Toyota has unveiled its new Corolla Cross midsize SUV, which launches in the UK next year and debuts the brand’s latest hybrid technology.

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Bringing a rival to the Nissan Qashqai, it completes both the current Corolla family – alongside the hatchback, Touring Sports and saloon – and Toyota’s SUV line-up, sitting between the C-HR and RAV4.

It’s based on Toyota’s GA-C platform, also used for the Corolla, Prius and CH-R, and focused on “SUV space, practicality and strong, solid design”.

Already on sale in the US, it’s been tailored for the European market, including with bespoke design intended to project the look of an urban-tough SUV, while cabin space is said to bring plenty of front and rear head and legroom and a load space able to take large items such as buggies and bicycles.

It’s the first model to feature the fifth generation of Toyota’s full hybrid electric system, which will be available with front-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i). Reworked for improved power and efficiency, it features a new high-voltage battery pack that’s more powerful and 40% lighter than before. Engine and electric motor output have also been improved, resulting in an increase in total system output of more than 8% and increased torque.

The FWD 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain combines a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and electric motor for a combined output of 196bhp, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds.

The AWD-i version adds in an extra 30.6kW electric motor on the rear axle, which engages automatically when required to provide greater traction. Benchmark acceleration time is the same as for the FWD model.

Corolla Cross also debuts the brand’s latest multimedia technology, with a Europe-specific instrument panel layout with a new configuration of a 12.3-inch driver’s digital cockpit and a 10.5-inch central display.

The digital cockpit employs all-new hardware and software and is said to be the largest in its segment.

The multimedia system uses a faster processor and a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Smart Connect package delivers extra functionality, including cloud navigation, up-to-the-moment road event information, voice commands using an on-board assistant and over-the-air software update. Smartphone integration is provided via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and drivers can also use the MyT app to access a suite of remote services, including driving analytics, car location and remote programming of the climate control and door locking.

The Corolla Cross is also equipped with T-Mate, the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense and driving assistance systems. This brings improvements to the pre-collision system and includes intersection cut-in traffic assist.

Other new Toyota Safety Sense functions include an Emergency Driving Stop System and over-the-air software updates and fixes to optimise system performance and add new ones. Improvements have also been made to the full-range adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist and road sign assist systems.

T-Mate also includes blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, an automatic high beam system for the headlights and teammate advance park for easier, automated parking manoeuvres. a panoramic view monitor, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking and intelligent clearance sonars are also available.

Deliveries to European customers will start in autumn 2022, according to market. UK prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch.