Toyota has unveiled the facelifted, locally-built Corolla Cross GR-Sport (GR-S), which is set for its South African launch imminently.
The Corolla Cross flagship is getting a long-awaited new look, following updates to the rest of the line-up last year.
During Toyota South Africa’s State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event last week, the brand’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron, shared the changes Toyota has made to the SUV.
He said there are “subtle” changes to both the exterior and interior, giving the GR-S variant a distinct look.
Theron said he was very impressed with the GR-Sport, adding that it feels more powerful than its other variants.
“Not massive power, but it still feels dynamic in a different way,” he said.
Better performance
Theron confirmed that the new GR-S version of the Corolla Cross will be launched in both an internal combustion (ICE) and hybrid-electric (HEV) variant, as it had been before.
In its petrol configuration, the Corolla Cross GR-S will still be powered by a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine, which is capable of sending 103kW and 172Nm to its driven front wheels via its CVT transmission.
The ICE configuration offers drivers an average fuel usage of 6.8l/100km and a range of 691km, while also being able to reach a top speed of 185km/h.
For the HEV version, the same 1.8-litre petrol motor has been combined with a single electric motor and battery pack, which combine for a total power output of 90kW and 143Nm, also sent to the front wheels via the CVT gearbox.
In this configuration, average fuel consumption drops to a frugal 4.3l/100km, extending the GR-Sort’s range to 837km between fuel stops. It can also reach a top speed of 170km/h.
Toyota confirmed that the petrol version of the SUV will feature paddle shifters exclusively.
An updated look
In terms of upgrades and changes to the facelifted Corolla Cross GR-Sport, Toyota confirmed that the black front grille will remain in this variant, along with the GR-S insert.
The Japanese automaker also confirmed that it will be fitted with 18-inch GR-S-branded alloy wheels.
On the inside is where Toyota has spent the most time, updating several key aspects to set the latest GR-S Corolla Cross apart.
GR-Sport branding adorns the interior features, which include the special GR-Sport aluminium pedals and brand-new red GR-S seatbelts.
Pricing has not yet been revealed and is only expected to be announced closer to its official launch.
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