The Toyota Corolla, which debuted at the 1966 Tokyo Motor Show, has a 55-year history. Over this time, it has evolved beyond sedans to include coupe models like the Levin, hatchback models like the Corolla II, space-focused models like the Spacio and Rumion, and wagon models like the Corolla Wagon and Fielder. Various body types have been created to meet the needs of the times and users, and cumulative global sales have already surpassed 50 million units.

Now, the Corolla series has finally welcomed its first-ever SUV type: the Corolla Cross. Its development concept is "New Space, New Feeling COROLLA." Developed as a global model, the Corolla Cross generated buzz when sales began in Thailand last year. Rumors of its introduction to Japan quickly followed, and it was finally launched this September. So, I took the hybrid 4WD model for a spin.

The model I test drove was the Corolla Cross S grade. This is a hybrid E-Four 4WD specification, with a 1.8-liter inline-4 gasoline engine producing 98ps/142Nm driving the front, and a 72ps/163Nm motor driving the rear, supplemented by a 7.2ps/55Nm motor for the rear wheels.

The body measures 4,490mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,620mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,640mm. While it uses the TNGA "GA-C" platform common to the series, unlike other Corolla models designed exclusively for Japan which limit width to 1,745mm, the Corolla Cross retains its global model width of over 1,800mm. Combined with the SUV's height, it feels slightly larger than a C-segment car when viewed up close.

Interestingly, the front grille's expression has been redesigned for the Japanese market. The overseas version features a simple, large black grille with the oval Toyota emblem at its center, at the same height as the headlights. In contrast, the Japanese version has a lower grille opening, and the upper cover bears a dedicated Corolla emblem (meaning "crown of flowers"). This mark, also found on the current Corolla, evokes the design of the first-generation Corolla from 55 years ago, and it's quite appealing.

The sides emphasize its SUV character with flared front and rear fenders and resin wheel arch moldings. The right side of the rear hatch displays the "Hybrid Synergy Drive" badge, while the left side features the familiar "COROLLA" name alongside a larger "CROSS" logo.

The interior is uncluttered and characteristically clean, in true Corolla fashion. The slightly elevated seating position and the door mirrors positioned at the front of the A-pillars provide excellent visibility from the driver's seat.

The rear seats offer reclining capability and ample legroom, ensuring passenger comfort. The luggage space is a generous 487 liters with the seats up. Folding them down creates a vast area, capable of accommodating a road bike, though there's a slight step of about 10cm in the center. The optional "Luggage Active Box," a specially designed high-function storage unit, reportedly allows for concealed storage and creates a completely flat floor. While the fabric seats and trim are primarily a simple black, they don't feel cheap at all.