Facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross Teased Ahead of ASEAN Debut

The ASEAN-spec Toyota Corolla Cross facelift has been teased ahead of making its regional debut

Almost four years after making its debut, the benevolent Toyota Corolla Cross is due for a mid-life update. Specifically for the ASEAN markets, the Japanese marque has teased the upcoming Corolla Cross facelift model, which is poised to make its debut later on February 8.

According to Thai automotive site Autolife Thailand, the facelifted Corolla Cross will get a slew of minor design tweaks, plus several new pieces of equipment to make it on par with its newer segment rivals. On the design front, the updated crossover will get new headlights and taillights while riding on new 18-inch wheels.

While the appearance changes seem mild, the updated Corolla Cross is bound to get tons of new cabin equipment. The biggest one being the inclusion of the electronic parking brake (EPB) with ‘Auto Hold’ functionality, which replaces the ancient foot parking brake present on the current model.

Besides that, other new equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.5-inch infotainment screen with wireless support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and many more. Specifically for the Thai market, the facelifted crossover is poised to get a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system as well as a powered panoramic sunroof.

Similar to the current Corolla Cross full-ICE model (left), the facelifted model will get the same 1.8-litre 4-cyl nat-asp 2ZR-FE mill shared with its sedan twin, the Toyota Corolla (right)

While the international markets are getting a new  2.0-litre 4-cyl Dynamic Force mill for their facelifted Corolla Cross model, Autolife Thailand reports that the ASEAN-spec model will retain the current 1.8-litre 4-cyl 2ZR-FE unit. Said mill is still mated to a 7-speed D-CVT gearbox with a sequential shift to help deliver 137 HP and 172 NM to its front wheels (FWD).

Meanwhile, the hybrid model will get an improved version of the current 1.8-litre 4-cyl 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle hybrid mill, which is mated to an e-CVT automatic gearbox. The upgraded unit’s exact power output, however, remains shrouded in mystery.

Besides the aforementioned EPB, the updated Corolla Cross model is also bestowed with several new safety equipment and features. This includes the 8 airbags, Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go function that can be used at 0 KM/H speed, the new Nanoe air purification system, and many more.

With the current Toyota Corolla Cross production already ceased in Thailand, the facelifted version is set to make its ASEAN regional debut in said Northern Kingdom market later this week, on Feb 8. For the rest of the ASEAN markets, including Malaysia, we can expect this updated crossover to make its landfall some time later.