Experiencing kaizen with Toyota’s new Corolla Cross

Judging by the number of Corolla Crosses one sees on the road and in parking lots, it’s obvious that this Toyota crossover is one of the giant automaker’s homeruns.

For many that would be reason enough to sit back and chill—even for a bit.

But Toyota being Toyota, they need to kaizen the heck out of this bestseller (“kaizen” being the Japanese principle of continuous improvement).

Which brings me to the latest iteration of the Corolla Cross.      

Introduced in 2020 as Toyota’s first hybrid electric crossover (but with available non-hybrid variants), the new 2024 Corolla Cross now comes only as a hybrid across all its three variants.

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In the launch event held today at SM Aura in Taguig City, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto emphasized the role of the Corolla Cross in Toyota’s drive to enable customers to pursue sustainable mobility options: “The Corolla Cross, the first strong hybrid crossover in the Philippines, has been a key to accelerating electrification in the Philippines. TMP pioneered hybrid in 2009, but it’s upon the Corolla Cross launch in 2020 when we started achieving 3-digit annual sales figures of xEVs. Last year, TMP reached 7,203 Lexus and Toyota xEV sales.”

“As of end of February 2024, there are already more than 4,000 electrified Corolla Cross on the road, part of the more than 13,000-strong customers who chose electrified Toyota and Lexus models since we started the electrified movement,” he added.

With a starting price of PHP 1,498,000 for the G variant, the new Corolla Cross makes hybrid ownership more affordable than ever. 

The entry-level G and mid-range V variants of the new Corolla Cross now sport a mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines, giving the fascia a very Lexus-like feel. The GR-S variant, on the other hand, retains the aggressive front façade of the previous Corolla Cross GR-S.

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The V and GR-S variants now have LED headlamps with automatic high beam (AHB) and sequential turn signal lamps, while the G variant has upgraded from halogen lamps to LEDs. 

Along with the GR-S, the V variant now also has a power back door with kick sensor. The top-of-the-line GR-S comes with a panoramic view monitor camera and a panoramic moonroof for that added premium feel. 

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Inside, all variants now have LED interior lamps and a leather steering wheel. Notable by its absence is the foot-operated parking brake, which has now been replaced with an electronic parking brake (EPB). 

The new Corolla Cross is also packed with convenience features, such as a 12.3-inch digital multi-info display for the GR-S. The V, meanwhile, has a 7-inch TFT display, while the G has a 4.2-inch TFT display.

Hashimoto added the improvement in the Corolla Cross is also part of the drive to continue nurturing the Corolla brand. “The Corolla is the bestselling Toyota nameplate in the world. Since the introduction of the brand in 1966, roughly 50 million units have been sold in 150 countries – and that includes the Philippines.” 

“The Corolla’s story continues today, and with its role in carbon neutrality, we are working on having the Corolla enjoyed by generations to come,” he added.

All three variants have a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charger.

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The GR-S and V variants are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. All variants have active safety features such as Emergency Brake Signal (EBS), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

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The new Corolla Cross is powered by a hybrid 1.8L 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC VVT-i engine mated to a CVT. 

Pricing for the new Corolla Cross is as follows:

G         PHP 1,498,000 

V         PHP 1,763,000 

GR-S   PHP 1,917,000 

Available colors are Platinum White Pearl Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic and Metal Stream Metallic for the G and V variants, and 2-tone Emotional Red 2 / Attitude Black Mica and Platinum White Pearl Mica / Attitude Black Mica for the GR-S.

Customers can check out the new Toyota Corolla Cross at SM Aura in Taguig City until Sunday, April 14, where it will also be available for test drive. The new Corolla Cross is also available for viewing and reservation at any Toyota dealership nationwide.

Aside from the Corolla Cross, TMP also offers the Corolla Altis sedan, which in 2019, became TMP’s first mainstream model to offer an HEV variant. TMP’s other hybrid models include the Camry, RAV 4, Alphard, and Yaris Cross.

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Photos by Mica de los Reyes