Yaris Cross gains GR Sport treatment

TOYOTA will expand its Yaris Cross range in Australia from December when it introduces the “dynamically focused” GR Sport variant to the light SUV line-up.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport will arrive with retuned suspension Toyota says will provide the model with a more rewarding driving experience, as well as sporty design flourishes inside and out that aim to distinguish the variant from the remainder of the Yaris Cross range which is available from $26,990 plus on-road costs.

Externally, the sportier model features 18-inch alloy wheels in a five, twin-spoke design and bright machined finish, a variant-specific grille in a black mesh design, and a more athletic rear diffuser.

In the cabin, front sport seats feature suede-like material combined with leather grey upholstery and light grey stitching, the same stitchwork also applied to the steering wheel. Gunmetal silver trim inlays feature on the door cards and across the instrument panel to compliment the variant’s aluminium pedals.

The cabin is further punctuated with GR badging, including on the front seat head restraints, steering wheel and smart keys. Like its derivative, the sportier Yaris Cross includes a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.

Toyota says the highly rigid TNGA-B platform that underpins the Yaris Cross has been further enhanced by retuned suspension “sharpen steering feel and response and reduce body roll”.

The two-wheel drive variant is powered by a 67kW/120Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and dual motor/generator hybrid system to provide a total system output of 85kW.

Since its launch in late 2020, the Yaris Cross has moved to become one of the most popular vehicles in its segment (SUV Light). Year-to-date figures show 4942 examples of the Yaris Cross have been sold locally, placing the model in third place behind the Mazda CX-3 (6138) and Kia Stonic (5342).

The remainder of the segment’s top 10 list is made up by the Hyundai Venue (4457), Volkswagen T-Cross (3181), Suzuki Jimny (2958), Ford Puma (1380), Suzuki Ignis (1224) and Nissan Juke (930).

Pricing and more detailed specifications for the Yaris Cross GR Sport will be revealed closer to the model’s release in December.

2022 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing*: