Toyota Corolla Cross Makes Global Premiere From Thailand

The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross made its global premiere earlier today from Thailand, where it is produced and first marketed. Toyota Motor Corporation is planning to launch the Corolla Cross in other markets, though it is unsure if Malaysia will be included. We just recently saw the introduction of the new RAV4.

The Corolla nameplate is not a natural association to the term ‘SUV’. Brought to the Japanese market in 1966, the Corolla has always been associated with sedan styling, and its variations. It is also Toyota’s best-selling car, having racked up cumulative sales of over 48 million units across more than 150 countries.

By adopting the SUV styling, it would be safe to say that this will carry the Corolla heritage further, since it is the current trend. It would also attract a new set of customers to the Corolla nameplate.

With “Corolla Meets SUV” being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, this model is designed as a new type of SUV that combines a dignified yet sturdy exterior with the utility of an SUV. The Corolla Cross sits on the TNGA-C platform which is shared with the Prius Prime, C-HR, and Lexus UX. In comparison, the RAV4 uses the larger TNGA-K platform. We have already tried out the Corolla Altis sedan and are impressed by the platform, so we assume the Corolla Cross would bear a similar ride comfort and quietness. A marked difference would be the use of a new rear torsion beam suspension in the Corolla Cross (the Altis has rear double wishbone suspension with stabiliser).

This could compromise some handling prowess (but it’s an SUV), but helps with cabin space, especially the luggage area. The Corolla Cross does promise a spacious cabin, easy entry and exit, as well as class-leading luggage space (according to Toyota’s survey in Thailand of the C-segment), and safety features inherited from the Corolla series.

“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,” commented Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development.

The exterior styling of the Corolla Cross is of sleekness and sophistication. It has a relaxed side view to hint at a spacious interior and underlines the car’s status. The prominent front fender moulds are supposed to give the car a sense of energy that complements the imposing front and rear design.

The Corolla Cross is a 5-seater SUV that boasts a comfortable interior with ample head room and outstanding views. It has 487 liters of luggage space when carrying the puncture repair kit, and 440 liters when carrying a temporary spare tire. Its SUV height provides easy access to the cargo space, while the large door openings make ingress and egress easy.

Thailand will have two engine choices, including a hybrid. The petrol version uses the 2ZR-FBE 1.8L engine with 140 PS and 177 Nm of torque, mated with a Super CVT-i transmission. Meanwhile, the hybrid uses the 2ZR-FXE THS II 1.8L engine with reduction gear. This engine, with an output of 98 PS and 142 Nm, is paired with an electric motor capable of 53 PS and 163 Nm. The system’s maximum output is 122 PS. The hybrid uses an electric continuously variable transmission.

The Thailand-specification Corolla Cross hybrid electric model achieved a fuel efficiency 4.3L / 100 km, while the petrol-powered model achieved a fuel efficiency of 6.5L / 100 km under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).

Additionally, the Corolla Cross boasts a class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters for more responsive handling. It also has optimized suspension geometry and the use of large, soft bushings to ensure that passengers enjoy a comfortable ride.

The Toyota Safety Sense will also come standard for the Hybrid High grade model in Thailand. This includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, as well as Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear CROSS Traffic Alert, and 7 SRS Airbags. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are fitted in the High and Mid grades in Hybrid models for Thailand.

There are seven exterior colour choices i.e. Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Platinum White Pearl, Graphite Metallic, Red  Mica Metallic, Celestite Gray Metallic, and Nebula Blue.

In Thailand, the Corolla Cross retails for:

• - Hybrid Premium Safety : 1,199,000 THB
• Hybrid Premium : 1,089,000 THB
• Hybrid Smart : 1,019,000 THB

• 1.8 Sport : 989,000 THB (Special Price: 959,000 THB as of the launch date – 30 September 2020. Limited availability)