Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC) is actively upgrading its assembly plant to locally assemble hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by next year. Upon being asked about the timeline for the launch of HEVs, Toyota IMC CEO, Ali Asghar Jamali, stated that the company will launch the locally assembled Toyota Corolla Cross in 2023.
He stated that the company aims to launch its hybrid crossover SUV in a Rs. 5 to 7 million price bracket. However, given the current economic situation and the government’s plan to increase taxes on cars, Toyota IMC will reveal its final price next year.
Jamali also shared the company’s plans for the overall localization of HEVs. He stated that:
“Toyota has already invested $100 million to produce HEVs in Pakistan and plans to bring electric vehicles (EVs) in the long term when the country is ready for this technology”.
Corolla Cross in Pakistan
Meanwhile, We here in Pakistan have been hearing rumors about a possible entry of a Crossover from Toyota Indus and it seems like Corolla Cross is strong contender especially after its exclusive global launch in Thailand. In a recent analyst briefing, Indus confirmed that they will be bringing the Corolla Cross in the local market but in the shape of CBU/ Completely built unit/ possibly Imported from Thailand.
Corolla Cross Features
Let’s go over Corolla cross, which sits on top of TNGA-C [Toyota New Global Architecture ] platform which is dedicated for compact vehicle class both front and AWD versions. This is the same platform it shares with the 12th generation Corolla as well the C-HR.
Dimensions
On measuring tape, Corolla Cross is 4460mm long, 1825 wide while 1620mm tall. The wheel base measures 2640mm long. For reference sake , this make the Corolla Cross, 170mm short, 45mm wide , 165mm taller than 12th generation Corolla sedan while the wheel base of Corolla Cross is also shorter by 60mm comparing the 12th gen Corolla.As another reference point, the Corolla Cross is 25mm shorter, 30 mm less wider and 15mm less taller than the Kia Sportage and the wheels base is also 30mm less than Sportage.Overall the Corolla cross has a smaller footprint comparing the Corolla sedan or the Kia Sportage BUT it is larger than the Toyota C-HR.
