Switch to the SUV and hybrid lifestyle
Written by Eric Tipan
If you’re well-versed enough with the technology, you should want to own a hybrid. It’s simply better in every way: fuel efficient and with reduced emissions; and it’s quiet too, so there’s barely any noise pollution.
SUVs and crossovers are visibly the most in-demand body styles today. Globally the segment owns 40% of the market share and research shows that locally, we’re getting there at 31%.
I’m sure you’re thinking, “Of all the hybrids (and even mild hybrids) and crossovers, why this?” Read on as I detail why the all-new Corolla Cross will make your shift to an SUV and hybrid technology easier than ever before.
It’s a Toyota
This has to be the number one reason. With its 18th consecutive Triple Crown (number 1 in passenger car, commercial vehicle, and overall sales) in 2020, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) proves yet again that year on year, it’s been the favorite brand of Filipinos since 2002.
It’s a long list of reasons why they’re so popular but on top of it all is reliability. That’s the first thing you hear people say when asked what’s good about Toyotas. You wouldn’t want anyone less backing up your first hybrid crossover, would you?
The best of a sedan and SUV
It’s a crossover based on the car we’ve all come to know and love: the Corolla. It’s a looker too, especially with that double trapezoid front grille that takes after its RAV4 sibling. Like an SUV, it’s got the flared fenders, the chrome highlights tracing the A-pillar, and its sunroof lets in lots of daylight . It’s also got ample ground clearance at 161 mm.
Techies will love that it has a smart entry and push-start system, and phone connectivity for all trims. The hybrid takes it step further with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
Toyota Safety Sense is the brand’s latest set of most innovative safety features. Putting the automaker’s suite of safety features in the Corolla Cross V HV (hybrid variant) automatically shows you where this ranks in Toyota’s stable of vehicles locally in terms of prestige.
It’s just the fifth model to get TSS after the Hiace Super Grandia Elite, the Corolla Altis 1.8 HV, Alphard, and Prius. That’s elite company for the Corolla Cross.
In case you’re wondering what’s so special about TSS, here’s what it’s made of and what they do.
It comes with a Pre-Collision System uses that uses an integrated camera and the radar system to help reduce the chances of colliding with a car or a pedestrian ahead.
Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar hidden behind the Toyota badge plus a camera on the windshield to scan the road ahead and adjust its speed. It can also maintain a preset distance from the car in front.
Lane Departure Alert scans the road to warn you when it senses that the vehicle is veering out of its lane, even when lane markers are faded or hardly present at all. It works with Lane Tracing Assist, which watches the lines on the road and preceding vehicles to help keep the vehicle centered and in its lane.
Automatic High Beam (for night driving) uses the camera to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles, and switches between high and low beams accordingly. This will help avoid oncoming cars dazzling you out of spite.
Price
Sold? The Corolla Cross starts at P1.285 million, and this variant comes with the 1.8L engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. It’s a crossover that’s just P85K more than the mid-trim Corolla Altis.
Crossovers or SUVs are usually P100k or more than similar sized sedans. Using a shared platform and parts with the Corolla Altis, Toyota brought that gap down, according to TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto.
TMP vice-president, Rommel Gutierrez, adds that the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law’s 50% tax rate cut for hybrids and the AFTA’s (ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) 0% import duties (for cars built within ASEAN) also contributed greatly to how it was priced.
Easy acquisition
Putting finances together during the pandemic is not easy and Toyota understands that. As such, the Corolla Cross can be had using one of several financing schemes.
It can be bought with a super low 15% downpayment if you buy the Corolla Cross via Toyota Financial Services.
There’s also Balloon Payment plus, which is a choice of 20%, 25%, or 30% downpayment and financing terms of 24, 36, 48, or 60 months. These come with light monthly payments inclusive of periodic maintenance fees, and guaranteed great resale value options
Those are great deals considering this is an upmarket unit, unlike the Vios or Wigo. TMP is bending over backwards here to make this proper entry-level crossover, with a hybrid option, as inexpensive as possible.
With all of the above, it really doesn’t get any more compelling, and any easier than this: the features you want, at the price you want.
See the Toyota Corolla Cross at dealerships on August 26 or visit their website for more details.