TOYOTA has just released for sale a brand new compact SUV called the Corolla Cross. Using the Corolla name was quite a surprise as this has been Toyota’s best selling family sedan for decades.
Naming it ‘Cross’ means it is actually more of a crossover, which puts it side by side with the Mazda CX-30 and Proton X50.
With the CX-30 costing from RM144,700 and the X50 Highline priced at RM103,300, this new Toyota crossover is priced right in between at RM124,000. Yes, we have not forgotten the former segment leader, the Honda HR-V which retails for RM118,500, however it is starting to show its age and after seven years of sales success, Malaysians are waiting for the all new 2021 model HR-V (also known as the Vezel) which has already shown its attractive face in Japan.
Leading segment features
Imported as a CBU model from Thailand until local assembly starts later this year, the Corolla Cross is available in two variants, the Corolla Cross 1.8V and Corolla Cross 1.8G.
They are priced from RM134,000 (without sale tax exemption) and RM124,000 (with sale tax exemption until 30 Jun 2021) in Peninsular Malaysia without insurance.
It has a bold design with the functionality of a SUV. Built around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), this platform allows more engineering flexibility and offers a number 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.
Compared to the popular Corolla Sedan, this Corolla Cross has a marginally shorter body with an overall length of 4,460mm. However, it has 45mm more overall width at 1,825mm, and stands 185mm taller at 1,620mm. The extra height allows ground clearance to be raised to 161mm.
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. Besides having a higher seating position, the extra height of the vehicle provides significantly better headroom over its segment rivals.
While the Corolla Cross 1.8G uses projector-type halogen headlamps, the 1.8V variant has Bi-LED units that give better illumination. The integrated Day Running Lights clearance lamps 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.
Cabin features
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 an advanced 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 rear-view 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 Power Rear Hatch with kick sensor that opens and closes automatically by just positioning a foot under the rear bumper which has a proximity sensor.
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 completely flat. With both backrests down, it is possible to carry two road bicycles.
Powertrain features
The Corolla Cross is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i. This proven engine produces 139PS of power at 6,400 rpm with 172Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. With the optimized fuel delivery system, the engine offers an excellent balance of power, agility and fuel efficiency.
The 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (CVT) has improved performance with an electronically-controlled throttle to provide responsiveness, smoothness and quietness.
Plus, it has a 5.2-metre turning radius which is best-in-class and great for tight parking spots and for easy PJ Old town neighbourhood driving.
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 easily cross over speed-bumps with ease.
High safety features
In the 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).
Additionally, there are 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (including one for the driver’s knees) which will deploy and provide cushioning in severe collisions. ISOFIX points (with tether anchor) are also available in the rear outer seats for installation of compatible child-seats, which are now required by law.
Colour and warranty
Customers can choose from an exterior colour line-up of five finishes – Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Metalstream Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Nebula Blue Metallic. A full 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty is provided as well as assurance nationwide after sales support with ready availability of genuine parts. – The Vibes, March 31, 2021
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