Toyota unveiled its latest crossover in Thailand early July, the Corolla Cross, a vehicle that truly crossed the lines between a hatchback and an SUV.
Obviously, the Cross is meant to sit in between the Corolla hatchback and the RAV4. It rides on the TNGA-C platform, and has the same 103.9-inch wheelbase as the CH-R while being three inches longer, two inches taller, and one inch wider.
In Thailand, the vehicle will have four trims and two engines. At the bottom of the heap will be a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which should be good for 140 horsepower and 129 lb.-ft. of torque, connected to a CVT transmission.
The other three trims are Hybrid Smart, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium safety; all feature the same 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and an electric motor. The gasoline engine produces 98 horsepower and 105 lb.-ft. of torque, and the electric motor produces 72 horsepower and 120 lb.-ft. of torque, for a combined system output of 180 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque, sent through an e-CVT.
Base model Corolla Crosses get 17-inch wheels with hubcaps, while all hybrid models will receive 18-inch alloy wheels. Hybrid Smart trim models get LED lights, Premiums get front power seats and power tailgate, and Premium Safety cars get Toyota Safety Sense, automatic high-beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and pre-collision warning.
Although Toyota never makes it clear in its Thai press release, we assume the vehicle will be available in both front- and all-wheel-drive. As for the suspension, the Corolla Cross features standard hatchback-like components such as a MacPherson strut front suspension; and a torsion beam rear.
It’s not been confirmed, but rumours are the Corolla Cross is headed to North American shores sooner than later. When we find out if it is, we’ll let you know.