Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept: what we learned so far

MANILA: Recently, Toyota Motor Philippines recently showcased the Corolla Cross H2 Concept at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show as part of the brand’s multi-pronged approach towards sustainable mobility.

A promising option that would help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, the showcased vehicle is among the fruit of the “Beyond Zero” campaign — Toyota’s corporate initiative focused on clean energy and low carbon economy transition.

But is the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept a considerable route to help cut down our reliance on fossil fuels while staying hip and trendy? Here’s what we have found out about the prototype that is still undergoing further developments.

Exterior

Outside, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept bore no difference with the gasoline-powered Corolla Cross that is also available in the Philippine market.

It wears that piano black hexagonal grille and vertical fog lamp housings, plastic vents and fender liners, as well as those distinct head- and tail-lamp design fitted on the GR-S variant — maintaining that conservative yet athletic zing.

As seen in the prototype, the vehicle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Virtually, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept has the same features as the model’s top-tier variant — meaning that it has retained its overall dimensions:  4,455 millimeters (mm) long; 1,825 mm wide; and 1,620 mm tall.

The main difference would probably be its ground clearance as one of the hydrogen tanks occupies the portion usually reserved for its spare tire.

Interior

Aside from being a right-hand-drive, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept still welcomes occupants with familiar convenience and comfort amenities.

It still comes with a leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, plush seats, and a floating infotainment system.

Despite having one of the hydrogen tanks fitted in its rear section, engineers and designers of the prototype were able to flatten the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept’s trunk to still give users ample cargo space.

Drivetrain

Instead of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with hybrid powertrain, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept is equipped with a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine (similar to the engine displacement of the GR Yaris) but hydrogen-fed.

Based on our experience, the crossover can reach 100 kilometers per hour from standstill in about 10 seconds. 

And just like the usual internal combustion engine-propelled cars, the vehicle produces strong loud roars, which is strongly heard inside the cabin.

In terms of performance, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept will surely get the job done on normal day-to-day commutes.

Tech

Since it is built under the GR-S trims, the concept sport utility vehicle (SUV) carries the same technologies that customers loved about the vehicle.

The crossover is tailored with the following that makes it an ideal road companion:

• Push start ignition and keyless entry systems
• Power windows
• Dual zone climate control
• USB ports and a wireless charging dock

We also hoped that the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept will still have the Toyota Safety Sense features such as:

• Pre-Collision System
• Automatic High Beam
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Lane Departure Alert
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Conclusion

The Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept has the offerings of a typical everyday vehicle in a less harmful-to-the-environment format. We are just hoping that the model will have a friendly price tag should Toyota decide to have it mass-produced.

Specifications

Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept	Values
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,455 x 1,825 x 1,620
Lighting system	LED
Instrument cluster	Digital
Seating Capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine
Fuel type	Hydrogen
Gearbox	Continuous variable transmission
Brakes	Solid discs
Technologies	Toyota Safety Sense Push start ignition and keyless entry systems Power windows Dual zone climate control USB ports and a wireless charging dock