UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has posted the latest update on the Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 with the company announcing the official launch date- 14 January 2022. The launch is expected to be broadcast live over its Facebook page at 9 P.M.
Apart from updating its social media pages and website with a lone image, nothing new has been shared on this self-charging hybrid crossover SUV.
First teased in October and then headed straight to the estimated pricing of RM137,000, the introduction of the Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 not only coincides with the return of local assembly (CKD) of hybrid vehicles by UMWT in Malaysia but also the commencement of the Corolla Cross CKD model.
Compared to the 1.8V variant priced at RM129,000, the increase in feature level is scarce, with UMWT listing just the addition of the digital Optitron instrument cluster measuring seven inches, a similar item that is found in the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G.
Standard features found in the Corolla Cross 1.8V include 18-inch wheels, acoustic-glass front windshield, LED ‘curtain’ taillamps, interior ambient lighting, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, powered tailgate with handsfree foot sensor and 9-inch infotainment display.
Quick Review: Why the Toyota Corolla Cross IS the next big thing on our roads!
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 ADAS suite includes the Pre-collision System (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beam. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist features have been enhanced in the CKD variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V and Hybrid 1.8 to operate at all speed ranges, unlike the earlier version that only activates from 30 km/h.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 98 hp / 142 Nm naturally aspirated 1.8-litre paired to a sophisticated dual-motor-generator setup (72 hp / 163 Nm) with a power-split device (PSD) that functions as an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT).
The combined system output is 122 hp whilst returning a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km or 23.3 km/L (ECE R101). The powertrain first appeared in the fourth-generation Toyota Prius. Find out why the output is lower than the 1.8G and V variant’s 139 hp as well as the difference compared to Honda’s e:HEV system here.
The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction battery is now placed under the rear seats for maximum luggage space as well as improved handling. Coupled with the compact torsion beam rear axle, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 has a very spacious luggage area of at least 440 litres, which is class-leading.
UMWT is also offering an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty on the hybrid electrical components, which includes the battery, inverter and power management control unit. Customers can even extend it for an additional two years for an estimated RM2,950.
We will keep readers posted on new development as well as all the facts and figures after the official launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 in ten days.
