Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid test drive impression

Did you know there are two powertrain versions of the Corolla Cross on sale in Malaysia? Did you know that one of them comes with the latest hybrid powertrain from Toyota?

So, we took the all-new Corolla Cross Hybrid for a test drive across the state lines and after a few hours with it on the open highway we realized that it rides and feels like a more accomplished sedan over a crossover. Yes, it sits a little high over the tarmac and has a typical ‘crossover stance’ but in real essence, this is a hatchback car with a jacked-up suspension and large tyres, just like its immediate rival the Honda HR-V.

The Corolla nameplate has been associated with sedans and coupes for the longest time and it is Toyota’s most popular nameplate across the globe. So, to stick this name on a crossover is strange but makes great marketing sense as buyers who do not read automotive reviews and news will be automatically drawn to the Corolla name which has been associated with reliability and great resale value for decades.

The Corolla Cross does carry most of the traits and even after reaching our Island destination via some highways and some older state roads we did not feel tired from the well-designed seats and cool climate control system and drive wind noise did not intrude our cabin space.

With space for 3 adults in the rear and a slightly higher roofline, this Corolla Cross looks very much like a scaled-down Toyota RAV4 SUV.

There are rear air vents to keep passengers cool and the 8-inch multimedia display allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity which delivers very decent tunes over the six-speaker audio system. The driver has a 7-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID) in the cluster gauge which provides all the necessary information, including the fuel-sipping features.

Even when we ‘pushed hard’ on the older state roads, the electrified hybrid system that combines two power sources, which happens to be a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, delivered a combined power of 122 PS. This petrol engine delivers 98 PS at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm, while the battery-electric motor provides an additional 72 PS and 163 Nm of torque. There is an Electrically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission working with this twin power to provide power delivery to the front wheels. You can get a best case scenario fuel consumption value of 23.7 kmpl. Yes, this is a 2-wheel drive Corolla, like a car, so it's Not an SUV.

The driver has the option to pick between three driving modes to suit their style. There is ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT, plus a separately-switchable EV Mode can be combined with any of these three driving modes, for silent and emission-free driving at low speeds and for short distances.

This Corolla Cross sits on Toyota’s GA-C platform which is a lightweight, high-rigidity body frame to provide nimble and stable steering despite its height. The use of good sound-absorbing materials helps to reduce engine noise and tarmac noise.

Toyota Safety Sense is provided which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). Both the DRCC and LTA now operate at all speeds which give added safety.

Comfort features include seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring, hill start assist, vehicle stability control, rear cross-traffic alert, the all important tyre pressure monitoring which a lot of drivers need with our sub-par roads and six parking sensors to assist drivers who bought their driving license.

This hybrid-powered Corolla Cross (a 5-year standard vehicle warranty is included) is sold with more than just a hybrid battery eight-year warranty. UMW Toyota also includes an inverter and power management control warranty that other hybrid vehicle brands do not offer. Plus, this added warranty can be extended to another 2 years with a fee of RM 2,950.

The RM 136,550 selling price has made this crossover very popular and bookings have been rising week after week.

Also read: 10 major differences between Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid