Sporty SUV unleashed
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) portfolio is being expanded with the arrival of Corolla Cross GR Sport, “a vehicle that’s as fun to drive as it is practical for everyday life”.
It represents a step-up in dynamic performance, tuned by the same development drivers responsible for the likes of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.
At this GR’s heart is an enhancement in body rigidity. Engineers have added a rear bumper reinforcement to the lower back of the chassis. This minimises unwanted body flex and twisting during cornering.
The front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone suspension system have undergone bespoke tuning. This optimisation, including its GR-tuned electronic power steering, sharpens response and handling stability without sacrificing ride quality.
The vehicle now offers an elevated balance, responding to the motorist's inputs with agility and precision while absorbing bumpy roads.
The GR Sport features firmer front-lower arm bushing, shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs, retuned springs and a 10mm lower centre of gravity.
Engaging hybrid power
The refreshed Corolla Cross features a two-litre Dynamic Force hybrid powertrain across all grades. This system combines a high-efficiency petrol engine with a powerful electric motor for performance and fuel economy.
To unlock the full potential of this powertrain, the GR Sport is equipped with a unique sport mode. It maintains a higher engine RPM and maximises the electric motor’s delivery for fast acceleration response.
When the driver lifts off the throttle, sport mode automatically enhances deceleration to achieve a sportier braking feel and increased control. Snow extra mode is also included on the GR Sport version.
It’s the only grade in the line-up available with all-wheel-drive E-Four for enhanced traction and confidence across varied conditions. Paired with a six-speed sequential Shiftmatic and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, drivers can enjoy a “manual-like shifting experience”.
Outside and inside
Performance enhancements are mirrored in the Corolla Cross GR Sport’s “aggressive” design. The exterior styling is a statement of its dynamic capabilities. The unique front bumper and sporty GR matrix grille are flanked by bi-beam LED headlamps.
The SUV’s side profile is dominated by exclusive 19-inch alloys with a dark-grey metallic and machined finish. They have Yokohama Advan Fleva 225/45R19 rubber.
Further features include blacked-out exterior accents, including mirror caps and window mouldings, along with GR Sport badging front and rear. The red-painted brake callipers feature the GR logo.
The cabin is a driver-focused cockpit. Heavily bolstered front seats provide support. There is a leather-wrapped three-spoke GR steering wheel with paddle shift, aluminium sport pedals, and gun-metal accents and red-stitching details throughout.
Monotone finishes include frosted white, shadow platinum, ash, ink and emotional red. Two-tone options pair ebony with red or white, while an ebony-ash combination is reserved for the GR Sport grade.
Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ’s chief strategic officer, says: “This vehicle takes on the GR philosophy of building ever-better cars. It takes everything our customers love about the Corolla Cross – its versatility, advanced safety and hybrid efficiency, and elevates it with a genuine dose of TGR.
“As our engineers learn more about enhancement and tuning, we can broaden the range of models that benefit from GR development.”
