Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) commemorated its 32nd anniversary this August and marked another milestone by introducing the very first hybrid crossover vehicle in its lineup, the new Toyota Corolla Cross. This stylish urban compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) combines Toyota’s signature quality, durability, and reliability with style and functionality and comes in two variants – the gasoline-powered continuously variable transmission (CVT)-equipped version and the hybrid electric (HV) version, which further promotes Toyota’s vision of cleaner, sustainable mobility while making self-charging hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology accessible to more Filipinos.
During the online launch of this latest Toyota, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto proudly stated, “Guided by our philosophy of making ever-better cars, Toyota took the best of a trusted model, the Toyota Corolla, and turned it into a sleek and modern crossover vehicle. The Corolla Cross is designed to move you in comfort and style, whether you’re seeking adventure, doing business, or simply spending time with people you love.” It is the latest addition to the Toyota Corolla series that has sold more than 48 million units around the world since its introduction in January 1966.
Striking Exterior, Elegant Minimalist Interior
The exterior of the Corolla Cross features an imposing double trapezoid front grille that gives it a wide and stable appearance. The hybrid variant adds LED Light Curtain Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and bi-beam LED headlamps with a blue accent that complements the blue Toyota logo. Defined character lines run from the side to the front of the aerodynamic cabin for a sleek look while subtle Double C character lines along the side profile adds an air of sophistication. The high approach angle easily deals with speed bumps and road inclines around urban settings. Overall, the Corolla Cross conveys a functional look with spacious utility that’s always ready for the dynamic lifestyle of its owner.
Inside, the Corolla Cross gets a classy minimalist interior that is covered in durable fabric for the CVT model and supple leather for the hybrid variant. The wide and spacious cabin space features abundant headroom for improved ingress and egress while the slim seat back creates additional legroom for the backseat passengers. Thin pillars and rear quarter windows improve outward visibility and creates a brighter and roomier atmosphere. The spacious trunk features a comfortable loading height and increased loading capacity. The hybrid variant adds a retractable tonneau cover for the rear trunk space to keep prying eyes away from the stuff behind the rear seats.
Driver-Oriented and Technologically-Enhanced
The Corolla Cross offers easy accessibility and control all throughout the ride with features such as Smart Entry and Push Start System, power side mirrors with auto fold function, power windows, and speed-sensing door locks. Controls mounted on the steering wheel enable the driver to adjust not only the audio and phone connectivity features of the vehicle but the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features as well. The 1.8 V hybrid variant adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, 8-way power adjust driver’s seat, and a 7-inch multi-information touchscreen display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
This new crossover vehicle embodies TMP’s vision of making ever-better cars featuring the carmaker’s proprietary Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that provides additional agility, stability and visibility. The Corolla Cross features an optimized McPherson strut front suspension and an all-new torsion beam rear suspension that provides a comfortable ride, improved handling and reduced body roll. It only takes 10.4 meters to execute a curb-to-curb full turn while the high seating position and thinner front pillars provide the driver a commanding view of the road and a feeling of total control.
Crossing Into The Electric Future
Under the hood of the Corolla Cross 1.8 G CVT variant is a 1,798 cc inline 4-cylinder 2ZR-FBE gasoline engine equipped with 16 valves (16V), chain-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and Toyota’s proven variable valve technology (Dual VVT-I) that produces 138 horsepower and 172 Newton-meters of torque. With an eye towards a sustainable future, TMP promotes hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as the most logical and immediate transition to vehicle electrification in the Philippines. By popularizing HEV technology and making it more accessible to Filipinos, TMP takes another step forward in line with Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
The hybrid variant is powered by a 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle inline 4-cylinder 2ZR-FXE gasoline engine in tandem with a 53 kW synchronous alternating current (AC) electric motor that produces a combined output of 121 bhp and 142 Nm of torque. There are three available driving modes – Eco, Power, and EV – to provide fuel-efficiency and ultra low carbon emissions. TMP emphasizes that HEV powertrains are fuel-efficient because they consume less fuel whenever the electric motor is engaged to propel the vehicle; environment-friendly since less fuel consumption means less harmful emissions; quiet because electric motors make very little noise while running; comfortable since they provide a more responsive drive and smoother acceleration; and hassle-free because they do not have to be plugged-in as the battery charges while the vehicle is driven and when the brakes are applied (regenerative charging).
Occupants Safety First
Toyota considers occupant safety as their priority in designing their vehicles and the Corolla Cross is no exception. All variants come with driver’s aids such as Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control and Hill Start Assist (HSA) while 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts and seven SRS airbags provide protection in case of a collision. For the driver’s additional peace-of-mind, a reverse camera is now standard for all variants with two rear clearance sonars for the 1.8 G CVT variant while the hybrid variant has two front and four rear sonars.
The hybrid variant is equipped with several active safety features under Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) including the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB), as well as Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which detects vehicles approaching from the rear or vehicles which may not be fully visible through the side mirrors, and alerts the driver through visual and audio signals.
Pricing and Availability
Available in two variants – 1.8 G CVT and 1.8 V Hybrid – and four exciting colors, the new Toyota Corolla Cross is available at 70 Toyota dealerships across the country.
| VARIANT | PRICE | COLORS AVAILABLE |
| 1.8 V Hybrid | P1,665,000 | Platinum White Pearl Mica |
| P1,650,000 | Metal Stream Metallic
Red Mica Metallic Attitude Black Mica |
|
| 1.8 G CVT | P1,300,000 | Platinum White Pearl Mica |
| P1,285,000 | Metal Stream Metallic
Red Mica Metallic Attitude Black Mica |
With the hybrid variant competitively priced at P1.65M, TMP demonstrates its commitment of making responsible and sustainable technologies more affordable and accessible for more Filipinos. TMP also announced that the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant is available through the Balloon Payment Plus financing plan. “We understand customer apprehension on hybrid technology, namely affordability, maintenance, and resale value”, says TMP First Vice President Sherwin Chualim. “That’s why we are offering the Corolla Cross hybrid with Balloon Payment Plus, where customers can avail of lower monthly payments, inclusive of periodic maintenance and with guaranteed future resale value. Owning a hybrid vehicle is now made easier and more affordable, and customers are guaranteed a hassle-free experience from buying, owning, and future reselling of their vehicle.”
For more information about the new Toyota Corolla Cross, please go to https://toyota.com.ph/corollacross or visit the official website of Toyota Motor Philippines at www.toyota.com.ph, follow the official social media pages at ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter), and Toyota PH (Viber and Telegram). More information about hybrid electric vehicle technology can be found at www.toyota.com.ph/hybrid.
