PIMS 2024: Toyota previews hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross H2 Concept

GR Yaris engine, hydrogen-fed

When Toyota Motor Philippines announced they are bringing their Beyond Zero concepts to the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show, they really meant to showcase their multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality.

Making its first appearance on a major Philippine motor show is the Corolla Cross H2 Concept. While the production model in the country makes use of batteries to form a hybrid powertrain, the Corolla Cross H2 Concept runs on hydrogen fuel.

Instead of finding a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine under the hood, the Corolla Cross H2 Concept will surprise you with what’s underneath it. Powering the crossover is a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbo. Yes, it’s an engine derived from the GR Yaris, with its hydrogen fuel cell technology being tested heavily in the Super Taikyu endurance race series in Japan.

TMP also demonstrated the Corolla Cross H2 Concept on an exclusive media ride experience with an H2 gas refueling station setup imported from Malaysia on a side event held on the driving grounds near the Toyota Manila Bay dealership.

No power output figures were mentioned, but Toyota said very minimal modifications were done to the engine to adopt hydrogen fuel. We reckon the 1.6-liter three-banger in the Corolla Cross H2 Concept likely matches the power output of its gas-fed counterpart.

Since it runs on hydrogen instead of fossil fuel, the Corolla Cross H2 Concept only emits water vapor. Once Toyota makes the technology viable for widespread use, then the internal combustion engine (ICE) we know could very well live on for many more years.

If you want to check out the Corolla Cross H2 Concept for yourself, the crossover will be displayed at Toyota's outdoor pavilion at PIMS on October 27 at World Trade Center Manila.