KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) starts off 2022 with the launch of the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Introduced almost a year after the standard petrol variants, the crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV) features, as the name implies, a Hybrid engine setup that combines an 1.8L petrol engine (4-cylinder, In-line, 16-Valve DOHC with VVT-i) with two electric motors.
"The launch marks a new milestone for UMW Toyota Motor as our very first locally-assembled hybrid vehicle with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. We believe that its launch will also pave the way for the energy efficient vehicle (EEV) manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Mobile sustainability is the way forward with the global shift towards clean and renewable fuels, in addition to innovative smart vehicles.
"We have received numerous orders since it was made available for bookings in October last year. This shows that Malaysians are in support of green technology and environmental sustainability and we are positive that we can position EEVs as a mainstream in mobility in the near future," said UMWT Motor president Ravindran K.
During the Leader's Summit on Climate in April 2021, Toyota identified the Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) platform as the next step towards a sustainable future in its address to severe environmental issues (which later included the recent devastating local floods) and carbon neutrality.
Deputy Chairman Akio Takeyama said, "Toyota is continuously expanding the boundaries of technology and transforming the mobility ecosystem with exciting new age innovations as a leader in mobility to move people and enhance lifestyles. UMW Toyota Motor is a pioneer in HEV technology which dates back to 2009 with the Prius, and continued with the Prius c and Camry Hybrid."
Takeyama explained that HEV is currently the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in the country.
The Hybrid Electric System's performance on the move is automatically delivered by the preferrable combination between the electric motor and petrol engine in response to driving conditions. The system also automatically shuts down the petrol engine to avoid wasting fuel when idling. This all works in tandem to produce significantly better fuel efficiency.
HEV battery that powers the electric motor is automatically recharged when the driver brakes (regenerative braking), when the driver lifts off the acceleration pedal, or when the petrol engine is on and running. The system does not require drivers to plug-in to recharge the batteries which eliminates all concerns relating to limited driving range or the need to look for charging infrastructure.
The 4th generation Toyota Hybrid Electric System battery has also been designed to last throughout the vehicle's life and developed to satisfy five critical parameters for complete peace of mind - safety, long life service, high level of quality, affordable high quality products, and high level performance.
"The new Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric is equipped with the 4th Generation Toyota Hybrid System for greater fuel efficiency, higher battery durability, greater handling and stability. It delivers lower emissions, faster accelerations and advanced hybrid technology that will keep you ahead for years to come," said Takeyama.
It has an Asean NCAP maximum 5-star safety rating with a complete suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety features which include: a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). These core technologies use a radar and camera which are complemented by other safety technologies such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS), seven SRS airbags, and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) at the front (optional for rear).
Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle's position using GSM/GPS signals. The owner can also monitor the ignition status and vehicle speed if the vehicle is stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre will locate it and inform relevant authorities to recover it. All Corolla Cross variants comes with a 3-year free subscription of the VTS.
Cabin sees leather seats and driver power seat, rear air vents, and a nine-inch touchscreen and AACP (Android Auto Apple CarPlay) ready connectivity. Luggage capacity comes at 440L.
It is available in five colours: Celestite Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic.
With a starting price of RM136,550 (without insurance) it comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty, and a separate 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty covering the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit.
In a local industry first, customers can also extend their warranty for a further two years to make it a total of 10 years.