So, finally Toyota Corolla Cross is here after a very long wait. The car was initially expected in December 2020, but it was delayed until the announcement yesterday. However, as per Toyota Indus Motors (IMC), the booking of the vehicle will be started on April 10, 2021. Meanwhile, vehicle deliveries will begin from the 1st of July.
The Corolla Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV that made its global debut in July 2020 and competes in the market with other compact crossover SUVs like the Honda Vezel/BR-V, the Nissan Juke, the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage to name a few.
Reportedly, three variants would be offered, the names of which are yet to be revealed. The only thing we know is that the names of the variants would be revealed around 8th to 9th April.
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The booking would reportedly begin with partial payments of Rs3million for Low and Mid Variants, and Rs4million for the High Variant.
The cars are going to be Completely Built Units (CBUs) imported by Indus Motors, and as of yet, there has been no talk regarding the company’s plan to assemble Corolla Cross in Pakistan.
The reported price of the three variants is Rs7,689,000, Rs8,199,000, and Rs8,399,000, respectively.
Engine
According to the reports, all the variants will feature a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid petrol engine that combines with the performance of an electric motor to make 168 hp at 3600 RPM and 305 Nm of torque at 3600 RPM. All the power is sent to only the front wheels via an e-CVT automatic transmission.
It is the same as in Prius and the 12th generation Corolla Hybrid, C-HR. All versions of Pakistani-bound CBU will have 215/60 17″ Alloy wheels.
Dimensions
The Corolla Cross is a B-segment SUV that uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, again, same as C-HR.
If measured, Corolla Cross is 4460mm long, 1825 wide while 1620mm tall. The wheelbase measures 2640mm long.
Safety
All versions of the new SUV crossover will have ABS, VSC as well as Hill-start assist. Electronic brakeforce distribution/ EBD, as well as brake assist, will also come standard.
As for the airbags, all versions will have front airbags, but the top variant/ High will also have a curtain as well as a knee airbag for the driver.
The immobilizer is standard. The base model will have 2 rear parking sensors while Mid & High will get front parking sensors as well.
Infotainment
On the inside, the top and mid-tier variant will have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather seats, Dual-Zone Climate Control, and rear AC vents. Inside the low-end variant are fabric seats, a basic audio system with CD/BT, and Single-Zone Auto climate control, but no AC vents for the rear seats.
Additionally, the top variant has a power + kick sensor trunk door, and the base and mid-tier variant only have an electronically locking boot.
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The car even though is a hybrid, it is too expensive to be a crossover SUV. Even though brand loyalty may lead to high demand, the cheaper proven alternatives available in the market will give tough competition to the newcomer.