Toyota Corolla Cross launched in Indonesia; will Malaysia be next?

KUALA LUMPUR: The acclaimed Toyota Corolla has sprouted an SUV model in the form of Corolla Cross, which made its debut in the Thai market last month. After adding the SUV in its Thailand lineup, the Japanese automaker recently launched the Corolla-badged crossover in Indonesia. 

The Corolla Cross is a compact SUV based on Toyota’s TNGA (GA-C) platform. With 4,460 mm length, 1,825 mm width, and 1,620 mm height, it slots between the Toyota C-HR and RAV4.

The all-new Corolla Cross looks bold yet clean and could cater to the varied tastes of customers. Upfront, the SUV features a bold-grille, swept-back LED headlights and the muscular hood that gives it a sporty appearance. The profile is neat and straightforward, with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels filling up the large wheel arches. However, the rear end looks simple with split LED tail lamps. 

Inside the cabin, the dashboard design of Corolla Cross is identical to the latest Corolla. The highlight is the minimalist central console, consisting of a floating infotainment system and climate controls. Standard equipment list includes:

• 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• Power moonroof
• Reverse camera
• Seven airbags
• ABS with EBD and brake assist 
• Stability control

However, the hybrid version also has blue headlight accents, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a different instrument cluster. 

Unlike the Thailand market, the model is available only in two variants in Indonesia, one petrol and one hybrid. The Corolla Cross petrol houses a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine generating 140 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque. 

The Corolla Cross hybrid, on the other hand, features a 98 PS/145 Nm 1.8-litre engine paired to a 72 PS/163 Nm electric motor. Combined, the powertrain churns out 122 PS. A CVT is the only transmission option for both powertrains.

Toyota Corolla Cross price for the petrol variant starts at 457.8 million rupiah (RM 131,200), and for the hybrid one, customers need to shell out 497.8 million rupiah (RM 142,700).

While the launch of the Corolla Cross in Malaysia is not confirmed, we think Toyota could consider it given that both our neighbours from the north and south are now selling it. 

Could the Corolla Cross be on Toyota’s cards for Malaysia? Stay tuned with us to know.

Also read: Toyota’s new trademark fuels the rumors of Corolla Wagon arrival