KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota's Corolla Cross Hybrid crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be the company's first locally assembled (CKD) model with Hybrid Electric Technology.
The Hybrid variant will be assembled at the ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor alongside two other Corolla Cross variants – the 1.8V and 1.8G. At the time of their introduction, they were imported in CBU (completely built-up) form from Thailand.
"This is a major milestone in the history of Toyota in Malaysia, and we are excited about launching the first locally-assembled Toyota model with Hybrid Electric Technology. Assembling locally means more attractive and affordable pricing so that more people can enjoy the benefits of the advanced technology," said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.
The hybrid electric powertrain of the Corolla Cross Hybrid employs the fourth generation of Toyota's Hybrid Electric System. This consists of a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a power output of 72 kW/98 ps at 5,200 rpm with 142 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, with an electric motor that produces 53 kW (72 ps) and 163 Nm of torque which is available from almost idling speed.
Paired to an E-CVT, 4 drive modes can be selected to optimize driving performance: Sport, Eco, Normal, and EV.
For the Corolla Cross 1.8V and 1.8G, the powertrain is the same as that in the models launched earlier this year with an 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with Dual VVT-i that produces 139 ps of power at 6,400 rpm with 172 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (CVT) also offers manual selection of gears.
As with most of the latest Toyota models, the Corolla Cross uses the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) which is a structure and platform that allows more design and engineering flexibility. Eye level of the driver can be 121 mm higher as with ground clearance being higher at 161 mm than that in the Corolla sedan. It has a best-in-class 5.2-metre turning radius as well.
CKD versions are also enhanced with new features compared to the earlier imported version. The 1.8G also has Bi-LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights that employ a Light Curtain design like the 1.8V. A roof rail is now included as standard to add to the sporty and adventurous image.
Other notable features to the 1.8V are its LED illumination on the front door trim, cupholder and tray, driver's seat with 8-way Power Adjustment, reclinable rear seat backrest by 6 degrees as well as fold to enlarge the boot space from its standard 440 litres. Powered rear door has a handsfree opening operation with the kick sensor under the bumper.
Cabin holds a 9-inch touchscreen display infotainment system thats Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready, with two Type-C USB points for charging and the choice for an optional wireless charger pad.
Cabin noise have also been reduced through the use of windshield glass with better insulation as well as a bonnet silencer. Rear passengers also get to enjoy additional air vents for the rear section.
The Corolla Cross 1.8V and 1.8 Hybrid variants come with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 consisting of a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
Accompanying safety technologies include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Driver Start Control and a Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS). A Front Driving Video Recorders (DVR) is standard and customers can also choose to add a rear mounted DVR.
DRCC and LTA for the CKD variants have been enhanced to be able to operate at full speed. DRCC maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead whatever the cruising speed is set at, while LTA helps the driver to keep the vehicle safely within its lane even while going around a curve.
If thats not enough the SUV has a maximum Asean NCAP 5-star safety rating with 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (including one for the driver's knees) and ISOFIX points (with tether anchor) for the rear seats.
The Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is priced from RM137,000 (estimated on-the-road price inclusive of sales tax but without insurance). It comes with an exclusive Celestite Grey Metallic colour option, on top of the already available Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic and Silver Metallic. The 1.8V variant is priced from RM129,000 while the 1.8G is at RM123,000.
They come with a factory warranty of 5 years, with unlimited mileage. Hybrid battery pack has a separate warranty of 8 years. Enhanced coverage also includes the inverter and power management control ECU. Customers also have the option of extending full coverage for a further 2 years.
Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is installed for additional protection of the vehicle from theft allowing it to be tracked location using GPS/GSM networks.