Toyota launches hybrid crossover Corolla Cross at PhP 1.6M

After commemorating its 32nd anniversary this month, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) marked another milestone by introducing the very first hybrid crossover in its lineup, the new Corolla Cross.

Designed as the stylish urban vehicle, the Corolla Cross combines Toyota’s signature “QDR” (quality, durability, and reliability) with style and functionality. Its hybrid-electric variant further realizes Toyota’s vision of sustainable mobility and makes self-charging hybrid technology more accessible to Filipinos.

In addition to its hybrid technology, the Corolla Cross also features two of Toyota’s most advanced car technologies today, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).

“Guided by our philosophy of making ever-better cars, Toyota took the best of a trusted model, the Toyota Corolla, and turned it into a sleek and modern crossover,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto during the online launch of the new vehicle. “The Corolla Cross is designed to move you in comfort and style, whether you’re seeking adventure, doing business, or simply spending time with people you love,” he added.

First revealed in its global premiere last month, the Corolla Cross is the latest addition to Toyota’s global bestselling Corolla series. Since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series has sold a cumulative total of 48 million units or more, in more than 150 countries and regions around the world.

The New Corolla Cross, with its 1.8 V HV (Hybrid) and 1.8 G CVT variants will be available at Toyota dealerships nationwide from August 26, 2020.

Commanding Identity and Striking Design

The Corolla Cross’ exterior starts strong with its imposing double trapezoid front grille which gives the vehicle a wide and stable appearance. Exclusive to the hybrid variant are LED Light Curtain Daytime Running Lights and a subtle blue accent to the bi-beam LED headlamps which perfectly complements the blue Toyota logo. Sleek defined lines run from the side to the front of the aerodynamic cabin and the subtle “Double C” character lines along the vehicle’s side profile exudes a sophisticated impression.

Truly made for the urban setting, the high approach angle combines the strong stance with functionality, with great capability on speed bumps and inclines. The overall look of the vehicle emphasizes the spacious utility ready for the customer’s dynamic lifestyle, whether it be the weekday job or the weekend getaway.

Elegant Interior and Exceptional Ride Experience

Consistent with its sophisticated exterior, the Corolla Cross gets a classy minimalist interior that comes in leather for the hybrid variant. The wide and spacious cabin space gives abundant head clearance for easier ingress and the slim seatback gives ample legroom for backseat passengers. The thinner pillars and rear quarter window add to the roomier atmosphere of the Corolla Cross and provides more outward visibility.

The hybrid variant also has a retractable tonneau cover for the rear trunk space for privacy, and the spacious trunk has comfortable loading height for ease of access.

The driver gets accessibility and control all throughout the ride with features such as Smart Entry and Push Start System, power adjust with auto fold for the side mirrors, power windows, and speed-sensing door locks, and for the 1.8 V hybrid variant, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 8-way power adjust driver’s seat. Convenient steering wheel switches enable the driver to adjust Toyota Safety

Sense (TSS) features and 7” multi-information display for the 1.8 V hybrid, and audio, and phone connectivity features for all variants. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are compatible with the 1.8 V Hybrid’s display audio.

Conscious Performance and Sustainable Mobility

TMP positions the adoption of hybrid electric vehicles as the perfect transition to vehicle electrification in the country. By popularizing hybrid technology and making it more accessible, TMP takes another step forward in line with Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

With its competitive price point, established Corolla legacy, and strong and sophisticated design, the Corolla Cross is the perfect road companion for customers who are looking for a stylish, functional, and efficient crossover.

The hybrid variant is powered by a 1.8L engine with Atkinson Cycle designed for the Hybrid system and gets 1,798cc displacement which gives of 142 maximum torque at 3,600 rpm, and an electric motor which helps in providing a 120hp total system max output. Three available driving modes (Eco, Power, and EV) also give the driver more control. With Hybrid technology, every trip is guaranteed to be:

  • Fuel-efficient – consume less fuel whenever the engine switches to the electric motor as the vehicle’s source of power
  • Environment-friendly – less fuel consumption means less CO2 emissions
  • Quiet – electric motors make very little noise while running
  • Comfortable – enjoy a more responsive drive and experience smoother acceleration perfect for city driving
  • Hassle-free – Hybrid vehicles do not have to be plugged in as the battery self –charges as the vehicle is driven. Every step on the brake allows the car to recharge.

The 1.8 G CVT variant gets 1,798cc displacement, 138hp total system maximum output, and 172Nm maximum torque at 4,000 rpm with the 16-Valve DOHC, 4-Cylinder, In-line, Chain drive with Dual VVT-I engine.

Agility, Stability, and Visibility Developed Under Toyota New Global Architecture

Designed and developed under Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla Cross embodies Toyota’s vision of making ever-better cars with core strength and an emphasized personality. Boasting a 10.4m curb-to-curb turning circle and a commanding view of the road with the high seating position and thinner front pillars, the driver feels more in control with the Corolla Cross.

Similar to the Corolla Altis, the Corolla Cross has a MacPherson strut front suspension optimized for its SUV structure. The rear suspension features an all-new torsion beam design which helps improve the ride handling and reduce body roll. The MacPherson strut/Torsion Beam suspension combined with the rigid body structure of the vehicle ensures the driver and passengers maximum ride stability and comfort all throughout the journey.

Reassuring Sense of Safety

Drivers and passengers are guaranteed peace of mind and security with all of the available safety features in the Corolla Cross. All variants are equipped with 7 SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts for the driver and all passengers. The hybrid variant has two front and four rear clearance sonars, while the G CVT variant has 2 rear sonars, and reverse camera is available for all variants.
The 1.8 Hybrid variant also has several active safety features under Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). Following the Hiace Super Grandia Elite, the Corolla Altis 1.8 HV, Alphard, and Prius, the Corolla Cross’ hybrid variant is the fifth in TMP’s official lineup to feature TSS.

The 1.8 Hybrid variant also has Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). When turned on, this system detects vehicles approaching from the rear or vehicles which may not be fully visible through the side mirrors and alerts the driver through visual and audio signals.

Pricing

The New Corolla Cross is available in two variants and four colors. Customers may check out the vehicle at any of TMP’s 70 dealerships across the country.

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Priced competitively at Php1.65M, TMP further commits to its vision of making responsible and sustainable technologies more affordable and accessible for more Filipinos. TMP will also be making the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant available through the Balloon Payment Plus financing plan.

“We understand customer apprehension on hybrid technology: affordability, maintenance, and resale value – that’s why we are offering the Corolla Cross hybrid with Balloon Payment Plus – lower monthly payments, inclusive of periodic maintenance, with guaranteed future resale value.” says TMP First Vice President Sherwin Chualim “Owning a hybrid vehicle is made easier and more affordable, and customers are guaranteed a hassle-free experience from buying, owning, and future reselling of their vehicle.” he continues.

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Why I’m super stoked for the new GMC Hummer EVs

04/14/2021

One of my first true heartbreaks in my young adult life was when GMC announced the retirement of the Hummer brand in 2010.

This is due to the fact that the Hummer H1 was my all-time dream car since I was a child. It was a very iconic off-roader designed for the military called the HUMVEE and was later transformed into a civilian gas-guzzling luxury SUV called the HUMMER H1. It was then followed by the H2 and H3 as updated models.

During its time, it was the king of off-roaders — unrivaled in capability and performance. They had tech and features not commonly seen around. With its 37-inch tires, 16-inch ground clearance, four-wheel independent suspension, locking diffs, and all-aluminum body, it would make any off-road enthusiast drool.

It was in a class of its own. I remember waiting for the launch of their next model, the Hummer HX, which they announced in 2008 and even making an appearance in the movie Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Although, it never came to production as Hummer declared bankruptcy in 2009 and shut down production in 2010 due to the American economic downturn. For 10 years, the brand has been stagnant and was never heard of again until today.

In October of 2020, GMC finally debuted the HUMMER EV truck through its online launch and boy was I blown away with all the tech and capabilities presented. And just a few days ago, the Hummer EV SUV was launched and will be available in early 2023. This is the EV off-roader, I’m sure, that will set the standard for EV off-roading.

Futuristic-looking with HUMVEE DNA

The GMC HUMMER EV SUV completes the HUMMER EV family and features a 126.7-inch wheelbase for tight proportions and a maneuverable body.

Seeing this vehicle for the first time, it still holds true to its HUMVEE design heritage with that boxy shape, broad shoulder lines, wide stance, and that commanding presence with its space-age design cues inspired by NASA’s Apolo lunar expedition. It was something out of a sci-fi movie that really gave me chills. It was the same feeling I had in my Hummer-obsessed days.

The GMC HUMMER EV is designed to be an off-road beast, with new features developed to help conquer virtually any obstacle or terrain.

The facia still follows that familiar brawny Hummer look — the iconic Hummer grill replaced with sleek and futuristic running lights. A masculine front bumper complemented with beefy recovery hooks and a massive metal bash plate runs all the way under the front axle. It also features a fully removable infinity roof with modular sky panels which also categorizes this vehicle as a convertible.

The interior design is also inspired by the moon expedition that they call “The Lunar Shadow” and “Lunar Horizon” along with the sea of tranquillity pattern that can be seen throughout. Really nice touches.

All that electric power!

The GMC Hummer EV can deliver up to 830hp for the SUV model and a whopping 1000hp for the truck with up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque (wheel torque) and is capable of enabling 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5-seconds and 3-seconds for the SUV and Truck, respectively, in “Watts To Freedom” mode.  All that power with zero emissions.

Additionally, a 20-module, double-stacked Ultium battery will offer more than 300 miles (SUV) and a 24-module Ultium battery pack with 350 miles (Truck) of range on a full charge and power for the three-motor e4WD drive system. It also features an 800-volt DC public fast-charging capability of up to 300kW. Its industry-first technology mechanically also switches the batteries from parallel to series mode during charging. For a 100-mile range,  it takes only ten minutes to charge!

Smart technologies

The vehicle boasts a large, 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment screen and 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center display that convey a wealth of vehicle performance and driver awareness information — including trail mapping projection from the myGMC app.

Its new Digital Key allows owners to use their smartphone as the key fob for their HUMMER EV. The technology detects its owner’s phone and its location in proximity to the vehicle, enabling a number of passive operations such as approach lighting, entry unlock, and vehicle operation.

Thriving on off-road trails

The most talked-about feature that makes the GMC Hummer EV stand out among competitors is the four-wheel steering with crab walk making this vehicle more maneuverable in tight spaces and giving it a better turning radius than most sedans.

It is also equipped with front and rear eLockers that allow all individual motors to spin at the same speed without having a physical locking differential. Thanks to the adjustable air suspensions, getting yourself out of muddy situations (literally) are made easy with extract mode, this enables the suspension to raise an additional 6 inches – significant for water wading, extra clearance for extreme off-road situations, and negotiating challenging obstacles.

Another highlighted feature is the 18 camera views for the Truck model and seventeen on the SUV. Adding to that is a standard HD Surround Vision that includes a waterproof underbody as well as forward-and-rear-facing cameras for real-time views of the terrain. This aims to help you pick the best lines along trails. A washer function and replaceable lens protectors also help you see clearly.

Using multiple cameras to display a digital overhead image of the area around HUMMER EV, HD Surround Vision allows you to maneuver off-road and navigate tight spaces when traveling at low speeds.

From bold and futuristic design cues, to cleverly executed details, the GMC HUMMER EV reimagines an instantly-recognizable silhouette for a modern, all-electric future.

Off-Road Widgets offer a myriad of information related to the HUMMER EV’s selectable capabilities and performance readouts in off-road driving scenarios — everything from the ride height and eLocker engagement to compass headings, pitch/roll status, and more.

Hummer is back

The GMC Hummer EV, on paper, appears to have the best in class features in 4×4 capabilities. It has the range, the power, mechanics & engineering, and the competencies of becoming the new king of off-road vehicles. They have set the bar high and it is truly exciting to see this beast in action in the real world.

Hummer is back.

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