The ‘sporty’ variant in the absence of a performance variant has become a pillar across models of all prices, including those from Toyota as well. Now, a Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport has debuted at the Bangkok Motor Show, enhancing the hybrid SUV with sportier styling and suspension refinements.
However, its availability in Australia remains uncertain, as local models are sourced from Japan, where the GR Sport variant is yet to be offered. The model showcased is intended for Thailand and Malaysia, where it is locally manufactured with market-specific details.
GR Sport Treatment for Corolla Cross
Following in the footsteps of the Toyota Yaris Cross and Toyota C-HR, the new Corolla Cross GR Sport has received an aesthetic overhaul to align with Toyota’s performance-inspired GR branding. Also similar to those models, this family-friendly GR Sport variant does not get any powertrain upgrades that would actually enhance the car’s performance.
A Toyota Australia spokesperson stated: “GR (including GR Sport) is an increasingly important part of our line-up, bringing added fun and excitement to our customers and our brand. We are keen to evaluate any new GR opportunities should they become available for our market.”
However, since Australian-delivered Corolla Cross models are built in Japan rather than Thailand, there is no confirmation on whether the GR Sport variant will reach local showrooms.
Distinctive Design and Interior Upgrades
Toyota has made several design changes to distinguish the Corolla Cross GR Sport from the standard model. From the outside, you can spot it thanks to these updates:
- Unique front bumper and black grille
- Faux metal skid plates on the side sills and rear bumper
- Clear tail lights
- Redesigned boot moulding
It will be offered in three colours in Thailand, all with a blacked-out roof: Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic and Attitude Black Mica.
It’s not all about stickers and plastics, as Toyota claims it has also made some changes to the interior for the GR Sport variant. We say it’s a claim as we have yet to see any photos of the interior of the sportier Corolla Cross. The updates include:
- Piano black trim
- Silver contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel
- GR branding on headrests and push-button start
Chassis Refinements and Powertrain
While the powertrain for the sporty-looking Corolla Cross HEV remains unchanged, Toyota has reportedly made modifications to the Corolla Cross’s suspension and “sporty tuned electric power steering.”
Under the bonnet, the Corolla Cross GR Sport retains its hybrid setup from the regular Thailand-spec Corolla Cross HEV:
- 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 72kW and 142Nm
- 53kW/163Nm front electric motor
- 90kW combined output
In comparison, the Japan-built Corolla Cross hybrid SUV sold in Australia has a different powertrain, featuring a:
- 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 112kW and 190Nm
- 83kW/206Nm front electric motor
- 30kW rear motor for all-wheel-drive variants
- 146kW combined output
Costs For The GR Sport Treatment
Pricing for the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport starts at 1,253,000 Baht (approximately AUD $58,580), marking a 50,000 Baht (AUD $2,345) increase over the existing flagship Corolla Cross variant in Thailand.
Potential Pricing for Australia
If introduced in Australia, the Corolla Cross GR Sport would likely be positioned below $55,000 before on-road costs, as the current range tops out at $50,030. However, its arrival remains unconfirmed, pending Toyota Australia’s evaluation of market demand and manufacturing feasibility.
If introduced, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport could be a more spacious alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Kona N Line.
Comments
New Comment