Reports out of Thailand suggest that Toyota will be launching the refreshed Corolla Cross as soon as February, starting in the Kingdom.
Autolife Thailand says that the Corolla Cross will undergo mostly cosmetic changes this year, putting it in lockstep with what’s seen in other global markets such as Japan and Europe. The publication says the compact crossover will gain a revised head- and taillight design as well as a new pattern to its 18-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of tech, the Corolla Cross will gain technology already found in the current Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S HEV. For example, it will ditch its foot brake in favor of an electronic parking brake with auto hold. Moreover, the gauge cluster will be upsized to a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster, while the infotainment goes up to 10.5-inch in size. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless device charging are expected to become standard issue too.
Now, for those keeping score, Autolife Thailand says the ASEAN version of the Corolla Cross will not benefit from new powertrains. Instead, expect the region to continue using the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE for the hybrid. However, slight boost in output compared to the current 122 horsepower and even better fuel efficiency thanks to an improved high-voltage battery is expected. A non-hybrid will still be offered, and this one, at least for the Thai market, is powered by the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FBE. This engine makes similar outputs to the local 2ZR-FE: 140 horsepower and 177 Nm.
Safety-wise, the Toyota Safety Sense system will be improved, specifically for its adaptive cruise control. For 2024, it will be operable even from zero km/h equating to full-speed functionality.
Autolife Thailand hasn’t revealed their source for the impending Corolla Cross launch, but they have noted that assembly of the compact crossover has ceased at the end of last year to pave the way for the refreshed model’s launch.
With the Philippines sourcing its Corolla Cross units from Thailand, there is no doubt that everyone will be taking a closer look at what comes out this early February. For sure, this will be a preview of what is to come for the local market sometime later this 2024.
Will TMP use the opportunity to turn the Corolla Cross line-up hybrid-only when the refresh arrives? The Yaris Cross V already makes the severely underspeced Corolla Cross G irrelevant and making the range all hybrid would make the Corolla Cross more relevant in the Toyota line-up in the face of the Yaris Cross' success.
ReplyDeleteMore likely we'll see the 1.8 G get a bump up in specs.
DeleteAnd a bump in price for sure. More than 100k for sure.
DeleteLines up perfectly in their lineup. Justifies the pricing of the YC HEV and the jump into bigger Corolla Cross.
DeleteYaris Cross HEV - 1.59M
New Corolla Cross HEV - 1.8M
New Corolla Cross HEV GRS - 1.9M
^
DeleteAnd is that supposed to be a good thing?
Maybe tmpc will add a non hybrid V variant
ReplyDeleteNo M20 engine is a dissapointment
ReplyDeleteI would go for the Corolla Cross over the Yaris Cross
ReplyDeleteSame. The difference in refinement between the TNGA and the DNGA platform is really apparant. The Yaris Cross may tick all the boxes on paper, but it is a far worse drive than the Corolla Cross overall. The Yaris Cross honestly feels cheaply made and tinny compared to the Corolla Cross.
DeleteIf you get them cheap, expect them to feel cheap otherwise where will they cut cost or how will they increase their profitability? Current true Toyota lineup feels deprived of most 21st century features.
DeleteI wish the back passenger legroom can be bigger in the Corolla Cross update
ReplyDeleteWell, you can always have your vehicle customized to your liking if you don't like the stock offering.
DeleteTC : By any chance, do you know any shop doing custom seat retrofitting to increase leg space?
DeleteI think atoy custom can do it, they can even make your back sets captain sets if you like
DeleteWhy is Toyota PHI still even importing the Corolla Cross gasoline variant? With the tax break provided by the government for hybrid vehicles, they can actually supply the hybrid version to the market at a LOWER price than the gasoline version for the same trim level. Toyota PHI is denying consumers access to the technology with their profiteering strategies.
ReplyDelete