Aside from the ToyotaGR Yaris,it’s not too often that we anxiously anticipate the availability of a Toyota model to come to the U.S. market, until now. The 2021Toyota Corolla Cross was just unveiled and it’s made specifically for theThailand market, however, multiple sources think that it could be eventuallyheaded to the U.S. Why are we kind of excited about it? It’s mainly because theToyota Corolla Cross seems like the small crossover that should have alreadybeen released, in fact, it could be what the C-HRshould have been.
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has added the new Corolla Cross compact SUV to its Corolla series. The global premiere of the model was held in Thailand today, where sales have now commenced. The Corolla Cross will be launched in a growing number of other markets, going forward. 1 day ago Toyota says the Yaris Cross is intended to offer the 'high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban areas'. The styling was honed by Toyota's design studios in Europe. See good deals, great deals and more on Used Toyota SUV / Crossovers. Search from 45873 Used Toyota SUV / Crossovers for sale, including a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Sport Utility 4D, a 2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5, and a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser. The new Corolla Cross is an SUV that has a large C-segment footprint but targeted at mid-compact models such as Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Tucson, the new Kia Seltos and of course, the new SUV leader, the Proton X50. One of the key features of the Corolla Cross is the 440-litre luggage capacity, the largest in the segment.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is similar but different
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is a lot like the C-HR, butjust a little different. According to Jalopnik,the Corolla Cross is one inch wider, two inches taller, and three inches longerthan the C-HR, and it also rides on the same TNGA-C platform. In case youhaven’t guessed by now, it’s basically a raised-up and more capable version ofthe Corolla, however, it scratches the “crossover itch” that consumers seem tohave nowadays.
As stated before, Thailand will get the benefit of having this crossover added to its Toyota lineup and, what’s more, it’s going to be hybrid-powered. It will come in four different trim levels: Sport, Hybrid Smart, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium Safety. The base Sport trim level will be powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque, while the higher trim levels will be motivated by an electric motor that puts out 72 hp and 120 lb-ft and is paired to a four-cylinder engine that produces 98 hp and 105 lb-ft for a combined output of 121 hp. Interestingly enough, all trim levels will be front-wheel-drive.
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The Corolla Cross sure looks interesting
Powertrains aside, the Toyota Corolla Cross looks like an interesting proposition if it were to come here to the states. For starters, it doesn’t look like the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, nor the C-HR, but it does look like a smaller RAV4. We like the crossover’s bold wheel arches, elongated headlights, and large and aggressive front grille and the fact that it has a Macpherson suspension upfront, but not so much that it has a torsion-beam rear suspension.
On the inside, the Corolla Cross bears a strikingresemblance to the current Corolla as it uses the same steering wheel and touchscreeninfotainment system, along with similar seats. According to Autoblog,the higher trim levels will get premium amenities like power front seats, apower tailgate, driver-assist features, a nine-inch infotainment system, andApple Carplay.
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We can only hope that is making its way over here
Ultimately, the Toyota Corolla Cross sounds promising and we could definitely use it here for our market. Although, they would probably need to put in a more powerful engine as the current specifications sound way too much like the C-HR, and we all know how slow that car is. Either way, the hybrid powertrain and higher ride height of the car might just be what the American Toyota lineup needs and what many consumers will likely want.
The new Toyota Yaris Cross will be the brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. Here’s everything you need to know about it..
On sale Early 2021 | Price from £21,000 (est)
It's funny how fashions change. In 2012, Toyota discontinued its last small SUV, the Urban Cruiser, after three years of sluggish sales (although the fact its name made it sound like the kind of person who engages in dubious night-time activities probably didn't help its popularity). However, fast forward to today and cars of this sort are in huge demand, which is why the Japanese brand is preparing to launch a successor: the Toyota Yaris Cross.
As its name suggests, it's closely related to the fourth-generation Yaris hatchback, which went on sale this autumn. But just as you wouldn’t mistake the rival Nissan Juke for a Micra, despite the two models having plenty in common mechanically, the Yaris Cross gets its own distinct look.
Other small SUVs that it will have to beat include the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross, plus our 2020 Car of the Year, the Ford Puma.
Toyota Cross Suv Price In India
Toyota has become synonymous with hybrid power in recent years, and the Yaris Cross continues its march in that direction, with the only engine option a 1.5-litre petrol that works in conjunction with an electric motor to produce a combined 114bhp.
It’s the same setup that you get in the latest Yaris hatchback. And the good news is it impresses in that car, switching between petrol and electric power almost imperceptibly. Refinement is further enhanced by a new CVT automatic gearbox, which is much less inclined to send the engine revs soaring than other CVTs.
Despite their rugged looks, most small SUVs aren’t actually available with four-wheel drive, but the Yaris Cross is an exception, with that version still emitting less than 135g/km of CO2 in official WLTP tests. Front-wheel-drive versions, meanwhile, emit less than 120g/km.
2021 Toyota Yaris Cross interior
As with the exterior, the Yaris Cross gets its own interior design, although this isn't quite so distinct; the centre console is deeper than the Yaris hatchback's and it features more gloss black plastic, but details like the air vents and the metallic strip running across the upper dashboard are carried over.
The touchscreen infotainment system also appears to be the same, which would mean sluggish responses and dated graphics, although you do get handy shortcut buttons, and you can bypass Toyota's own software thanks to the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
We're yet to sit in the Yaris Cross, so can't comment on passenger space. However, the boot features useful touches such as a height-adjustable floor and straps for holding smaller items of luggage in place. You can also have a powered tailgate that opens automatically when you aim a kick beneath the rear bumper – useful when you've got your hands full of shopping. Solitaire tripeaks perks.
The Yaris Cross sits beneath the C-HR in Toyota's SUV range, and with that model costing from £26,250, a starting price in the low 20s seems likely. This would also keep the Yaris Cross competitive with the award-winning Puma, which costs from £22,0305
The Yaris Cross is one of 14 cars in contention for the 2021 What Car? Reader Award, which will go to the upcoming model that people are most excited about. You can cast your vote here.
Toyota Corolla Cross Suv
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