The new Toyota Corolla Cross gets a very different look for ASEAN

08/02/2024

Those in the market for a small crossover this year have something to look forward to in the Toyota camp. That’s because the updated Corolla Cross has just made its regional debut in Thailand.

Okay, it might not be the most exciting launch in the world right now, but the Toyota Corolla Cross is something that a good number of young professionals and families would like as a daily runabout. With that, the 2024 model brings with it a host of exterior design tweaks, along with revised interior features and ergonomics.

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ASEAN-spec Toyota Corolla Cross V

PHOTO BY Toyota

Immediately noticeable is the totally different front fascia. Some were expecting it to have a similar look to the Japanese or Australian version. Instead, the Southeast Asian market gets a unique design. The 2024 model loses the front grille, replaced by a slim light bar and rounder nose. So, how will the engine breathe, you ask? Well, that’s the job of the several small ‘holes’ on the front bumper now .

Also new for ’24 are the headlight clusters. For higher trim levels, it adapts the same LED light signature as the Japanese, Australian, and European specification model. The front bumpers get more prominent corners, a look that’s also unique to the ASEAN model.

ASEAN-spec Toyota Corolla Cross V

PHOTO BY Toyota

New wheel designs have also been added to the new Toyota Corolla Cross, ranging from 16-inches all the way to 18-inches. At the back, the taillights feature a new pattern, while the rear bumper gets mildly reshaped. Interestingly, the GR Sport variant carries on unchanged.

Inside, Toyota has gotten rid of the rather old-school foot-operated parking brake. It’s now replaced by an electronic parking brake system that’s now on located on the center console. That should free up a little bit more room for the driver’s feet.

ASEAN-spec Toyota Corolla Cross interior

PHOTO BY Toyota

The interior layout is generally similar to the pre-facelift model, but a new fully digital instrument cluster freshens up the cabin, at least for higher spec models. The Thai-spec model also gets a larger touchscreen, and we sure hope it’s the same case for when the Philippine version (inevitably) arrives.

Powertrain choices have been carried over from before. One can choose between a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder or a 1.8-liter hybrid. Sadly, it doesn’t look like our market will ever get the three-motor 2.0-liter from the US version. Power ratings for the ASEAN version are the same as before. It’s 138hp and 172Nm for the 1.8-liter gas, while it’s 120hp (combined) and 142Nm (engine only) for the hybrid.

ASEAN-spec Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G

PHOTO BY Toyota

With the launch of it in Thailand, it’s only a matter of time before it lands in the Philippines. Given its popularity here, it might not be that long.

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