Yaris Cross GR Sport makes its mark

YARIS Cross buyers will now have the option of a more athletic GR Sport variant, Toyota announcing the “thrilling upgrade” to its light SUV range this week priced from $35,890 plus on-road costs and available now.

At almost $10K above the entry price to the Yaris Cross line-up, the GR Sport is offered in a single two-wheel drive hybrid grade and features retuned, lowered suspension to provide what Toyota says is improved dynamic handling and steering response.

Based upon the Yaris Cross GXL Hybrid (2WD), the GR Sport introduces a swathe of styling touches inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing stable of sportscars, which includes the GR86, GR Yaris, GR Supra and forthcoming GR Corolla.

It includes identifiers such as a G mesh patterned grille and rear bumper applique in black, sporty rear diffuser, black wing mirror caps, model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels in a twin-five-spoke design, red-painted brake calipers with GR logos up front, GR badging, and “exclusive tyres for improved dynamic performance”.

The cabin features bespoke seats with synthetic leather on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery with contrast light grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel. GR logos adorn the head restraints, steering wheel and keys, while aluminium pedals provide a sportier look.

Further touches include gun metal coloured trim garnishing on the shift knob, instrument panel hood and door cards, while suede-like material is again applied to the door card inlays.

Equipment additions include an extra USB-C port in the dashboard and Nanoe X air ionisation climate control.

But it is under the skin where most of the variant’s differences lie. The front suspension is enhanced with retuned spring rates, upgraded lower control arm and new bump stops that Toyota says reduces body roll and improves ride comfort.

At the rear, a grooved washer bolt “evens out surface pressure for the suspension fastening bolt” and improves rigidity at the joint for improved steering response.

The ride height of the Yaris Cross GR Sport is lowered 10mm when compared with the donor variant, while the chassis is stiffened by an underfloor brace and secondary brace running along the lower rear of the vehicle.

Straight-line and accelerative performance is unchanged from other Yaris Cross variants with a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid unit as the GR Sport has the same combination of 67kW/120Nm three-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of motor-generators to provide a combined output of 85kW.

Toyota quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100km with 86 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre.

A total of five paint colours are available including Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush and Lunar Blue with Frosted White and Atomic Rush available with a two-tone black roof and Yaris Cross nameplate on the rocker moulding.

For the broader Yaris Cross range, Frosted White replaces Crystal Pearl and joins Stunning Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush, Latte, Tuscan Gold, Mineral Blue and Lunar Blue.

Urban variants can pair Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Latte, Tuscan Gold and Mineral Blue with a two-tone black roof, while the gold two-tone roof will no longer be offered.

Premium paint hues attract a $575 surcharge while two-tone paint schemes are $1350 extra.

“It has been a big year for the GR brand with the launch of the all-new GR86 and manual Supra, and that momentum will continue in 2023 with the GR Corolla,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“Vehicles like the Yaris Cross GR Sport offer customers a sporty aesthetic and more dynamic focus on driving characteristics, reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to delivering even better cars that are as exciting to drive as they look.”

2023 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.