This newly-updated Corolla Cross arrives in purely-petrol 1.8 V, Hybrid Electric and HEV GR Sport guises.
Following on from its international debut over at our neighbours to the north a couple months back, the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross has since finally been launched locally. And perhaps the biggest news with this recently updated mid-sized crossover is that there is now only 1 purely-petrol variant on offer (1.8 V), alongside two self-charging hybrid forms (Hybrid Electric and the newly-electrified HEV GR Sport).
The facelifted purely-petrol 1.8 V is currently priced at RM 133,800, while the electrified Hybrid Electric and HEV GR Sport trims in turn wear price tags of RM 140,800 and RM 148,800 respectively. All three updated Corolla Cross variants are to be locally-assembled right here in Bukit Raja, and come with a warranty of 5 years with no limit on mileage.
Those who opt for the hybrid variants will further net a separate warranty for it of up to 8 years, also with unlimited mileage. Customers can also opt to extend the battery pack and related components warranty for another 2 years, making for a total of 10 years.
Now in touching upon the changes made on these facelifted Corolla Crosses and starting on the outside with the more sensible trims first, both the 1.8 V and Hybrid Electric variants net a more extensive frontal revision headlined by a new frameless honeycomb grille that one could say makes it look (almost vaguely) like a Lexus. This is to then be complemented by a new trim slip bridging its slightly redesigned LED headlights above said grille, along with a new more muscular front bumper featuring prominent air intakes to its sides right below it.
As for the exterior changes on the sportier HEV GR Sport on the other hand, it could really be said that this variant is essentially just the outgoing GR Sport with a new hybrid heart. Such is as from the outside at least, its prominent black front grille and various other sporty exterior trimmings are all to be virtually identical to what has been on its pre-facelift purely-petrol predecessor that arrived over here in early 2023.
Having said that, this HEV GR Sport does nevertheless net a few changes within from this recent facelift. All trims of the newly-updated Corolla Cross have since ditched the old-style foot-operated parking brake for an electronic unit with Auto Brake Hold functionality, with all to also have gained a newly-enlarged 10.1-inch touchscreen central infotainment that support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All variants of this newly-facelifted Corolla Cross now feature an updated vehicle telematics system with remote engine start as well, to complement the usual suite of active and passive safety aids from the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS package. The HEV GR Sport meanwhile further continues to set itself apart from its sensible sibling retaining a stiffer suspension setup and performance bracing from before, along with a GR Sport interior package interior that has black leather seats with embossed logos and red stitching.
The 1.8 V and Hybrid Electric on the other hand feature a new black leather interior with silver stitching, complementing the dark brown accents present on the armrest and seat ornamentation. The purely-petrol Corolla Cross nets a rudimentary 4.2-inch colour MID in its instrument cluster, while the electrified trims feature a fancier 12.3-inch fully digital screen with real-time hybrid information.
In terms of what lies under the hood, motive power for the facelifted Corolla Cross is to be exactly the same as what is on the outgoing iteration. This therefore means that the purely-petrol variant will feature a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot that makes 140 hp and 177 Nm of torque, while the hybrid variants a self-charging hybrid system that pairs an Atkinson-cycle naturally-aspirated four-pot of a similar cubic capacity to an electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery for a combined modest 122 PS to its front wheels.
The facelifted Corolla Cross will be available in five exterior hues over here: Celestite Grey Metallic (Hybrid Electric only), Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and a new Dark Turquoise. The HEV GR Sport comes as standard two-tone paint scheme featuring a black roof, but only in the latter three colour choices.
