclines, as well as easily cross over speedbumps with ease.
In the Corolla Cross 1.8V, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – a suite of integrated active safety systems to assist the driver – demonstrates Toyota Synergised Mobility. The safety systems in TSS 2.0 consist of a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). These core technologies, which use a radar and camera, are complemented by other safety technologies such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS).
The Corolla Cross is also equipped with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) at the front (optional for rear) enabling the owner to have a video record of the vehicle’s movements at all times. In the event of an incident, the recordings will be available as evidence.
Every new Corolla Cross has a factory-installed security system that includes an engine immobilizer. Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle’s position using GSM/GPS signals. The owner can also monitor Ignition vehicle status and vehicle speed and if the vehicle is stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre will locate it and inform relevant authorities to recover it. In the event there is an impact detected, the centre will inform emergency services to provide assistance at the vehicle’s location. Owners of Corolla Cross will enjoy 3-yearsfree subscription of the VTS.
Besides the high-strength TNGA platform, the structure of the Corolla Cross is engineered to withstand impact forces from all sides during an accident, reducing or preventing injuries to the occupants. In crash testing and technical evaluation by ASEAN NCAP, the Corolla Cross, as with many other Toyota models, has received a maximum 5-star safety rating. Additionally, there are 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (including one for the driver’s knees) which will deploy and provide cushioning in severe collisions. ISOFIX points (with tether anchor) are also available in the rear outer seats for installation of compatible childseats, which are now required by law.
Also introduced during the online launch of the model were the two Corolla Cross Ambassadors – Diana Danielle and Danny Koo – who will be closely associated with the new model in advertising and promotional activities. Both are former racers in the Vios Challenge One-Make Series, and lead active lives that the Corolla Cross has been designed to support.
“Diana and Danny are celebrities well known to the Malaysian public,” said Mr. Ravindran UMW Toyota Motor President. “We are happy to have them associated with the Corolla Cross. Diana has a bold personality and constantly breaks boundaries, which matches the Corolla Cross perfectly, while Danny reinvents his perspectives to go beyond his limitations – just like the way the Corolla Cross Reinvents the Rules.”
.The new Corolla Cross 1.8G is now available for viewing, testing and purchase at the showrooms of all authorised Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. The Corolla Cross 1.8V will be available at a later date but bookings are accepted now. Bookings are also made available at its virtual showroom online. For more information, the public can visit Toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line 1- 800-8-TOYOTA (869682)
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