The Toyota Corolla Cross has finally arrived in Pakistan. As per the original announcement, its launch had been scheduled for December 2020 but was delayed to April 2021 for unknown reasons.
The Corolla Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV that made its global debut in July 2020, and goes head-to-head with other compact crossover SUVs like the Honda Vezel/BR-V, the Nissan Juke, and the Toyota C-HR.
It has been reported that it will be offered here in three variants, the names of which are yet to be revealed. Here is what is known about them:
Reportedly, all the variants will feature a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder hybrid petrol engine that combines with the performance of an electric motor to make 168 hp at 3600 RPM and 305 Nm of torque at 3600 RPM. All the power is sent to only the front wheels via an e-CVT automatic transmission.
The vehicle consists of McPherson strut suspension in the front, and torsion bar coil-spring suspension at the back. For the brakes setup, the front of the vehicle has ventilated discs with solid discs at the back, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) Technology.
The Corolla Cross is a B-segment SUV that uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shares with the Toyota C-HR. The following are its measurements:
| Particulars | Measurements |
| Length | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm |
| Wheel Base | 2,640 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,385 kg |
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Reports suggest that Indus Motor Company (IMC) will introduce three variants of the Corolla Cross to Pakistan. The top and mid-tier variants will feature seven airbags for the driver, passenger, sides, drive knee, and curtains, and the base variant only has dual airbags. Furthermore, only the top and mid-tier variants will have cruise control and a rain-sensing wiper, and only the top-tier variant has a standard sunroof.
However, all the variants will have ABS, Hill Start Assist, parking sensors, and passenger seat sensors, a shark fin antenna, a rear wiper with auto sensors, push start, smart entry, and multiple drive modes as the standard.
On the inside, the top and mid-tier variant will have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather seats, Dual-Zone Climate Control, and rear AC vents. Inside the low-end variant are fabric seats, a basic audio system with CD/BT, and Single-Zone Auto climate control, but no AC vents for the rear seats.
Additionally, the top variant has a power + kick sensor trunk door, and the base and mid-tier variant only have an electronically locking boot.
Given that the Toyota Corolla Cross is a CBU imported from Thailand, it comes with a hefty price tag. The following are the prices of all its variants:
| Variant | Price (PKR) |
| Base | 7,689,000 |
| Mid-tier | 8,199,000 |
| Top-tier | 8,399,000 |
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As per the report, bookings for the Corolla Cross will open on 10 April, and deliveries will begin from 1 July onward. The booking amount of the base and mid-tier variants is likely to be from low to high in the Rs. 3 million range, and the top-tier variant may be in the low Rs. 4 million range.
Despite being a hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross is arguably too expensive to be a subcompact SUV. Had it been a relatively low-priced CKD one, it would have benefited massively from the Pakistani market due to brand loyalty alone.
The vehicle may be high in demand after its launch, but with its price point, and with so many cheaper alternatives available, this seems unlikely.
Via Pakwheels
