Toyota might just be making a 3-row Corolla Cross to push further into the Indian market.
Toyota is reportedly working on a 7-seater version of its Corolla Cross specifically for the Indian market. The rumoured model is expected to have a longer wheelbase, measuring at 2,790 mm, and would be produced alongside the Innova Hycross at the Bidadi factory in Bengaluru. It is not yet clear whether the 7-seater Corolla Cross will be offered outside of India. If the Corolla Cross is re-engineered for 3 rows of seats, it will require changes. These would probably include longer rear doors, revised C- and D-pillars as well as some subtle styling tweaks to massage out the additional length. It will probably also necessitate sliding seats for the 2nd row of passengers.
According to Autocar India, the 7-seater Corolla Cross would feature a third row of seats that fold neatly into the floor when not in use. The model would be based on the TNGA-C platform and would share powertrain options with the Innova Hycross/Zenix. These options aren’t found in Malaysia currently – a 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain that uses the same ICE engine with an electric motor.
If the larger Corolla Cross makes it to production, is there a chance UMW Toyota will bring it to market here? We have our doubts, but it is possible. The 7-seater SUV market isn’t particularly strong here and most buyers will find MPVs more suited to their people-moving needs. The outgoing Honda CR-V, after all, was sold in Indonesia with 7 seats and Honda Malaysia studied that niche and found that it wasn’t a sound business proposition.
Another reason why UMW Toyota might not want to bring this 7-seater Corolla Cross into Malaysia is the possibility of some cannibalization. They already sell the Toyota Veloz, which sells in decent numbers despite being sold alongside the new Perodua Alza.
It is worth noting that the 5-seater Corolla Cross is not currently offered in India at all. Therefore, the 7-seater version would be a new addition to the lineup. The report suggests that Toyota would differentiate the larger version by revising the front bumper, grille, headlights, and redesigning the rear.
Overall, the development of a 7-seater Corolla Cross shows Toyota’s efforts to cater to the growing demand for three-row SUVs in the Indian market where they face competition against the Hyundai Grand Creta.
