• Gets new Li-ion battery pack
• Larger 2.0L Dynamic Force engine
• Latest generation Toyota Safety Sense ADAS system with Over The Air (OTA) updates.
• Toyota’s first 12.3-inch driver’s digital meter cluster
• New front centre airbag

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has broke cover for the European market – brandishing Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid power unit (the Malaysian version uses the fourth-gen hybrid powertrain) as well new Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS features.

Though it’s billed as an all-new model in Europe, the Corolla Cross is similar to the version sold in Malaysia, save for subtle aesthetic updates and the major revisions underneath.

The most noticeable styling change are the newly designed headlamps which features a row of LED positions in the upper regions of the lamp cluster, with the DRLs moved towards the centre instead of at the top.

The rear-combination light graphics have also been tweaked. All else mostly remains the same.

Also read: More features for less - Toyota Corolla Cross CKD, hybrid specs confirmed

The 2022 Corolla Cross Hybrid is the first Toyota model globally to benefit from the new fifth-generation hybrid system which boasts a self-charging, full hybrid powertrain with FWD (front-) or optional AWD-i (intelligent-all-wheel drive).

The battery has crucially been upgraded to a (180 cell) Lithium-Ion battery delivers a battery capacity of 4.08-Ah.

The lithium-ion curiously offers a less capacity than the our regions's 6.5-Ah nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery but Toyota claims the new battery pack system is more powerful and 40 percent lighter than before.

Both motor and engine output have improved, resulting in a total system output increase of more than 8 percent.

Also read: While Malaysia waits, 90% of Japanese Toyota Corolla Cross buyers bought Hybrid variants

The new Corolla Cross is equipped 2.0-litre Dynamic Force which features Toyota's VVT-ie and VVT-i variable cam timing technology on the intake and exhaust valves respectively. 

Engine outputs are slightly different between the 2WD and AWD variant.

The 2WD variants mill outputs 171 PS and 202 Nm of torque, paired with a 113 PS / 206 Nm electric motor that generates a total system output of 197 PS and 206 Nm.

Note that total system output isn’t a numerical addition of both the engine and electric motor outputs since they operate at different RPM ranges.

The AWD variant receives a less powerful 150 PS / 190 Nm four-cylinder paired with the same front axle motor, but additionally receives a 41 PS / 84 Nm electric motor on the rear axle to aid acceleration and traction in slippery conditions.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Cross launched in Japan – Hybrid doubles as a powerbank, adds panoramic sunroof

In both cases, power is sent to an eCVT transmission. Toyota claims both the 2WD and AWD variant share a similar 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.1 seconds.

Additionally, Toyota says further calibration of throttle pedal input, the drivability and power response of the fifth-generation powertrain is much improved over its predecessor.

On the inside, the European Corolla Cross gets a “European-specific” dashboard layout that features both an all-new 12.3-inch driver’s digital cockpit and a 10.5-inch central multimedia display.

The 12.3-inch digital cockpit features all-new hardware and software, whereas the 10.5-inch touchscreen Multimedia infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, and a Toyota Smart Connect package.

The system brings additional “MyT App” features such as driving analytics, car location, and even remote-controlled climate schedule and door locking.

Rouding off the list of changes, the 2022 Corolla Cross is equipped with T-Mate, which combines the latest generation TSS package package with other active driving and parking assistance systems. 

For the first time, the Pre-Collision System offers Acceleration Suppression (similar to Pedal Misoperation Control) and Intersection Cut-In Traffic Assist, as well as improved Oncoming Traffic detection and Intersection Turn Assist.

Other new Toyota Safety Sense functions include an Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), and Over The Air (OTA) updates. In addition, improvements have been made to the Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control (FSR ACC), and both the Lane Trace Assist (LTA) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.

T-Mate ecompasses Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Safety Exit Assist (SEA), an Auto High Beam System (AHB), parking assistance with Toyota Teammate Advanced Park, a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking (RCTAB) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS).

Adding to higher levels of passive safety, 2022 Corolla Cross, which is based on the TNGA-C platform, also gets a new front centre airbag is designed to prevent front seat occupants from making contact with each other in the event of a side-on collision.

The 2022 Corolla Cross is expected to go on sale in Europe around September 2022 with other markets following suit in due course.

Also read: UMW Toyota to launch 2 EVs starting 2022 – Lexus UX 300e and Toyota bZ4X?