Banking on the global heritage of one of its most popular sedan models, Toyota Motor Philippines launched today the modern and environment-friendly redo of the Corolla—a sleek and stylish crossover SUV shown online to the Philippine media and then to the public.
The all-new Corolla Cross 1.8V HV Hybrid is the first-ever hybrid crossover of Toyota in the Philippines, and will be available at all 70 Toyota dealerships nationwide starting Aug. 26 for P1.650 million. The conventional gasoline-powered 1.8 G CVT variant goes for P1.285 million. Add P15,000 for the Platinum White Pearl Mica color option.
The interplay between Corolla Cross HV’s electric and gasoline engines is managed by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and its intelligent energy-management system. Manufactured in Thailand, both Corolla Cross variants are fitted with seven airbags.
“Today, we are making history by introducing TMP’s first-ever hybrid crossover. Guided by our philosophy of making ever-better cars, Toyota took the best of a trusted model—the Corolla—and turned it into a sleek and modern crossover. And with its hybrid variant, The Corolla Cross takes us closer to our vision of sustainable mobility and a greener earth for future generations, while delivering our signature quality, durability, and reliability,” declared Atsuhiro Okamoto, TMP president, in the online presentation.
TMP vice president for marketing Elijah Marcial stressed, “Hybrid technology is the most suitable to the Philippines right now because of the infrastructure”. She added that Toyota offering more hybrid models (along with the Prius and Altis Hybrid sedans) means that there would be more options for a larger target market.
In an earlier statement, TMP said that it positions the adoption of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as the ideal transition to vehicle electrification in the country. By popularizing hybrid technology and making it more accessible, TMP takes another step forward in line with Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. With its competitive price point, established Corolla legacy, and strong and sophisticated design, the Corolla Cross is seen as the “perfect road companion for customers who are looking for a stylish, functional, and efficient crossover”.
The Corolla Cross features bold exterior lines, with the imposing double trapezoid front grille that gives the vehicle a wide and stable stance. Exclusive to the hybrid variant are LED Light Curtain Daytime Running Lights and a subtle blue accent to the bi-beam LED headlamps that complements the blue Toyota logo. The vehicle’s overall look emphasizes the spacious utility ready for a dynamic lifestyle, whether it be the weekday job or the weekend getaway.
The hybrid variant also has a retractable tonneau cover for the rear trunk space for privacy, and the spacious trunk’s loading height facilitates ease of access. Accessibility and control are the main themes all around, with the Smart Entry and Push Start System, power adjust with auto fold for the side mirrors, power windows, and speed-sensing door locks, and for the 1.8 V hybrid variant, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 8-way power adjust driver’s seat. Convenient steering wheel switches enable the driver to adjust Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features and 7” multi-information display for the 1.8 V hybrid, and audio, and phone connectivity features for all variants. Apple Carplay and Android Auto is compatible with the 1.8 V Hybrid’s display audio.
To answer the question why Toyota named its crossover hybrid after a sedan brand, Nico Bravante, TMP vice president for product planning responded, “I would say that Corolla is basically the highest-selling model for Toyota globally. It has developed this heritage through the years. It came in sedan, coupe and even the wagon, and now is the time of the crossover. Hence, the Corolla Cross.”
He added, “The Cross hybrid has the same power train and transaxle combination as the Altis hybrid for the sedan, so both share the same hybrid power train.”
For more information, log on to https://toyota.com.ph/corollacross. Visit TMP’s official website at www.toyota.com.ph. Its official social media pages are ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter), and Toyota PH (Viber and Telegram). More information about hybrid electric vehicle technology can be found at www.toyota.com.ph/hybrid.
