Japanese Domestic Market

The Toyota Corolla Cross has undergone some significant gear box engine changes in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). This makes the car strikingly different from the import versions exported to the USA, South Africa, and Thailand.

The changes to the front bumper, bonnet, air intake, and headlight graphics have created a softer look that makes Australian wonder if the import they receive will be the same. It will be advertised as the first Corolla SUV, although there have been previous versions in Australia that date back around 30 years.

JDM Cars Import

The overall changes are quite striking as JDM cars are sometimes notably different compared to their exports. Not only in the body and shape, but also in the engines, gear box, and other features. In addition to the changes in the front of the vehicle, the rear-bumper diffuser, deflectors, and taillights have also undergone a revision. In general, this does make the JDM cars about 30mm longer compared to what was released in Thailand last year.

This new version is sleeker, offers a unique alloy wheel style to compliment the body, and something new for drivers in Australia. This JDM version is subtler in appearance compared to similar models and is easily identifiable as being within the E210 line of vehicles.

1.8 Litre, 2.0 Litre engines

Offering two 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engines, this matches the version that is being shipped to South Africa. There is a variation of the 90kW/163Nm petrol-electric hybrid engine that is also 1.8-litre. This version is seen in the C-HR, a small SUV that offers front-wheel drive combined with a transmission that is variable. However, for drivers in Australia the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that runs on petrol is probably going to be the import version.

Gear Box Engines

With a ground clearance of 160mm, the Corolla Cross Hybrid offers an all-wheel drive version which excludes the torsion beam rear suspension which is typically found on this vehicle. There appears to be no substantial changes the gear box and engine in this design as well. One nifty feature is the tight turning circle of just 10.4 metres, making this vehicle easier to park in tight places.

The interior of the Corolla Cross does not appear to have undergone any substantial changes, although direct comparisons with other models will have to be made. What is true is the JDM version offers 487-litre cargo area that has a lowered the lip for easier loading purposes. An accessory power outlet in the hybrid version that can be used as an emergency source of power in case of a blackout.

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)

There is little doubt that the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of the Corolla Cross is something to behold. While the final details of this imported engine is still being ironed out, what can be said is that the engine looks to be solid, the gear box more than substantial, and the body design less aggressive and subtler compared to other versions. Whether that translates to greater sails in Australia remains to be seen, but it can be said that Toyota is not afraid to make substantial changes to their line of Corolla Cross vehicles.

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