The first ever Toyota Corolla Cross, a C-segment Corolla-based SUV that’s supposed to a more mainstream, cheaper and more practical version of a Toyota C-HR, is set to make its global debut in Thailand next month.

Leaked photos suggests that the Corolla Cross will look like a scaled down Toyota RAV4 – not a bad start.

Based on what we know so far, the Toyota Corolla Cross will be based on the Toyota Corolla Altis’ TNGA-C platform, but with a more space efficient (and cheaper) torsion beam rear suspension. In theory, this should allow the Corolla Cross to offer a bigger boot and more room in the cabin than the Corolla Altis.

Based on preliminary information leaked to Thai forums, the Thailand market Toyota Corolla Cross’ powertrain will mirror that of the Thailand market Toyota C-HR – a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.8-litre hybrid shared with the Prius. Both are paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission (E-CVT for the hybrid).

The base-model will come with a 9-inch touch screen infotainment that supports Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and 17-inch wheels.

The range topping Hybrid variant will add the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense advance driving assistance features.

The Toyota Corolla Cross will certainly make its way to Malaysia. Maybe not immediately, but it's quite obvious that UMW Toyota Motor desperately needs a product to address competition from the Honda HR-V and the upcoming Proton X50.

The only questions left to be answered is:

1. Will it be imported from Thailand like the Toyota C-HR (boo for the price) or locally-assembled at the company’s new plant in Bukit Raja (yay for cheaper prices)?

2. Will it be offered as a hybrid? Recall that back in February this year, UMW Toyota Motor said that it is looking into locally assembling a hybrid model in Malaysia but without the necessary tax incentives, it will be difficult to produce a high-cost hybrid model here.