Toyota Motor Corporation has added the all-new Corolla Cross compact SUV to its Corolla series. The new model made its global debut in Thailand today (https://www.toyota.co.th/en/news/EdBwlNOD), where sales have commenced. Pursuant to its Thailand launch, the Toyota Corolla Cross is expected to be launched in other markets, going forward.
Toyota’s Bestseller
Ever since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series has sold a total of more than 48 million units, in more than 150 countries and regions around the world; it is Toyota’s best-selling car. The Corolla has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and of the regions it is sold in. By adding a new model to the Corolla series to suit the growing demand of SUVs, the enhanced Corolla line-up enables customers to select the model that better suits their diverse lifestyles and life stages.
With “Corolla Meets SUV” being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was designed as a new type of SUV that combines dignified sturdiness in the exterior, and utility in a manner that exceeds customer expectations. The TNGA1 platform (GA-C) has enabled the Corolla Cross to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride, and outstanding quietness. In addition to its exceptional comfort, the Corolla Cross provides a spacious cabin, easy entry into and exit from the car, class-leading2 luggage space suitable for all scenarios, and safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series. In this way, the new model realizes comfort, utility, and peace of mind for customers.
Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, commented on the unveiling of the new model: ” Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends. We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future.”
1 Toyota New Global Architecture. Toyota’s company-wide global program to structurally transform automobile design. The goal of TNGA is to dramatically improve the basic performance and marketability of Toyota vehicles by redeveloping powertrain units and vehicle platforms and reconceiving overall vehicle optimization
2 The comparison within the C-segment market in Thailand (Toyota survey).
The SUV
The key characteristics of the Corolla Cross SUV are outlined below. Specifications listed here are mainly the Thailand spec and are subject to change depending on the target market.
Overall
- A new torsion-beam suspension results in a stable, cushioned ride
- A spacious cabin and class-leading luggage space
Exterior
- A relaxed side view hints at a spacious interior and underlines the car’s status
- An imposing and powerful front and rear
- Sturdy front fender molds underscore the car’s sense of energy
- The contrast between the rear fenders and the cabin results in an impressive rear view
Interior
- Outstanding views and ample head clearance
- Class-leading luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters3
- Tailgate with kick sensor
- The height providing easy access to the luggage space
- The large spacious door openings; this makes entering or exiting the vehicle easy even when carrying a child
Performance
- An elevated driving position contributes to a wide field of view, and helps minimize blind spots
- A class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters results in responsive handling
- Optimized suspension geometry and the use of large, soft bushings ensure that passengers in all seats enjoy a comfortable ride
Two engine choices
- A 1.8 litre 2ZR-FXE THS II with reduction gear for the hybrid
- engine output of 98PS at 5,200 rpm and 142Nm at 3,600 rpm. The electric motor has 72PS and 163Nm. System maximum output is 122PS
- Electric continuously variable transmission
- 1.8 litre 2ZR-FBE for petrol variant
- 140PS at 6,000 rpm and 177Nm at 4,000 rpm
- Super CVT-i transmission
The Safety Equipment
Environmental Performance
4 The Toyota Safety Sense will be installed as a standard feature for the Hybrid High grade model introduced in Thailand. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are equipped to the High and Mid grades in Hybrid models for Thailand.
5 The Thailand-specification Corolla Cross hybrid electric models achieved a fuel efficiency 4.3L/100km, CO2 emissions of 98g/km, and the gasoline-powered models achieved a fuel efficiency of 6.5L/100km, CO2 emissions of 150g/km under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).