2021 Toyota Corolla Cross: Safety kit analysis

The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross finally landed on Malaysian soil with its modern cum aggressive looks. With its two variants - 1.8G and 1.8 V that retails for RM 124,000 and RM 134,000 each, the latest Toyota seems like is a perfect competitor to the long-standing Honda HR-V. However, only time will tell theater or not the Corolla Cross succeeds in attracting the HR-V's customer base, i.e., B-segment SUV.

Now, Corolla Cross vs. HR-V is a story of another time, as for the time being our concentration is to understand the new Corolla Cross fully. Like today will be dissecting its safety kit - all the elements and their use.

But, prior to that here a few key points about the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross -

• The first batch of Corolla Cross will be imported from Thailand and therefore will benefit from only 50% of sales tax exemption
• In the latter half of 2022, Toyota will begin local assembly of Corolla Cross, thus making it the first TNGA platform based car to be assembled locally
• Both the variants are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 139 PS and 172 Nm
• Power is to all-four wheels via a CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic with seven virtual speeds
• It is offered in five exterior hues: Graphic Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Metalstream Metallic

Time to address the elephant in the room, i.e., the 2021 Corolla Cross SAFE-T package that includes Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist features along with other active & passive systems. Thanks to it all, the B-segment SUV received a 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

Toyota Safety Sense Pre-Collision System (PCS)

This system helps mitigate or avoid frontal collision by to only alerting the driver but also automatically applying the brakes, this reduces the vehicle's speed and minimizes the risk of collision.

Toyota Safety Sense Lane Departure Alert (LDA)

This system assures that the car is always in the lane, it alerts and assists the diver when there is lane departure. So, less swaying & smoother drive.

Toyota Safety Sense Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for High Speeds

This system activates above 30 kmph, it helps the car maintain a safe distance from the preceding vehicle. It automatically applies the brake when the vehicle in front slows down.

Toyota Safety Sense Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) for High Speeds

Like the DRCC, the LTA also comes into action above 30 kmph of speed. It keeps the vehicle centered by either detecting the preceding car or lane.

Toyota Safety Sense Automatic High Beam (AHB)

This system provides maximum road visibility by automatically switching between high and low beams.

3D Panoramic View Monitor

This system allows the driver to easily manoeuvre the vehicle in the tightest of space

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

BSM with RCTA alerts the driver of vehicles that are not otherwise visible while reversing or changing lanes

Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

This one records all your car rides (front perspective) for protection via evidence purposes. Rear DVR is available as an optional fitment.

Seven Airbags

Toyota has insured complete protection of the driver and passengers via installing seven airbags - dual front, side, curtain, and driver's keen.

Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)

This system comes in handy when driving on a steep slope, just sustain the brake pressure for three seconds and HAC will prevent the car from rolling back.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC)

VSC proves very useful when taking sharp turns on a curve, it prevents side skids.TRC helps in the process by ensuring proper tyre contact by slowing down the engine/applying brake to regulate spinning.

Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS)

It notifies the driver whenever the tyre pressure is below the acceptable level, this in turn helps maintain optimum mileage.

Six Parking Sensors

The Toyota Corolla Cross is fitted with six ultrasonic sensors - two at the front and four at the rear.

Also Read: Toyota to unveil its first EV SUV at 2021 Shanghai Motor Show