Toyota Corolla-based crossover to make Thailand debut in July: Report  

Updated Apr 13, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It’s a higher-riding Corolla with more functionality.      

Playing host to production facilities for a number of carmakers, Thailand is a formidable automotive hub in the Southeast Asian region. So it comes as a bit of good news that the country is pushing through with this year’s Bangkok Motor Show on July 15.

Another possibility to look forward to is that Toyota might use the event as the springboard for its new Corolla-based crossover SUV.  

Toyota C-HR

The Toyota Corolla Cross will complement the C-HR crossover pictured above

Thai automotive website Headlight Magazine reports that the model, dubbed the Corolla Cross, is positioned as the more functional complement to the sleeker (but not very utilitarian) C-HR. The Corolla Cross name has been registered with the European Intellectual Property Organization as early as 2018, and the upcoming model represents the culmination of two years of testing and development.

Coming in at 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,620 mm high, the Corolla Cross sports slightly higher dimensions than its C-HR sibling, although they share the same 2,640-mm wheelbase.

The two models both slot in the B-segment crossover class, where rivals such as the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, and Honda HR-V hold court. 

corolla altis

Underpinning the new model is the same chassis used by the Corolla Altis

Details have so far been scarce on the new model’s exterior and interior elements, although occasional spy shots hint at a fascia that follows the sedan’s design. What has been confirmed is that the Corolla Cross rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture C (TGNA-C) platform, the same one which underpins both the Toyota Corolla for sale and the C-HR.  

Spread across four variants (1.8 Sport, Hybrid Smart, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium Safety), the Corolla Cross comes with two engine options on offer: a 1.8L 2ZR-FBE gasoline engine with 140 hp and 175 Nm of torque mated to a CVT, and a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE hybrid making 98 hp and 142 Nm of pull, accompanied by a 600-volt electric motor that generates an additional 72 hp and 163 Nm of torque, hooked up to an E-CVT gearbox.  

Corolla Cross hybrid

A hybrid option will be available for maximum efficiency

>>> Related: A comprehensive guide to Toyota cars in the country

At launch, expected pricing for the Corolla Cross is between 900,000 and 1,200,000 Thai baht (Php 1,450,955 – Php 1,934,606). If Toyota decides to bring it to the Philippine market, would you consider buying one?

Catch the latest news on upcoming models at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Toyota Corolla Altis 2024

Toyota Corolla Altis

The Toyota Corolla Altis is Toyota Motor Philippine’s entry into the compact sedan segment. Currently, this model has four available variants. There's the Corolla Altis E 1.6 CVT, the Corolla Altis G 1.6 CVT, the Corolla Altis V G-RS 1.6 CVT, and the Corolla Altis V 1.8 Hybrid CVT. These come with a price ranging from Php 1,054,000 to Php 1,665,000.

There are two engine options for the Corolla Altis. For the midspec G and entry-level E, they use a 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that makes up to 121 horsepower and 153 Nm of torque. The top-spec V trim meanwhile, gets a 1.8-liter hybrid engine that can deliver 121 horsepower and 207 Nm of torque.  

For transmissions, all of this model’s variants use a continuously variable transmission. 

Size-wise, the Toyota Corolla Altis comes with a length of 4,630mm, a width of 1,780mm, and a height of 1,455mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,700mm, and a ground clearance of 175mm. 

In the local market, the Toyota Corolla Altis mainly competes against the likes of the Honda Civic, Mazda3, MG 6, among others. 

₱ 1,054,000 - ₱ 1,665,000

Explore
Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

View more