Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially launched the new and improved version of the Philippines’ best-selling hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model to date—the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Introduced in 2020 as TMP’s first hybrid electric crossover alongside its regular internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, the new 2024 Corolla Cross now comes in an all-HEV lineup.
In the launch held at SM Aura in Taguig City, TMP president Masando Hashimoto emphasized the role of Corolla Cross in Toyota’s drive to enable customers to pursue sustainable mobility options.
“The Corolla Cross, the first strong hybrid crossover in the Philippines, has been a key to accelerating electrification in the Philippines. TMP pioneered hybrid in 2009, but it’s upon the Corolla Cross launch in 2020 when we started achieving 3-digit annual sales figures of xEVs. Last year, TMP reached 7,203 Lexus and Toyota xEV sales.”
“As of end of February 2024, there are already more than 4,000 electrified Corolla Cross on the road, part of the more than 13,000-strong customers who chose electrified Toyota and Lexus models since we started the electrified movement,” he added.
At a starting price of P1,498,000 for the G HEV variant, the new Corolla Cross further expands TMP’s range of affordable and reliable electrified vehicles, signifying its strong commitment towards making the electrified lifestyle a mainstream choice for Filipinos.
Style and function
The V HEV and G HEV variants of the new Corolla Cross now sport a mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines, while the GR-S HEV variant retains the stylish front façade of the previous Corolla Cross GR-S HEV.
For the headlamps, the V HEV and GR-S HEV variants now have LED lamps with automatic high beam (AHB) and sequential turn signal, while the G HEV variant has upgraded from halogen to LED lamps.
Along with the GR-S HEV variant, the V HEV variant now also has a power back door with kick sensor. The top-of-the-line GR-S HEV variant comes with a panoramic view monitor camera and a panoramic moonroof for that added premium feel.
On the inside, all variants now have LED interior lamps. The foot brake has also now been replaced with an electronic parking brake (EPB).
The new Corolla Cross is also packed with convenience features, such as a 12.3-inch fully digital multi-information display (MID) for the GR-S HEV. The V HEV, meanwhile, has a 7-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) MID, while the G HEV has a 4.2-inch TFT MID.
All three variants have a 10-inch display audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charger for convenient smartphone charging on the go.
Power and safety
The GR-S and V variants are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes pre-collision system (PCS), automatic high beam (AHB), lane tracing assist (LTA), lane departure alert (LDA) and dynamic radar cruise control. All variants have active safety features such as emergency brake signal (EBS), anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and vehicle stability control (VSC).
The new Corolla Cross is powered by a hybrid 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC, chain drive with VVT-i engine with CVT transmission. This hybrid engine combines the power of a conventional engine with the fuel efficiency of an electric motor for an eco-friendlier drive, giving customers the power to start their journey toward a carbon-neutral future.
The new Corolla Cross is available in three variants—the GR-S HEV, which starts at P1,917,000; the V HEV, which starts at P1,763,000; and the G HEV, which starts at P1,498,000.
Available colors are: For the GR-S HEV—(2-tone) Emotional Red 2/Attitude Black Mica and (2-tone) Platinum White Pearl Mica/Attitude Black Mica; for the V HEV—Platinum White Pearl Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, and Metal Stream Metallic; for the G HEV—Platinum White Pearl Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, and Metal Stream Metallic.
Customers can check out the new Toyota Corolla Cross at SM Aura in Taguig City until Sunday, April 14, where it will also be available for test drive. The new Corolla Cross is also available for viewing and reservation at any Toyota dealership nationwide.
The Corolla legacy
Hashimoto added the improvement in the Corolla Cross is also part of the drive to continue nurturing the Corolla brand.
“The Corolla is the best-selling Toyota nameplate in the world. Since the introduction of the brand in 1966, roughly 50 million units have been sold in 150 countries—and that includes the Philippines. The Corolla story continues today, and with its role in carbon neutrality, we are working on having the Corolla enjoyed by generations to come,” he added.
Aside from the Corolla Cross, TMP also offers the Corolla Altis sedan, which in 2019, became TMP’s first mainstream nameplate to offer an HEV variant.
TMP’s other HEV offerings include the Camry, RAV4, Alphard, and Yaris Cross.