PETALING JAYA: Malaysian SUV buyers now have even more variety as UMW Toyota Motor launches the Toyota Corolla Cross today.
It comes in two variants: Corolla Cross 1.8V priced at RM134,000 and Corolla Cross 1.8G at RM124,000.
Prices are without insurance and with SST exemption and are valid until June 30.
For the time being, the new model is fully imported from Thailand, which was the first market in the world to get it. Local assembly will start at the end of 2021.
The Corolla Cross is available in a choice of five colours namely Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Metalstream Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Graphite Metallic.
The arrival of the Corolla Cross makes it four SUV models from Toyota in Malaysia. The others are Rush, Fortuner and RAV4. The smaller albeit stylish C-HR has been dropped.
Although a member of the Corolla family, the Corolla Cross has entirely different styling from the popular Corolla sedan.
It has a bold design which indicates a sporty and fun-to-drive character with the functionality of a SUV.
Using the same proven engine as the Corolla sedan, the front-wheel drive SUV is powered by a 4-cylinder 1.8-litre petrol DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i, producing 137hp at 6,400rpm and 172Nm at 4,000rpm.
Top speed is 185kph. Power is relayed to the front axle by a 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. The gearbox has improved performance with an electronically-controlled throttle to provide responsiveness, smoothness and quietness.
Like many of the latest Toyota models, the Corolla Cross is built around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), a structure and platform that allows more engineering flexibility and offers a host of benefits.
With TNGA, a lower centre of gravity can be achieved to Improve stability while the highly rigid body enhances agility and ride comfort.
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First drive of Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G
Compared to the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross has a marginally shorter body with an overall length of 4,460 mm. However, it has 45 mm more overall width at 1,825 mm, and stands 185mm taller at 1,620 mm. The extra height allows ground clearance to be raised to 161 mm.
Modern SUVs have a passenger car-like interior with all the comfort and convenience features, pioneered 25 years ago by the RAV4. The Corolla Cross continues with this concept, providing an urban space with a tough premium expression.
Besides having a higher seating position, the extra height of the vehicle provides significantly better headroom than other competitor SUV models in the same class.
While the 1.8G uses projector-type halogen headlamps, the 1.8V variant has bi-LED units that give better illumination.
The integrated Daytime Running Lights feature an intricate "light curtain" graining for a unique, high-quality appearance. The same "light curtain" feature can also be seen on the rear lighting units.
The overall colour theme for the cabin is black with black leather upholstery for the seats, while satin-finish paint is used to highlight ornamentation parts.
LED illumination on the front door trim creates a high-quality feel and gives a premium impression. To enable drivers of any size and height to achieve a comfortable position, the seat has 8-way power adjustment.
The instrument panel has a sporty appearance with a dominant speedometer in the middle and a 4.2-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID).
The large 9-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard serves as the display for the audio and infotainment system, as well as the image from the rearview camera.
The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can be linked to the infotainment system. Other connectivity options include USB mirroring, AUX and Bluetooth.
Besides the convenience of a Smart Entry & Push Start System to lock/unlock the doors and start/stop the engine, the Corolla Cross also comes with a powered tailgate with kick sensor that opens and closes automatically by just positioning a foot under the rear bumper which has a proximity sensor.
This allows for hands-free operation which will be convenient when both hands are holding bags or other items.
The cargo area has a volume of 440 litres with the rear backrests raised. This can be expanded by folding down one or both backrests and when folded, the floor is flat.
With both backrests down, it is possible to carry two road bicycles.
To conceal the items in the cargo area, there is a tonneau cover which can be rolled up when not needed.
The 5.2-metre turning radius – best-in-class – makes parking and moving around easy.
At the same time, the increased ground clearance allows the Corolla Cross to handle rough urban roads with ease, not to mention flood conditions.
Additionally, with an 18° approach angle, it can also travel over uneven terrain and up steep inclines, as well as cross over speedbumps with ease.
In the higher-end Corolla Cross 1.8V, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – a suite of integrated active safety systems to assist the driver – demonstrates Toyota Synergised Mobility.
The safety systems in TSS 2.0 consist of a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
These core technologies, which use a radar and camera, are complemented by other safety technologies such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS).
The Corolla Cross is also equipped with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) at the front (optional for rear).
Every new Corolla Cross has a factory-installed security system that includes an engine immobiliser.
Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle’s position using GSM/GPS signals.
The owner can also monitor ignition vehicle status and vehicle speed and if the vehicle is stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre will locate it and inform relevant authorities to recover it.
In the event there is an impact detected, the centre will inform emergency services to provide assistance at the vehicle’s location.
Owners of Corolla Cross will enjoy 3-years free subscription of the VTS.
The Corolla Cross has scored a maximum 5-star Asean NCAP safety rating.
Additionally, there are 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (including one for the driver’s knees). Isofix points (with tether anchor)
are also available in the rear outer seats for installation of compatible childseats, which are now required by law.
Also introduced at the online launch of the model were the two Corolla Cross Ambassadors – Diana Danielle and Danny Koo – who will be closely associated with the new model in advertising and promotional activities.
Both are former racers in the Vios Challenge One-Make Series, and lead active lives that the Corolla Cross has been designed to support.
The Corolla Cross Ambassadors.
According to UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama, initial market studies have shown a strong and positive response to this new type of Corolla.
“This response is not surprising as there is great demand for SUVs globally."
In introducing the Corolla Cross, UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. said the new model caters "to a new generation of mobile adventurous consumers."
The Corolla Cross is backed by a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty with strong aftersales support nationwide.
The 1.8G variant is now available for viewing, testing and purchase at the showrooms of all authorised Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.
The 1.8V will be available at a later date but bookings are accepted now. Bookings can also be at Toyota's virtual showroom.
DOWNLOAD: Toyota Corolla Cross brochure with specifications
