It would have been a great weekend for a test drive.

I was all set. And the vehicle on hand?

One of Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) best-selling Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models to date: the Toyota Corolla Cross.

I was reminded that the unit was introduced in 2020 as TMP’s first hybrid electric crossover alongside its regular Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) variants. But in 2024, the Corolla Cross came in an all-HEV variant.

In the launch event held at SM Aura in Taguig City, TMP president Masando Hashimoto emphasized the role of the Corolla Cross in Toyota’s drive to enable customers to pursue sustainable mobility options.

But a test drive was not to be.

The monsoon rains came down with what seemed like a vengeance.

“Dolphine ang pangalan ng bagyo,” said our kasambahay. “Kaya sa loob na muna mga alaga mo (The typhoon is named “Dolphin.” So your pets should stay home).” She was referring to my family of three fur babies.

Although, when the wind blew a little stronger than usual — out they ran… and a lot of chasing ensued. And yes, they did end up with mud all over the place.

Cross my heart, I wanted to drive

The immaculate white Corolla HEV sports a mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines. On the inside, all variants now have LED interior lamps and a leather steering wheel. The foot brake has also now been replaced with an electronic parking brake (EPB). And then there are the very lovely features, such as a 12.3-inch fully digital multi-information display (MID) for the GR-S HEV. The V HEV, meanwhile, has a 7-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) MID, while the G HEV has a 4.2-inch TFT MID.

There is a 10-inch display audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charger for convenient smartphone charging on the go.

Thanks for safety

The Corolla Cross is powered by a hybrid 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC, chain drive with VVT-i engine with CVT transmission. This hybrid engine combines the power of a conventional engine with the fuel efficiency of an electric motor for an eco-friendlier drive, giving customers the power to start their journey toward a carbon-neutral future. 

And, yes, safety was on my mind as I took off for work over the weekend.

“Babalik ako kung may baha,” my safety final words as I departed the house.

The trip within the village and on the main road of Las Piñas was floodfree with what seemed like bigger bumps on the asphalt road.

Floods begin

I hit a flooded Roxas Boulevard.

Turn back or not, the thought crossed my mind.

Like every driver, we dare.

Dare I did.

I was behind a bus and decided that I would slow down and take a side street.

When I saw a similar vehicle to mine…follow the leader, it was.

We both stayed in the middle of Roxas Boulevard, watching out for any hole on the road or people running across the highway to avoid the rain.

The flooded stretch lasted for what seemed like an eternity.

But, for all I knew, it could have been 10 minutes long.

A build of three

Yes, we were three similarly built vehicles whose drivers were watching out for the flood.

Enough to say that I made it out of the flooded area — with a silent thank you in my heart to the God of drivers who watched over me.

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV kept me safe and cool all throughout.

I got off the Cross when I got to my destination, checking all around for any signs of damage it may have incurred. None. A drive well done.

The monsoon rains have seemed to let up a bit this Sunday afternoon. But one is never really sure, because it has rained on and off, strong and in a drizzle all through the night.

There are roads to cross and prayerful crosses we make to stay safe.

And there is the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV that kept me safe and made driving an adventure.

On to the next detour.