Like it or not, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are here to stay - which means that the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is bound to be launched in Malaysia next year. 

So, before that happens, let's answer some burning questions and cross off (pun very much intended) any doubts you may have!

First things first, how sure are you this is coming?

A few months ago, the Corolla Cross made its world debut in Thailand and was subsequently launched in Indonesia and Vietnam. Somewhere along the line, it was spotted in Putrajaya (with UMW Toyota number plate holders no less), which is why we're quite sure its coming.

Now that we've cleared that up, let's take a look at the car itself.

What is the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Corolla Cross is a five-seater SUV that suits growing families. It's got two rows of seats (the rear ones fold) and even a hybrid powertrain.

Many have likened it to the Toyota RAV4 due to similar design cues both cars share: gaping grille, black plastic cladding and black bands at the foot of each A-pillar.

What platform is the Corolla Cross based on?

The Corolla Cross rides on Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which also underpins cars like the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Toyota Camry. 

The Corolla Cross has MacPherson struts in front and torsion beam rear suspension (unlike the C-HR's pricey and complicated double-wishbone setup). Regardless, the TNGA platform promises better visibility and handling. For a deeper dive into what's TNGA, read this article.

What powertrain does the Corolla Cross have?

Depending on variant, the Corolla Cross gets two different powertrains. Both of which are 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engines but one of them is a hybrid. 

Since UMW Toyota Malaysia have previously said that they plan to introduce more hybrid models here, the Corolla Cross Hybrid's apperance here is quite possible.

Gearbox-wise, the non-hybrid engines are paired to a CVT with 7 virtual ratios, while the hybrid engines are mated to an e-CVT. All models are front-wheel drive.

Claimed fuel efficiency figures for the Corolla Cross is as below:

• Hybrid: 4.3-litre/100 km
• Non-hybrid: 6.5-litre/100 km

What features does the Corolla Cross have?

We checked the Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese websites and found that every variant of the Corolla Cross gets leather interior upholstery - which means it's safe to expect here as well. This two-tone shade however is reserved for the higher-end variants. 

The SUV also comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, hooked up to 6 speakers.

Cars on the lower rung get a 4.2-inch (something like the one seen in the Toyota Hilux) multi-info display. More expensive variants of the Corolla Cross get a 7-inch display, as pictured above.

Is the Corolla Cross practical?

It's got five seats (fronts are power-adjustable), dual-zone air-conditioning and rear air-conditioning vents with USB ports. For what it's worth, it's enough for everyday family duties.

Plenty of space to lug your stuff around as well: Toyota claims the Corolla Cross boasts a boot space of 487 litres (with the rear seats up including tire repair kit; 440 litres with spare tire), which can be further expanded by folding the 60:40 split-fold seats down. This is also due to the torsion beam suspension - a cost effective solution that also increases cabin space.

For comparison, the Honda HR-V has 437 litres of boot space with the rear seats up.

Is it a safe car?

Yes, it pretty much has class-leading safety features inside. There's 7 airbags across all variants and since Corolla Altis already comes with full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), the Corolla Cross is expected to match with these TSS features:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane departure warning with steering assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Auto high beam
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA)
• 360-degree camera

Other safety features include:

• ISOFIX tethers
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (ABS, EBD)
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)
• Hill-start assist (HSA)
• Emergency stop signal (ESS)

Lots of safety kit ensures the Corolla Cross gets 5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP.

What are its competitors?

The Corolla Cross competes in the same market as the Honda HR-V and Subaru XV as they're all very similarly-sized.

How good is it selling against its competitors?

Very well indeed - in Thailand, Toyota sold 1,258 units of the Corolla Cross back in July, outselling the MG ZS (825 units), Honda HR-V (532 units), and Mazda CX-30 (463 units).

How much is the Corolla Cross?

Local assembly (CKD) should allow the Corolla Cross to be priced cheaper than the RM 150k Toyota C-HR which is imported from Thailand. We expect pricing to be closer to the Subaru XV.

When will it be launched here?

Locally-assembled models typically take one year from its regional/global debut to prepare for local production. Since the Corolla Cross was launched in Thailand in July 2020, expect the Malaysian launch to follow in the second half of 2021.

Anything else I should know?

For now, this is your definitive guide to the Toyota Corolla Cross. For more information, stick around on Wapcar.my - and be sure to share your thoughts with thousands of other readers in one of our many WhatsApp groups and our official Wapcar Forum.