This Toyota Corolla Cross HEV proves xEVs are more than just A-to-B cars

MANILA: Electrified vehicles, which are collectively known as “xEVs” have become the go-to options for Filipinos who want a high-tech and highly efficient ride that can function as a comfortable daily driver. In other words, an “A to B” vehicle. 

Zigwheels Philippines, however, has found an example of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV that breaks the mold, demonstrating that xEV nameplates can be a fun canvas for enterprising car enthusiasts seeking more from their cars. 

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The “Bippu build” Toyota Corolla Cross HEV

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV that we’re talking about is owned by Maku Del Rosario, a professional Chef and a huge car guy. 

At a glance, those familiar with Japanese car modification conventions will recognize that Del Rosario’s Corolla Cross HEV comes in the popular “Bippu” or VIP style. This is characterized by low ride heights, flush wheel fitments, and a sleek and clean body. 

As such, the builder opted to keep most of its exterior untouched (except for a pretty-looking blue window tint), since the Corolla Cross HEV already achieved the quiet yet strong presence that Bippu builds aim for. These are then mixed with a very extensive air suspension system, a huge set of 20-inch Carlsson wheels with low-profile tires, and a larger muffler. 

For its powertrain, Del Rosario mostly kept the model’s 1.8-liter inline-four hybrid gasoline engine stock. It was, however, enhanced with a Japanese market-specific engine cover, as well as a Blitz strut bar and air filter. 

By keeping the hybrid system of his vehicle unmodified, Del Rosario shared that the vehicle’s eight-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty is still intact. As such, he encourages people to modify their hybrids within reason. There’s also the fact that this xEV is his daily - so yes, all of these mods don’t actually interfere with the Toyota’s well-known levels of reliability. 

Additionally, he mentioned that he acquired and eventually modified an xEV to enjoy a fuel-efficient and quieter ride. 

Interestingly, Del Rosario has a sizable stable of Toyota models, including the Ativ HEV and the Raize. The professional chef also previously owned a Euro-2-inspired (AE111) Corolla, the E110 or “Love Life” Corolla, and the Toyota Camry - among others. 

Del Rosario’s love for the Toyota brand and his gravitation towards the Corolla Cross HEV stem from many reasons. 

For starters, Toyota is a trusted brand with decades of experience in both local and international markets, would-be adopters have the advantage of having a car that was developed with quality and care, resulting in a reliable ride that won’t let you down. 

This goes hand in hand with Toyota’s ongoing efforts to raise the bar in mobility-focused technology. The Japanese company’s expertly developed automotive innovations span the highly efficient powertrain that propels vehicles like Del Rosario’s Corolla Cross HEV and the well-known advanced safety technologies found on most Toyota nameplates on the market today. 

Del Rosario also noted how easy it is to get spare parts from Toyota dealerships. This is because the brand has designed its outlets to function as one-stop shops that are highly accessible and have strong aftersales products and services. 

And of course, Toyota owners can reliably call on customer support provided by the company’s highly trained sales and service professionals.

With all that said, De Rosario’s build goes on to prove that xEVs can be bundles of fun, even for car guys who really like to modify their rides. 

Learn more about this tastefully modded Toyota Corolla Cross HEV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8s51RTKPKg 

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