We are merely days away from the official launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV – Toyota’s much-anticipated C-Segment SUV is expected to have a far more attractive price tag than the Toyota CH-R, which the Corolla Cross replaces given the company’s plans to assemble the model locally.
The Corolla Cross is based on the Toyota TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the namesake sedan model (and C-HR), therefore given the platform’s prowess, there’s much to be excited about.
Rivals
Whispers through the grapevine suggest that the Corolla Cross will be priced comparatively to its sedan counterpart; the Toyota Corolla sedan currently retails between RM123,971 for the 1.8E variant and RM134,505 for the top-shelf 1.8G variant. This gives us a relative price range of anywhere between RM120k-RM135k for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. This puts it within the crosshairs of the top-spec Proton X70 and the entry-level variant of the stalwart Honda CR-V.
There’s a high possibility that the variant list should also mimic the sedan model at the outset of the model introduction, leaving space for the introduction of a top-of-the-range Corolla Cross Hybrid variant, understood to rank very highly on UMW Toyota Motors larger plans to introduce more hybrid variants to the Malaysian market.
Despite the Corolla Cross’ slightly ambiguous size, which sits in between B- and C-Segment SUVs, the price range suggests that the Corolla Cross will sit in between the likes of the Proton X70 and larger Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail models. However, comparisons to smaller SUVs such as the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 are inevitable given how competitively SUVs are priced and specced these days.
What about the drivetrain, equipment, and safety features…
To give a clear picture, we have listed down the main attributes of the Corolla Cross versus the likes of the Honda CR-V and Proton X70 below:
What Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) does the Corolla Cross have against its rivals?
The sad demise of the Toyota C-HR highlighted one important aspect of the car market in Malaysia – that price is everything. Despite creating massive buzz before its arrival, and the widespread acclaim of the media, the car was simply too expensive for its relative size and equipment offerings. At approximately RM150k, it was compared against the likes of the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail which offered far more space, practicality, performance, and equipment level for the same price due to their CKD price structures.
The plans for localised assembly will give the Corolla Cross a much better start out the gate, for one it will be priced more attractively, and offer equipment levels that are on par for the retail price package. The Corolla Cross’ more traditional SUV size, packaging, and design should make it more palatable to a larger SUV audience, and not just design and lifestyle centric buyers like the C-HR.
Another USP of the Corolla Cross would be its driving demeanour. This is credited to its Toyota TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the superb handling C-HR. Do note, however, the C-HR featured a double-wishbone suspension setup at the rear, while the Corolla Cross utilises and torsion beam setup (for cost and packaging requirements), nonetheless, the proven platform should deliver a smooth and capable handling SUV for its size.
Separately, the Corolla Cross will be equipped with a proven and refined powerplant. Though the X70’s 1.8 turbo powerplant delivers the most bang for your buck, it’s not the most economical of the pack, as we found out. The 1.8-litre naturally aspirated powertrain of the Corolla Cross should offer a good balance of power and efficiency.
When is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid coming?
Soon, March 25th to be exact so you don’t have to wait very long. In addition, given Toyota Capital’s robust financial packages we can also expect attractive ownership and leasing packages for the upcoming model.
For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my Auto News. Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at Carlist.my. Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at CarlistBid.my.
Get the latest new car promotions at New Car website now.
Keyword: Toyota Corolla Cross VS Proton X70 VS Honda CR-V – The RM120k-RM140k Question