According to the Oxford dictionary, a corollary is a proposition that follows from one that is already proven. Using the term loosely, Toyota is proposing to buyers a new model that follows from one that is already proven.
It’s 2020 and Toyota rolls out a crossover named after its bestselling sedan, the Corolla. This new crossover is called, aptly enough, the Corolla Cross, which made its global debut in Thailand last month. It’s the first time the Corolla was given a second name to denote its entry into a completely new market genre, instead of just a new variant or body style, as Corollas in previous decades have come as coupes, wagons and liftbacks in various countries.
But this is not the first time the Corolla has donated its chassis to produce a completely different model. Twenty-five years ago, the world saw the first ever crossover — before the term was even used for cars — in the first-generation Toyota RAV 4. That RAV 4, and every RAV 4 since, owes its platform to the Corolla.
And now, a quarter-century later, the Corolla is crossing over yet again.
“Guided by our philosophy of making ever-better cars, Toyota took the best of a trusted model, the Toyota Corolla, and turned it into a sleek and modern crossover,” said Toyota Motor Philippines President Atsuhiro Okamoto during the online launch of the new vehicle. “The Corolla Cross is designed to move you in comfort and style, whether you’re seeking adventure, doing business, or simply spending time with people you love,” he added.
The new Corolla Cross comes in two variants — the P1,285,000 1.8 G CVT and the P1,650,000 1.8 V HV powered by a hybrid drivetrain — and rolls off Toyota showrooms on August 26. The prices of the two Corolla Cross variants range from P70,000 to P100,000 higher than its closest equivalent models among the Corolla Altis sedans.
In addition to its hybrid technology, the Corolla Cross also features two of Toyota’s most advanced car technologies today, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
Styling
Looking very much like a 7/8 scale RAV 4 with its aggressive front end and distinctive squarish wheel well openings, the Corolla Cross’ exterior starts strong with its imposing double trapezoid front grille and sleek LED headlamps. Exclusive to the hybrid variant are LED Light Curtain Daytime Running Lights and a subtle blue accent to the bi-beam LED headlamps which complements the hybrid-identifying blue Toyota logo. Sculpted fender lines give the Corolla Cross visual muscle and a more assertive stance on the road. The high approach angle combines the strong stance with functionality, endowing the vehicle the capability to negotiate steep ramps and inclines.
Crossover cabin
The Corolla Cross gets a classy minimalist interior which comes in leather for the hybrid variant. The wide and spacious cabin space gives abundant headroom for easier ingress while the slim front seatbacks enable ample legroom for backseat passengers. Slim pillars and rear quarter windows add to the spacious atmosphere and enhances outward visibility. The hybrid variant also has a retractable tonneau cover for the rear cargo area for security.
All Corolla Cross variants feature Smart Entry and Push Start System, auto-fold side mirrors, and speed-sensing door locks, and for the 1.8 V hybrid variant, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 8-way power adjust driver’s seat. Convenient steering wheel switches enable the driver to adjust Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features and 7” multi-info display for the 1.8 V hybrid, and audio, and phone connectivity features for all variants. Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity is added to the 1.8 V Hybrid’s infotainment system.
Growing the hybrid range
TMP positions adoption of hybrid electric vehicles as the perfect transition to vehicle electrification in the country. By popularizing hybrid technology and making it more accessible, TMP takes another step forward in line with Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
The Corolla Cross hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle engine specifically designed for the hybrid system. The engine itself delivers 98ps at 5,200 rpm and 142Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. The electric motor adds its own power for a 122hp total system output. It offers three driving modes (Eco, Power, and EV) and has a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The non-hybrid 1.8 G CVT variant shares the 1,798cc displacement of the hybrid’s internal combustion engine, but tweaked to deliver 140hp at 6,400 rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both engines have DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder, Dual VVT-i specs.
Toyota New Global Architecture
Designed and developed under Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla Cross, like the Corolla Altis, has a MacPherson strut front suspension optimized for its SUV structure. The rear suspension features an all-new torsion beam design. The 1.8 G rolls on 215/60R17 tires while the hybrid goes one size bigger with 225/50R18 rubber. Its 2,640mm wheelbase is slightly shorter than that of the Corolla Altis’s 2,700mm wheelbase.
Safety
All Corolla Cross variants are equipped with 7 SRS airbags, ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts for the driver and all passengers. The hybrid variant has two front and four rear clearance sonars, while the G CVT variant has 2 rear sonars, and reverse camera is standard on all variants.
The 1.8 Hybrid variant also has several active safety features under Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). The 1.8 Hybrid also has Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). When turned on, this system detects vehicles approaching from the rear or vehicles which may not be fully visible through the side mirrors, and alerts the driver through visual and audio signals.
Novel hybrid financing and maintenance packages
“We understand customer apprehension on hybrid technology: affordability, maintenance, and resale value – that’s why we are offering the Corolla Cross hybrid with Balloon Payment Plus – lower monthly payments, inclusive of periodic maintenance, with guaranteed future resale value,” says TMP First VP Sherwin Chualim. “Owning a hybrid vehicle is made easier and more affordable, and customers are guaranteed a hassle-free experience from buying, owning, and future reselling of their vehicle,” he added.The Corolla Cross is available in four colors: Metal Stream Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, and Platinum White Pearl Mica (the latter with a P15,000 premium).
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