Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is doing exceptionally well in Malaysia, shows data

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only a month back that Toyota Malaysia launched the all-new Corolla Cross Hybrid in the country and the response it has been getting is quite overwhelming. Checks with several Toyota dealers across the country revealed that the hybrid offering has created quite a rage and the response is better than what Toyota initially anticipated.

Exceeding Toyota’s initial projection, over 40 percent of customers opted for the hybrid variant over the regular. Meaning the demand for the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant has surpassed UMW Toyota’s estimates. Thus, making the Toyota hybrid the most popular non-luxury offering in the segment.

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

Compared to other countries like Thailand and Japan, Malaysia surely has a low hybrid adoption rate, however, it is encouraging to see how it is becoming more receptive to hybrid offerings than before.

Getting interested in a hybrid too? Well, the Malaysian market has many options in the segment. As for the Toyota offering, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the range-topping variant in the model lineup and is priced at RM 136,550 on-the-road without insurance. In addition to a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty, it also gets an 8-year, unlimited-mileage battery warranty that can be extended by two years by paying RM2,950 extra.

It is powered by a1.8-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder mill pumping out a maximum power of 98 PS at 5,200 rpm along with a peak torque of 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Paired to the mill is a 72 PS/163 Nm e-motor and a nickel-metal hybrid battery. The total system output rests at 122 PS which is sent to all four wheels via an E-CVT unit.

Below are is key specs -

• Fuel consumption of 23.3 kmpl
• Around 6 decibels quieter that the petrol variant
• 0-100 kmph run is 0.9 sec less than the petrol variant
• Blue Toyota logo & accents
• LED headlights, LED fog lights
• 18-inch two-tone alloys
• Functional roof rails (holding up to 70kg)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (the rest get a single-zone system)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Seven-inch digital instrument display
• Floor mats with blue outlining
• Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems

Overall, contrary to the common belief about hybrids and their expensive battery replacement, the ground-level reality is quite different. And it sure is a good chance.

Also Read: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: A car with strong safety shield