Toyota Corolla Cross Revealed in Thailand, CKD Possible?
Toyota have revealed a new C-segment crossover called the Corolla Cross in Thailand. The car is imagined as a bridge between the 4-door Corolla Altis and the RAV4 SUV and an evolution for the Corolla nameplate which has been around since the mid-1960s.
The Corolla Cross is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, specifically the GA-C platform. This is the same platform as the Corolla Altis sedan and C-HR. The styling however, follows many of the cues set by the 5th generation Toyota RAV4 with squared wheel arches and thick body cladding.
Unlike the GA-C based models we mentioned above, the Corolla Cross features torsion beam suspension in place of double wishbones at the rear.
This is likely an attempt at increasing usable space in the cabin as well as to reduce manufacturing costs and complexity. Toyota described the ride as “cushioned”. What you get at the cost of dynamism is quite impressive:
- Class-leading luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters
- A class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters results in responsive handling
The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite will be present here on the Corolla Cross. It’s equipped with the same 1.8L petrol and hybrid powertrains will be carried forward too.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has added the new Corolla Cross compact SUV to its Corolla series. The global premiere of the model was held in Thailand today (https://www.toyota.co.th/en/news/EdBwlNOD), where sales have now commenced. The Corolla Cross will be launched in a growing number of other markets, going forward.
Since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series has sold a cumulative total of 48 million units or more, in more than 150 countries and regions around the world; it is Toyota’s best-selling car. The Corolla has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and of the regions it is sold in. By adding a new model to the Corolla series to suit the growing demand of SUVs, the enhanced Corolla line-up enables customers to select the model that better suits their diverse lifestyles and life stages.
With “Corolla Meets SUV” being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was designed as a new type of SUV that combines dignified sturdiness in the exterior, and utility in a manner that exceeds customer expectations. The TNGA platform (GA-C) has enabled the Corolla Cross to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride, and outstanding quietness. In addition to its exceptional comfort, the Corolla Cross provides a spacious cabin, easy entry into and exit from the car, class-leading luggage space suitable for all scenarios, and safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series. In this way, the new model realizes comfort, utility, and peace of mind for customers.
Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, commented on the unveiling of the new model: ” Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends. We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future.”
The key characteristics of the Corolla Cross are outlined below: (Specifications are subject to change depending on the target market)
Overall
The Corolla Cross frame is based on the TNGA platform (GA-C)
- A new torsion-beam suspension results in a stable, cushioned ride
- A spacious cabin and class-leading luggage space
Exterior
The Corolla Cross features a powerful, sleek, and sophisticated appearance
- A relaxed side view hints at a spacious interior and underlines the car’s status
- An imposing and powerful front and rear
- Sturdy front fender molds underscore the car’s sense of energy
- The contrast between the rear fenders and the cabin results in an impressive rearview
Interior
A comfortable interior space
- Outstanding views and ample head clearance
- Class-leading luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters
Outstanding utility
- The height providing easy access to the luggage space
- The large spacious door openings; this makes entering or exiting the vehicle easy even when carrying a child
Performance
Superb maneuverability
- An elevated driving position contributes to a wide field of view, and helps minimize blind spots
- A class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters results in responsive handling
Combination of driving performance and comfort
- Optimized suspension geometry and the use of large, soft bushings ensure that passengers in all seats enjoy a comfortable ride
Safety equipment
Safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series provides safety and customer peace of mind.
Environmental performance
Lightening the body has enabled even the gasoline-powered grades to achieve superb fuel efficiency. As a result, both the gasoline-powered and hybrid models boast class-leading environmental performance.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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