Toyota continues to integrate its Gazoo Racing sub-brand in its model lineup as it looks to build up the famed motorsport division’s nameplate. The latest vehicle to get the Gazoo Racing treatment – or, to the point, be decked out in GR-Sport trim – is the locally-produced Corolla Cross; we drove it at the local launch in the Western Cape.
What is a Corolla Cross GR-S?
The GR-S focuses on enhancing the appearance of the Corolla Cross and encompasses minor handling improvements.
It’s not always easy to understand the tier system that Toyota employs for trim grades on its vehicles and, specifically, where Gazoo Racing-infused derivatives are concerned. Still, the same can be said for the likes of BMW with M Performance, M Sport and M (models). GR Sport (GR-S) encompasses merely cosmetic upgrades to the exterior, with a few minor handling improvements made to the likes of the suspension and steering. The GR-S in the Land Cruiser 300 line-up has a slight off-road upgrade (if you are wondering how it fits in there). GR models, such as the GR Yaris, get performance and handling upgrades and finally, GRMN models are the pinnacle products of the Gazoo Racing brand.
With that out of the way, you may have figured that the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S has a fancy body kit and some handling upgrades, but no performance enhancements. In terms of standard spec, the GR-S is based on the top-spec XR, but it is adorned with a new gloss black grille and GR badging. The gloss black theme flows through to the side mirrors, rear spoiler and roof rails. The overall look is decidedly sporty and the GR-S can be easily distinguished from its siblings.
The GR-S is only available in 3 exterior colours: Red, Silver and White and exclusively available with a 1.8-litre petrol motor mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It produces peak outputs of 103 kW/172 Nm, is said to achieve a top speed of 185 kph (for what that’s worth) and has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L/100 km (for a theoretical full-tank range of 691 km). The Corolla Cross GR-S is not available in hybrid guise.
What handling changes have been made to the GR-S?
The suspension and steering setups have been adjusted to deliver a sportier driving experience.
The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S benefits from new shock absorbers and revised coil springs that improve the handling without making the car’s ride quality overly firm. The power steering module is tuned to provide better response and feedback.
Our short drive on a coastal road didn’t allow us to get a proper feel for the upgrades, but I certainly noticed the improved steering. The steering wheel’s action has more weight to it and the direction of the front wheels seems to change a little faster when you steer away from the centre. The suspension upgrades do add a little more firmness to the ride, but without detracting from the on-road refinement that we’ve come to appreciate of vehicles based on the TNGA-C platform.
We’ll be able to give it a bit more of a thorough evaluation when we get a test unit shortly.
Any special GR-S bits inside?
Red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear lever complement the red insert across the dash.
There are a few subtle changes to the interior of the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S. The leather seats get a large GR logo embossed in the headrests, while red stitching features around their seams to intensify the sporty look and feel of the GR-S.
The multifunction steering wheel also acquires red stitching at the seams as does the transmission lever’s boot. A red strip then runs the width of the cabin, highlighting the air vents at either end.
As with the top-spec XR, the GR-S benefits from Toyota’s Safety Sense, which incorporates adaptive cruise control, hill assist and the pre-collision system, along with the usual safety features such as ABS, traction control and stability control.
For a full list of specifications, check out our New Car Specs page here
Pricing and after-sales
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S sits just below the top hybrid derivative – the 1.8 Hybrid XR – in the current model lineup (September 2022). It is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 6-services/90 000 km service plan.
| Corolla Cross 1.8i GR-S | R453 200 |
Summary
The additions on the GR-S don’t command a hefty premium.
The Corolla Cross GR-S commands a R15k premium over the XR derivative it’s based on. It doesn’t seem “all that much” considering the design enhancements and handling improvements that the newcomer offers. Whether the upgrades are necessary on a family SUV is up to the buyer to decide, but they don’t have any real negative effect on the driving experience, so if the design is to your liking then it’s probably still one of SA’s best buys at this end of the market.
