The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling sedans globally and over the years Toyota has rolled out various iterations of it including a hatchback and a station wagon. With sedan sales falling across the world and buyers’ preferences shifting towards SUVs, Toyota has promptly rolled out an SUV version of the Corolla called the Corolla Cross. This model however has been introduced only in Thailand and Toyota will sell it in other markets in the months to follow.
In terms of dimensions, the Cross Corolla sits between the Hyundai Creta and the Tata Harrier. Its 4.4 metre length is longer than the Creta (4.3 metres) and shorter than the Harrier (4.6 metres). In terms of design, it certainly appears futuristic. There’s a blacked-out grille upfront with a thick glossy black surround that is flanked by projector LED headlamps. Above the front and rear fenders, there are sharp cuts that amplify the effect of the wheelarches. There are skid plates at both ends and the Corolla Cross also gets black cladding on all sides – a requisite for SUVs nowadays. The rear also is neatly designed and overall, Toyota has opted for a more conventional approach and hasn't gone overboard with the design.
The cabin comprises of a dual tone scheme with a large touchscreen sitting in the center of the dash in the so-called floating effect. Adding a premium feel to the cabin are ambient lighting and chrome air vent surrounds united by the central display.
The Thailand-spec Corolla Cross is offered with two powertrain options – a hybrid set-up and a petrol ICE option, both in FWD layout. The Corolla Cross hybrid is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that makes 97bhp and 142Nm of torque. Filling in power is the Toyota Hybrid System II. The electric motor contributes 72bhp and 163Nm of torque and the maximum output of this hybrid powertrain is a healthy 120bhp. Meanwhile, the petrol only SUV is also powered by a 1.8-litre engine making 138bhp and 177Nm of torque, identical to what the now discontinued Corolla Altis offered. Both power units are mated to a CVT.
There’s no word on the Corolla Cross coming to India. However, what we should expect from Toyota in the coming months is the Vitara Brezza based Urban Cross compact SUV. It remains to be seen if the Urban Cross will be identical to Maruti Suzuki’s SUV or pack significant changes to distinguish itself better.