Toyota making a 7-seater Toyota Corolla Cross?

While Malaysians are still excited about the newly launched Toyota Corolla Cross Sport, there's news that India may get a 7-seater version of it.

Toyota plans to expand its SUV range in India by introducing a 7-seater Corolla Cross. Reports suggest that the Japanese automakers might bring the longer variant of the already internationally popular model to India.

To make it a 3-row seater vehicle, some re-engineering is to be expected to the Corolla Cross that we currently know and love. 

IndiaTV reports that the 7-seater Corolla Cross would come with a third row of seats that can fold into the floor when not in use. The model is rumoured to be built on the TNGA-C platform and may share powertrain options with the Innova Hycross, assuming they are coming from the same assembly lines.

The powertrain options may include a 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain. Other updates may include a new bumper, grille and modified headlights. It may also be safe to anticipate that the new SUV will be slightly lengthened, with longer rear doors for easier third-row access.

Picture credit: Design AG

The 5-seater Corolla Cross is not currently available in India, but the potential inclusion of a 7-seater variant could be a highly appreciated expansion to the existing lineup. This stretched-out Corolla Cross is an effort by Toyota to address the increasing demand for 7-seater SUVs for the Indian market, and an attempt to compete with rivals such as Hyundai who has flooded the market with the 7-seater Alcazar.

The lingering question in all our minds is whether this larger Corolla Cross will make its way to Malaysia. It would be interesting to see if there is a market for it, when it has to compete with the affordable Perodua Aruz, and Toyota’s own Velloz.