A facelifted version of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross has debuted in Thailand, raising questions about if or when the upgraded small SUV will be released in the Australian market.
Toyota Australia is yet to comment on the new overseas model or confirm any local plans for it, but odds are the reveal precedes a similar move Down Under, where the updated Corolla Cross is likely to go on sale towards the middle or second half of this year.
There’s no guarantee that will happen, however, given the Thai market receives all kinds of different Toyota models not sold here, as well as variations of familiar models that are, plus the fact the Corolla Cross was only launched here in 2022 – making it a bit early for any sort of facelift or major model year update.
Regardless, the new model shown in Thailand proudly wears a new front fascia featuring a new integrated honeycomb grille as per the new-generation Toyota Camry, plus a revised front bumper and reworked LED headlights.
Swish new alloy wheels appear to round out the exterior changes, while a few alterations have been made to the design and graphics of the free-standing infotainment screen atop the dashboard inside the Thai-spec Corolla Cross.
No changes have been made to the 1.8-litre petrol or 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrains as part of the Thai model update, which suggests no powertrain changes will be made to Australian cars if and when a similar update is released here.
The Australian line-up, for reference, features bigger 2.0-litre powertrains across the board – ICE and HEV – with consumers having the option of a 126kW/202Nm petrol engine, 146kW hybrid system or a 176kW hybrid powertrain incorporating two electric motors.
If there is any powertrain change for Australia, chances are it’ll be the deletion of the petrol grades in favour of an all-hybrid portfolio similar to that of the new Camry, C-HR and Yaris Cross.
Unlike other Toyotas, the Corolla Cross struggled on the sales charts in 2023, when just 7932 examples were delivered in Australia, accounting for only 5.4 per cent of the sub-$45,000 small SUV segment.
Things are off to a slightly better start so far in 2024, when the model attracted 6.4 per cent of buyers in the segment last month.
