Toyota has just added the new Corolla Cross compact SUV to its Corolla series. The global premiere of the model was held in Thailand yesterday, where sales have now commenced.
According to Toyota, the Corolla Cross will be launched in a growing number of other markets globally, which includes Malaysia as well!
Built on the TNGA (GA-C) platform, the new Corolla Cross comes with many notable features like a new torsion-beam suspension to offer a stable yet cushioned ride, and a very spacious cabin. Toyota even claims that the luggage space is best in class with 487 litres.
Looking like a smaller, curvier version of the new RAV4, the Corolla Cross measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, with a 2,640 mm wheelbase.
Just to put things into perspective, the Corolla Cross, despite having the same wheelbase length as the C-HR, is actually 100 mm longer, 30 mm wider, and 55 mm taller, which means that it sits between the C-HR and the RAV4 in the portfolio.
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross gets two powertrain options – the naturally aspirated 2ZR-FBE 1.8 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine making 140 PS and 177 Nm of torque plus the Super CVT-I gearbox, and a newly developed hybrid system comprising the 2ZR-FXE naturally aspirated 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine, 1NM electric motor, and an e-CVT gearbox which make a combined total output of 122 PS.
While the average fuel consumption is 23.3 km/l for the hybrid, the petrol version covers 15.4 km with a litre of fuel.
The car also comes with Power Back Door with Activated Kick Sensor, Power Adjustable Driver Seat, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Rear Seats that can be reclined up to 6 degrees, Rear Seat Armrest with Cup Holders, along with Air Vents and USB Outlets for rear passengers.
Taking care of infotainment is a 9-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay, and Toyota’s T-Connect system.
Where safety is concerned, there is the Toyota Safety Sense package with 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.
Priced between RM134k and RM159k in Thailand, there has not been any official announcement on whether the Corolla Cross will make it to Malaysia yet, but word on the street is that the Corolla Cross may be here as soon as next year, so let us keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.
