Your search history has probably been full of this in recent weeks, and here's (finally!) the SUV in question: the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross has just been launched in Malaysia, with prices starting from RM 124,000.
| Toyota Corolla Cross Malaysia price | |
|---|---|
| Variant | Price |
| 1.8G |
RM 124,000 w/ 50% SST discount, until 31-Dec 2021 |
| 1.8V (deliveries after July) |
RM 129,266 w/ 50% SST discount, until 31-Dec 2021 RM 134,000 w/SST |
Update: UMWT has released prices of the 1.8V with 50% SST discount. The story has been updated accordingly.
The 1.8G variant will be immediately available, while deliveries for 1.8V will begin in July.
Exterior - Aggressive yet traditional
Well we're not exactly wrong aren't we? The Corolla Cross's single most recognisable feature has to be its gaping grille that sits between the headlights.
Speaking of headlights, the 1.8G makes do with halogen units, while the higher-specced 1.8V gets Bi-LED units.
Lights aren't the only things that seperate both variants - the wheels are different too, with the 1.8G getting 17-inch units, while 18-inch, dual-tone ones are found on the 1.8V.
Both variants look the same round the back. The only difference is the 1.8V variant gets LED tail lights with light curtains, while the 1.8G gets regular LED combination rear lamps.
Five colours are available at launch: Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Metalstream Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Graphite Metallic.
And if you're wondering if the Corolla Cross is really as big as it seems, here's how it measures against its closest rivals, the Honda HR-V and Subaru XV:
Interior - Subtlety is key
Our Corolla Cross eschews the dual-tone theme available on the Thai-spec car for a subtler, all-black approach.
Design-wise, it doesn't stray far from the regular Toyota Corolla Altis, featuring a large number of shared items. Things like the multi-function steering wheel, air-cond vents, window controls, and door handles are as you'd find in the sedan.
The steering wheel is tilt-and-telescopic adjustable, and behind it lies an analogue instrument cluster that features a 4.2-inch multi-info display (MID). This cluster is the same on both variants.
The other difference lies in lighting - the 1.8V gets additional cabin lighting.
Beyond that, features are similar: 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, all-round leather seats, rear air-cond vents, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, and a foot-operated parking brake.
Also read: Electric parking brake vs manual hand brake vs foot brake, which is better?
Both variants get a hands-free powered tailgate, complete with kick sensor. Boot space with all seats up is rated at 440 litres, marginally better than the HR-V's 437-litre trunk.
Powertrain - No hybrid variants yet
Irrespective of variant, the Corolla Cross shares the same powertrain with the regular Corolla:
| Toyota Corolla Cross powertrain |
|---|
|
2ZR-FE 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder petrol 139 PS / 172 Nm CVT with 7 virtual ratios Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Although a definitive timeline hasn't been shared thus far, hybrid variants of the Corolla Cross - available in other markets - could be offered at a later date.
Platform - TNGA chassis
Underpinning the Corolla Cross is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform - if it sounds familiar, it's because it underpins other models such as the Toyota Camry and the Corolla Altis too.
Instead of getting the complicated double-wishbone rear suspension setup, the Corolla Cross instead adopts a torsion beam. The reasons are simple - it's more cost-effective, and allows for more space at the back.
Also read: Toyota Corolla Altis'TNGA platform, what is it and does it make any difference?
Front suspension array remains the traditional McPherson strut. Braking is handled by discs on all four corners.
Also, the Corolla Cross has an impressively tight turning radius of just 5.2 meters - smaller than the HR-V's (5.8 meters) and XV's (5.4 meters).
Also read: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Honda HR-V – add RM 6k for a bigger car, should you?
Safety - Toyota Safety Sense available
Standard on the Corolla Cross are 7 airbags, ISOFIX mounts, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert (BSM, RCTA).
The higher-end 1.8V adds on Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS functions:
- Pre-collision system (PCS)
- Lane departure alert with steering assist (LDA)
- Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC)
- Lane tracing assist (LTA)
- Automatic high beam (AHB)
Also read: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross’ TSS 2.0 detailed; better choice than the HR-V?
Summary - CKD models to follow
As reported in an earlier story, the Corolla Cross is fully-imported (CBU) from Thailand, but locally-assembled (CKD) models are expected to come later this year.
Also read: UMW confirms CKD 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross to launch in Q2 2021, more hybrids to come
However, no significant differences of pricing and specifications are expected between the CKD and CBU models.
WapCar's Comments
The Corolla Cross is exactly what you would expect from a car that wears the Corolla name. It's not shouty, it stays in the safe middle and tries to please everyone. It's covers all the basics, backed by Toyota's stellar after-sales services and fuss-free ownership experience. It won't wow boy racers but regular folks will be queuing up for one.
Also read:
Quick Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross in Malaysia, the Toyota SUV you’ve been waiting for
2021 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Proton X70 – Still want that X70?
What the Corolla Altis lost to the Civic, the Toyota Corolla Cross will recover from the HR-V
The CKD 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross will do what the C-HR couldn’t
