2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid To Be First Toyota Hybrid Model Assembled Locally In Malaysia

UMW Toyota has just confirmed that the soon-to-be-launched 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will be the first Toyota hybrid model to be assembled locally in Malaysia. 

UMW Toyota has already opened the order books for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid with Hybrid Electric Technology (HEV). Prices are estimated to start from RM137,000. Customers also have the non-hybrid variants to choose from - the Corolla Cross 1.8V or 1.8G.

“This is a major milestone in the history of Toyota in Malaysia, and we are excited about launching the first locally-assembled Toyota model with Hybrid Electric Technology. Assembling locally means more attractive and affordable pricing so that more people can enjoy the benefits of the advanced technology,” said Mr. Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor. 

The first batch of Corolla Cross models sold to the Malaysian public was in CBU form from Thailand. All assembly now will take place in Toyota's ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Klang. 

The hybrid-electric powertrain powering the 2021 Corolla Cross Hybrid is the fourth generation of  Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System. 

The system consists of a 1.8-litre petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor, controlled by a computer using power from the engine or motor depending on driving conditions. 

Power output is rated at 72 kW/98 PS with 142 Nm of torque from the petrol engine. The electric motor churns out 53 kW (equal to 72 ps) and 163 Nm of torque. Power is delivered via an E-CVT with 4 drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport and EV. 

The Corolla Cross Hybrid will further benefit from Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 comprising of: 

• Pre-Collision System (PCS) 
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist 
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) 
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) 

The Corolla Cross will be available in Celestite Grey Metallic (exclusive for the Corolla Cross Hybrid), Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Silver Metallic. 

This signals the beginning of UMW Toyota's electrification programme here in Malaysia with the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, UMW Toyota's first-ever Hybrid Electric Vehicle to be assembled locally. UMW Toyota believes this to be the best approach at this time so that no customer is left behind. 

“Even before COP26, Toyota has been actively working on reducing emissions from vehicles and the solution has not been just by full electrification. Depending on each country’s conditions, the approaches taken are different to ensure that no customer is left behind. In the case of Malaysia,  Hybrid Electric Technology is the most suitable and Toyota offers the best and most advanced technology because we have been developing it since the late 1990s,” said Akio Takeyama. 

“The reduction of CO2 emissions from having more hybrid vehicles on the road in Malaysia will help to meet the Malaysian government’s commitment to cut greenhouse gases, as well as contribute to Toyota’s own goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in all its products and activities,” he added. 

We look forward to the impending arrival of the CKD 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.