Toyota Corolla Cross (w/ hybrid) global premiere in Thailand [Update]

A couple of days before its global premiere in Thailand, photographs of the Corolla Cross testing in the roads of Taiwan have emerged on social media. Taiwanese reports are claiming that the local audience is expectantly awaiting the launch of the SUV by the end of the year in that region. Even with all the camouflaging, proportions and the overall design of the vehicle are visible, which would serve alongside the C-HR as the more complete family car. You can catch more images on EricHappyLife Facebook.com page.

July 4, 2020 –

Headlightmag has reported that Toyota Motor Thailand will unveil the Corolla Cross on the 9th of July. Since the first spy photos were published on Thai web boards and communities earlier this year, the vehicle has been anticipated with gusto as the ‘utilitarian’ twin of the C-HR. The Corolla Cross enters the highly competitive B-Segment crossover-SUV market that is witnessing many entrants, further breaking it up into sub-segments.

As per Headlightmag, the Corolla Cross will be launched in the Thail market in 4 variants

Toyota Corolla Cross

• 1.8 Sport CVT

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

• 1.8 Hybrid Smart E-CVT
• 1.8 Hybrid Premium E-CVT
• 1.8 Hybrid Premium Safety E-CVT

July 1, 2020 –

Below is a rendering presented by Vora Design of the Toyota Corolla Cross shared widely on Facebook and by several regional websites. We have updated the story with footage of the Corolla Cross testing in Thai roads, uploaded by Youtube channel KitsGuy, crediting online community ‘We Love Toyota CHR Thailand.’

The shape and roofline are utilitarian, with a design package that is more functional than the C-HR. The long wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks provide a stable and confident look. We don’t expect off-road abilities on this car but the short front and rear overhangs indicate that designers have maximized interior space in that footprint. Side visibility will be much better than the C-HR due to the higher H-point, a lowered beltline and large glass area.

The Corolla Cross will compete in the upper-end of the B-Segment market which has premium models like the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru XV. The expectation in Thai market is that the price would not be much higher the Honda HR-V, and it is reckoned by some as the most interesting model in the local market this year as it has all the makings of a vehicle that punches above its weight.

June 29, 2020 –

After the introduction of the new Harrier, Yaris Cross and Raize, Toyota is strengthening its SUV line-up with the launch of Toyota Corolla Cross. The Corolla is receiving a full-body crossover variant (and not a gimmick with styling enrichment) for the first time in its 54-year stint that reflects changing times and the evolution of customer preference for high-riding vehicles.

Positioning

Prototypes of the Corolla Cross has been seen testing in Thailand with heavy camouflage for a few months and a report from Thai car expert Headlightmag.com states that Toyota would be launching the SUV in Thailand in July (world premiere). Information about the car first leaked from a dealer presentation and later Toyota trademarked the Corolla Cross name in Australia. The new SUV will be slotted between the Yaris Cross and RAV4 and will compete with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks e-Power, Subaru XV and Mazda CX-3.

Headlightmag likens the relationship between the Corolla Cross and the C-HR to that between the BMW X1 & X2. Where the Corolla Cross emphasizes on utility with more luggage space as well as more rear cabin space, the C-HR is a sporty design with an emphasis on boldness, aimed at a younger customer group.

Hybrid option

Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that underpins the Corolla sedan and the C-HR (TNGA-C), the Corolla Cross will also borrow its hybrid engine. The 2ZR-FXE DOHC 4-cylinder 1.8-liter VVT-i engine develops a maximum power of 98 hp at 5,200 rpm and torque of 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm. It combines with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a maximum output of 72 horsepower and 163 Nm of torque powered by a Nickel metal Hydride battery. The system output is 122 hp, sent to the wheels via an E-CVT. The base Toyota Corolla Cross is expected to receive the service of the 2ZR-FBE 1.8L petrol engine.

Features

The Corolla Cross will benefit with styling elements inspired by the bigger RAV4. Latest spy shots reveal a sharp front-end with sleek headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and inverted L-Shaped rear lights. We can also expect the interior to be similar to the Corolla sedan with features including a 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, JBL sound system and WiFi connectivity.

Toyota Corolla Cross specification	Value
Length	4460 mm
Width	1825 mm
Height	1620 mm
Wheelbase	2640 mm
Ground clearance	161 mm
Hybrid option	1.8L with 122 hp system output
Price	THB 900,000 – 1,200,000

Toyota discontinued the Corolla in India with the institution of the BS6 emission norms, making it one of the rare markets where the nameplate is not found on a Toyota website. Crossover-SUV demand is strong in the premium segment and is an area of growth. Toyota, reported as having no plans for manufacturing the TNGA in India, could be evaluating various options (including Maruti platforms) for a product in that segment.

[Renderings by Kleber Silva from Behance.net]