YARIS CROSS GETS THE GR TREATMENT

Following on the heels of the C-HR, Toyota’s baby Yaris Cross SUV has been given
a GR Sport makeover.

Based on the Yaris Cross GXL 2WD hybrid, the GR Sport has received cosmetic
and suspension changes, but alas no more power.

It can be identified as a part of the GR family thanks to its newly designed black grille
with the distinctive ‘G’ mesh pattern found on other GR sports cars.

The same mesh pattern is applied to the rear bumper, with a sporty rear diffuser
featuring four vertically oriented aerodynamic fins.

Mechanical changes re confined to 10mm lowered sports suspension which Toyota
says improves handling and sharpens the steering response and feel.

Priced from $35,840, GR Sport sits between GXL and top of the range
Urban grades.

For the front suspension, engineers enhanced the spring constant and rigidity of the
lower control arm, while an exclusive bound stopper has been added for the first time
to control body roll and improve 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 greater steering response.

Additional chassis improvements include the adoption of an underfloor brace and a
second brace running along the lower rear of the vehicle connecting the cross
members, further stiffening the TNGA-B underpinnings.

GR Sport is powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain pairing a three-cylinder petrol
engine with a pair of motor generators on the front axle to produce a combined
system output of 85kW.

Combined fuel consumption stands at 3.8L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 86 grams
per km.

Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a twin-five-spoke design and bright machined finish
also help to differentiate GR Sport from the rest of the Yaris Cross range, housing
sporty red brake callipers complete with GR logos on the front brakes.

Exclusive tyres have also been fitted for improved dynamic performance.

Black mirror caps and GR badging front and rear complete the set of visual exterior
changes.

Inside, the GR Sport is immediately identified by unique seats featuring synthetic
leather on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery in the centre, with
contrast light grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The front seats have also been redesigned for a more dynamic look and greater
support.

GR logos adorn the headrests, steering wheel and smart keys, while aluminium
pedals provide a race-inspired look.

Ornamental gun metal trim highlights are applied to the shift knob, instrument panel
moulding and inner door trim, while suede-like material is also applied to the door
trim inserts.

Convenience is improved with the addition of an extra USB-C port in the dash, while
occupants are treated to clean, acclimatised air with the addition of the nanoe X air
ionisation technology which helps to inhibit unwanted pollutants and viruses from the
cabin.

Toyota’s Sean Hanley said the Yaris Cross GR Sport offers customers a sporty
aesthetic and a more dynamic focus on driving characteristics reaffirming Toyota’s
commitment to delivering ever better cars that are as exciting to drive as they look.

About Chris Riley

Chris Riley has been a journalist for 40 years. He has spent half of his career as a writer, editor and production editor in newspapers, the rest of the time driving and writing about cars both in print and online. His love affair with cars began as a teenager with the purchase of an old VW Beetle, followed by another Beetle and a string of other cars on which he has wasted too much time and money. A self-confessed geek, he’s not afraid to ask the hard questions - at the risk of sounding silly.
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