Toyota Corolla Cross: What to expect?

Despite the challenging times, the Malaysians witnessed the launch of several new and updated Toyota models last year. Now for 2021, the Japanese automaker again seems focused on introducing more improved and new cars. It started things with a bang earlier this month with the launch of two popular revamped models - Fortuner and Innova. So what’s next on the cards? Well, there is still no official confirmation on this, but we strongly believe that Toyota is ramping up for the launch of the all-new Corolla Cross in Malaysia. 

The reasons supporting our belief include the global debut of the SUV in our neighboring country Thailand back in June 2020, which was followed by the launch in other ASEAN markets including Indonesia and Vietnam. Also, it was also spotted a few times during trials on the local roads with UMW Toyota number plates, clearly hinting towards its arrival in Malaysia this year. The discontinuation of the Toyota C-HR also indicates that the Corolla Cross will be taking its spot in the automaker’s lineup.

So, here we have listed the expected specifications of the Toyota Corolla Cross, for which we have taken reference from the neighboring markets.

Toyota Corolla Cross dimensions and design

The five-seater Corolla Cross is based on the concept of “Corolla Meets SUV” and rides on the automaker’s new TNGA architecture. It slots between the Toyota C-HR and RAV4 in the brand’s lineup and measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,620 mm in height, and 1,825 mm in width.

On the styling front, the SUV sports a bold yet clean design with a large grille, swept-back LED headlights, and a muscular hood. The overall profile is neat and straightforward, with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels filling up the large wheel arches. At the rear, the SUV is decked up with split LED tail lamps. Inside, the Cross borrows the designing cues from the standard Corolla as it gets a similar dashboard, minimalist central console, and a floating infotainment system. 

Toyota Corolla Cross cabin comfort and features

With a wheelbase of 2640 mm, the Corolla Cross appears to be a spacious car, also it has a boot space of 487 litres that can be further expanded by folding down the 60:40 split-fold seats. In terms of convenience features, we expect to see the following bits on the Corolla Cross specs sheet: 

• 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• 4.2-inch multi-info display
• Dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• Power moonroof
• Reverse camera
• Leather upholstery
• Six-way power-adjustable driver seat

Toyota Corolla Cross engine

The Corolla Cross is available in two engine options in Indonesia, which include one petrol and one hybrid. The petrol trim incorporates a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing a maximum power of 140 PS and a peak torque of 172 Nm. On contrary, the Corolla Cross hybrid has a combination of a 1.8-litre engine rated at 98 PS/145 Nm and an electric motor generating 72 PS/163 Nm. Combinedly the setup produces 122 PS. For sending power to the wheels, a CVT gearbox is available for both powertrains.

For the local market, we expect that the automaker would bring both versions as UMW Toyota Malaysia has already revealed its plan to roll out more hybrid models in the near future.

Toyota Corolla Cross safety features

As for safety, the Malaysian-spec Corolla Cross is expected to come with Toyota Safety Sense kit that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Other standard features on the list comprise seven airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and emergency stop signal. The Corolla Cross has received a shining 5-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP safety tests.

Toyota Corolla Cross price

The upcoming SUV is expected to be a CKD model and thus it is likely to have a lower price than the fully-imported Thailand-made C-HR that used to sell for RM 144,336 with the SST exemption. Secondly, the model competes against the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Subaru XV, so we expect a price range of RM 120,000 - RM 130,000 for the upcoming Corolla Cross.

Summing up

That's all about the upcoming Toyota Corolla Cross. Though currently, we can only speculate what the SUV will bring to the table, we are pretty sure it will not fail to amaze us.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Hilux new accessories released in the UK