Locally Assembled Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Launched

With the launch of the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, UMW Toyota Motor is looking to help drive Malaysia towards the global initiative of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050. This SUV is also the first hybrid to be locally assembled by UMWT.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid uses the combination of an efficient 1.8L petrol engine with 2 electric motors. The synergy of the 2 energy sources provides drivers with efficiency, drivability, performance and a long range between refueling. The 4-cylinder 2ZR-FXE engine with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) is tuned for RON95 petrol and provide increased efficiency. It produces 98 PS @ 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque @ 3,600 rpm. Meanwhile, the primary electric motor provides 53 kW (equal to 72 PS) and 163 Nm (available from almost idling speed). The power delivery is done via an E-CVT specially engineered for HEVs. It is small and light and its virtual ratios have been optimised for fuel efficiency and driving performance. The internal gears have also been designed to minimise noise. To improve fuel efficiency and keep emissions low when starting off and accelerating, the hybrid system uses the electric motor for efficient and powerful initial acceleration. While on the move, performance is automatically delivered by the best combination between the electric motor and petrol engine in response to driving conditions. The system will also automatically shut down the petrol engine to avoid wasting fuel when idling. The overall result is significantly better fuel efficiency compared to conventional petrol engine vehicles in the same class. The HEV battery powers the electric motor and is automatically recharged when the driver brakes (regenerative braking), when the driver lifts off the acceleration pedal, or when the petrol engine is on and running. The system also does not require drivers to plug in to recharge the battery and thus eliminates all concerns relating to limited driving range or the need to look for charging infrastructure. The HEV battery also powers the automatic dual-zone air-conditioning system so the air-cond can stay on when the engine is switched off. The 4th generation Toyota Hybrid Electric System battery has also been designed to last throughout the vehicle’s life. It is developed to satisfy 5 critical parameters for complete peace of mind i.e. safety, long life service, high level of quality, affordable high quality product, and high level performance. The key to achieving better battery durability and performance comes from understanding how a vehicle is used and the state of the battery under such conditions.

To that end, Toyota has significantly improved battery technology over the years. The TNGA Platform is an internal structure specially developed by Toyota that offers greater stability, agility and a higher eye-point for better visibility. TNGA also allows more engineering flexibility, and with a lower centre of gravity to help improve stability as well as a highly rigid body to enhance agility and ride comfort. The chassis and suspension are designed to provide a fine-tuned balance of dynamic handling and stability with excellent ride comfort. Besides the high-strength TNGA platform, the structure of all Toyota Corolla Cross variants are engineered to reduce impact forces from all sides during an accident, reducing or preventing injuries to the occupants. In crash testing and technical evaluation by ASEAN NCAP, the Corolla Cross, as with many other Toyota models, received a maximum 5-star safety rating.

The exterior is similar to the non-hybrid variant except for the blue accent associated with Toyota’s hybrid vehicles. LEDs are used on both ends of the SUV – Bi-LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights that employ a Light Curtain design, and the rear lighting units. It also runs on 18″ alloy wheels like the Corolla Cross 1.8V. Furthermore, a roof rail is as standard to give off that sporty vibe.

In the cabin, the blue accent continues in the instrument panel, that features an exclusive colour 7″ Multi Information Display (MID) with 2 styles i.e. detailed and simple. The instrumentation also shows the hybrid powertrain performance and functions, with a “READY” indicator to let the driver know that the vehicle is switched on, due to its silent operation. To help the driver achieve the best fuel economy, an ECO display in the instrument panel provides guidance on accelerating optimally. At the end of each journey, you can refer to the ECO Score to see how eco-friendly your driving style has been.

The 9″ infotainment display on the dashboard remains the same, and includes a 3D Panoramic View Monitor to aid with parking and manoeuvring tight spaces. The system is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready. Other connectivity options include USB mirroring, AUX and Bluetooth. There is also an optional wireless charging pad which can be installed in the recess below the centre display panel.

For the driver, the seat has 8-way power adjustment, and there is a leather-wrapped steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake. The extra height of the vehicle is not only used for ground clearance but also interior space, providing significantly better headroom than competing models in its clas. Additionally, interior illumination is provided near storage spaces for more convenience.

Cabin quietness is enhanced by the use of an insulator sheet under the bonnet to isolate noise from the engine bay. The windscreen glass is also an acoustic type, reducing transmission of wind and other external noises to the interior. The Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes with a powered liftgate that uses a proximity sensor under the rear bumper for hands-free operation. The cargo area has an opening that is 1,110 mm wide and has a volume of 440 litres with the rear backrests upright. With both backrests down, it is possible to carry 2 road bicycles (with front wheels removed). Cargo volume is not compromised as the battery pack sits under the rear seats.

Safety features included with the Corolla Cross Hybrid include 7, SRS airbags, a Tyre Pressure Warning System, Digital Video Recorder in front (rear is optional), Blind Spot Monitor & Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Drive-Start Control, and the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite. The TSS consists of a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle’s position using GSM/GPS signals. If the vehicle is stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre can locate it and inform the relevant authorities for recovery. You can also monitor the ignition status and vehicle speed if it is stolen. The VTS is available with a 3-year free subscription for all new Corolla Cross purchased.

“The launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric marks a new milestone for UMW Toyota Motor as our very first locally-assembled hybrid vehicle with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. We believe that its launch will also pave the way for the energy efficient vehicle (EEV) manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Mobile sustainability is the way forward with the global shift towards clean and renewable fuels, in addition to innovative smart vehicles. Since the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric was made available for bookings in October last year, we have received numerous orders. This shows that Malaysians are in support of green technology and environmental sustainability and we are positive that we can position EEVs as a mainstream in mobility in the near future,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.

Toyota’s push towards carbon-neutrality by 2035 demonstrates serious commitment from a global automaker who is getting a jump start on the global industry’s deadline of 2050. To achieve this target, Toyota believes that it must adopt a more holistic approach towards navigating the challenges to achieve carbon neutrality. Deputy Chairman, Mr. Akio Takeyama added “As a leader in mobility, Toyota is continuously expanding the boundaries of technology and transforming the mobility ecosystem with exciting new age innovations to move people and enhance lifestyles. UMW Toyota Motor is a pioneer in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology which dates back to 2009 with the Prius, and continued with the Prius c and Camry Hybrid. Today, we will Reinvent Your Tomorrow with the All-New Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric equipped with the 4th Generation Toyota Hybrid System for greater fuel efficiency, higher battery durability, greater handling and stability. The All-New Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric gives you lower emissions, faster accelerations and advanced hybrid technology that will keep you ahead for years to come.” Carbon neutrality for automakers involves ensuring zero emissions. This can be achieved throughout the lifecycle of manufacturing, transporting, energy generating, fueling and/or charging, and the recycling and disposal of vehicles, while offering consumers sustainable solutions to meet their diverse needs. HEV is currently the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in the country.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is priced from RM136,550 (without insurance). It is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage factory warranty on the vehicle, and a separate 8-year unlimited mileage warranty on the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit. You can also extend the hybrid system warranty for a further 2 years to make it a total of 10 years. This is the first such warranty available locally, and is supported by over 92 authorised service outlets throughout Malaysia.

Exterior colour choices for the Corolla Cross Hybrid are Celestite Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic.

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