Toyota has done well with the Corolla Cross since its launch in July 2020. It has not only been a success in key markets such as the United States and Japan but also in other regions of the world including the Southeast Asian markets. After three years, the popular crossover has already received a mild facelift featuring a few upgrades, primarily in Japan and the United States.
According to the latest reports from Thai motoring media, the Corolla Cross facelift will be making its ASEAN debut in the first quarter of 2024. The sources also speculate that there is a strong possibility that the ASEAN-spec model could get the same enhancements and upgrades from the North American and Japanese versions.
In that scenario, the crossover’s front end may have a radically different look. Bear in mind the Corolla Cross already features 3 distinct fascias depending on the market where it’s sold. There is a more familiar one that’s available to us here and in most parts of the world, then there is a closed-grille version that’s sold in North American and Japanese domestic markets, and lastly, the performance-oriented Corolla Cross GR versions also sport a different fascia.
Different fascias of Toyota Corolla Cross
The interior is also expected to receive some upgrades, according to the reports. This will come in the shape of a digital instrument cluster with a higher-resolution display, and the removal of the mechanical foot-operated parking brake. Foreign market models now get an electronic parking brake.
Powertrain options are expected to be carried over from before, which means the 1.8L gasoline engine and the 1.8L hybrid will be retained. However, the report boldly claims that the 2.0L hybrid will also be offered in Southeast Asian markets for the first time. The 2.0L hybrid was first introduced in the North American market & then in Japan. It then has three electric motors — two powering the front wheels and one that propels the rear axle. Should the ASEAN market get this setup, then it will be the first all-wheel drive version available for the region.
Related: IMC Unveils Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and its Prices
IMC has just unveiled the locally assembled Corolla Cross hybrid in Pakistan in its pre-facelift guise. The booking of the vehicle is set to open from the 18th of December. The introduction of the Corolla Cross hybrid, which is based on the TNGA platform shared with the 12th-gen Corolla will finally open doors to the introduction of the current Toyota Corolla sedan in our country, which will replace the aging 11th gen model which is around for nearly a decade.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com