Updated JP-spec Toyota Corolla Cross could arrive in Oct 2023 - 2.0L Dynamic Force engine & new digital panel
CY Foong · Jul 27, 2023 11:45 AM
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Since its global debut in 2020, the Toyota Corolla Cross has been a runaway success, further prolonging the nameplate of the world’s best-selling car. In Japan, the crossover was introduced in September 2021 with a different design from most global markets but according to rumours, a mild update is planned to be announced in October 2023.
In a scoop by Creative 311, Toyota dealers in Japan are expected to be given price adjustments for the updated Corolla Cross sometime in late August with full details scheduled for release around the middle of October.
As for what those changes might be, it won’t be just any simple model update as the Japanese automotive blog expect new powertrains to be introduced for the Corolla Cross. The hybrid system could retain the same 1.8-litre engine displacement but the update might be given an improved 5th-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS) to replace the current 4th-generation THS.
Power figures between the two systems could remain the same (combined 122 PS) though the latest 5th-gen THS would provide better fuel efficiency.
2.0-litre powerplant shown
The petrol-powered variants however, could see the most significant upgrade with the naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre 2ZR-FAE unit (140 PS/170 Nm) replaced by a larger 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine (169 PS/201 Nm). Globally, the Corolla Cross is offered with the larger unit, particularly in Australia.
Besides updated powerplants, another upgrade rumoured is a fully-digital 12.3-inch driver instrument panel which could only be offered on the top-of-the-line variants. Lower variants could retain a combination 7-inch digital and analogue cluster.
Finally, the upgraded Japanese-spec Corolla Cross is also speculated to receive an improved version of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite. Some additional features include:
Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
Driver error response system
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
Those are some of the updates rumoured to be given to the refreshed Corolla Cross in Japan. There appear to be no visual updates but seeing how the crossover Corolla has made such an impact, perhaps a few quality-of-life changes should make it a feasible buy for most buyers looking for an unfussy SUV.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
