Yaris Cross GR Sport makes its mark

YARIS Cross consumers will now have the choice of a extra athletic GR Sport variant, Toyota asserting the “thrilling improve” to its mild SUV vary this week priced from $35,890 plus on-road prices and accessible now.

At nearly $10K above the entry worth to the Yaris Cross line-up, the GR Sport is obtainable in a single two-wheel drive hybrid grade and options retuned, lowered suspension to offer what Toyota says is improved dynamic dealing with and steering response.

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

It consists of identifiers equivalent to 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 entrance, GR badging, and “unique tyres for improved dynamic efficiency”.

The cabin options bespoke seats with artificial leather-based on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery with distinction mild gray stitching on the seats and steering wheel. GR logos adorn the top restraints, steering wheel and keys, whereas aluminium pedals present a sportier look.

Additional touches embrace gun steel colored trim garnishing on the shift knob, instrument panel hood and door playing cards, whereas suede-like materials is once more utilized to the door card inlays.

Gear additions embrace an additional USB-C port within the dashboard and Nanoe X air ionisation local weather management.

However it’s beneath the pores and skin the place a lot of the variant’s variations lie. The entrance suspension is enhanced with retuned spring charges, upgraded decrease management arm and new bump stops that Toyota says reduces physique roll and improves trip consolation.

On the rear, a grooved washer bolt “evens out floor stress for the suspension fastening bolt” and improves rigidity on the joint for improved steering response.

The trip top of the Yaris Cross GR Sport is lowered 10mm in comparison with the donor variant, whereas the chassis is stiffened by an underfloor brace and secondary brace working alongside the decrease rear of the automobile.

Straight-line and accelerative efficiency is unchanged from different Yaris Cross variants with a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid unit because the GR Sport has the identical mixture of 67kW/120Nm three-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of motor-generators to offer a mixed output of 85kW.

Toyota quotes a mixed cycle gas consumption determine of three.8 litres per 100km with 86 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre.

A complete of 5 paint colors can be found together with Frosted White, Beautiful Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush and Lunar Blue with Frosted White and Atomic Rush accessible with a two-tone black roof and Yaris Cross nameplate on the rocker moulding.

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

City variants can pair Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Latte, Tuscan Gold and Mineral Blue with a two-tone black roof, whereas the gold two-tone roof will now not be supplied.

Premium paint hues appeal to a $575 surcharge whereas two-tone paint schemes are $1350 further.

“It has been an enormous yr for the GR model with the launch of the all-new GR86 and handbook Supra, and that momentum will proceed in 2023 with the GR Corolla,” stated Toyota Australia vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“Autos just like the Yaris Cross GR Sport supply prospects a sporty aesthetic and extra dynamic deal with driving traits, reaffirming Toyota’s dedication to delivering even higher automobiles which are as thrilling to drive as they give the impression of being.”

2023 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road prices.