The Toyota Corolla Cross is a popular compact crossover SUV that has been winning the hearts of consumers since its launch in 2020. With its stylish design, practical features, and impressive performance, the Corolla Cross has become a favorite among drivers who seek an affordable and reliable vehicle that can handle any situation.
Toyota has now taken the Corolla Cross to the next level with the introduction of the GR-S Hybrid model, which promises to offer even more excitement and driving pleasure. The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is the latest addition to the GR Sport family and brings together the best of both worlds – the refinement and fuel efficiency of Toyota’s hybrid technology and the sporty performance of the GR-S package.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid Exterior Design
The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid stands out with its bold and aggressive styling. The exterior features a bespoke package that includes a revised front grille design finished in gloss black, a gloss black lower apron with the signature GR Mesh, and vertical air ducts that incorporate compact fog lamp units. The strong horizontal cross bar and large Toyota insignia give the front of the vehicle a confident and powerful look.
The black exterior mirrors paired with a black roof and black roof rails add a sporty bi-tone design to the car. The rear of the Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is equally impressive, with a black roof spoiler, black tailgate trim, and blacked-out rear diffuser. The package is completed with a GR badge affixed to the rear.
Three exterior colors are offered, which match the GR brand colors: Arizona Red Bi-Tone, Chromium Silver Bi-Tone, and Glacier White Bi-Tone.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid Interior Design
The interior of the Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is equally impressive, with a stylish black leather trim throughout and GR embossing on the front headrests. Red contrast stitching and red perforation add a touch of flair, while the red accent stripe on the instrument panel and piano black surface detailing create a sporty and dynamic atmosphere.
The chunky 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching and piano black inserts provides a comfortable grip and enhances the driving experience. The elegant simplicity and superb ergonomics of the Corolla Cross cabin are retained, while adding a dose of GR-inspired flair.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid Ride & Handling
The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid boasts under-the-skin changes that include new shock absorbers and revised coil springs, supplemented by a new brushless-motor power steering module (EPS) to deliver more responsive handling, steering wheel feedback, and cornering prowess.
The unique 18″ black alloy wheels shod with 225/50R18 tires provide excellent grip and stability on the road, while the hybrid powertrain delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. With a total system output of 90 kW, the electric motor offers up to 53 kW and 163 Nm, delivering impressive fuel efficiency of 4.3 l/100 km on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 98 g/km.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid Engine & Drivetrain
The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid powertrain features the proven 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine, coupled with a CVT transmission with seven pre-programmed ‘steps’ and a ‘manual’ mode. The hybrid system offers a total system output of 90 kW, with the electric motor offering up to 53 kW and 163 Nm, resulting in impressive fuel efficiency of 4.3 l/100 km on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 98 g/km.
| Model | Enhancements |
|---|---|
| Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid |
|
| Xi & Xs models |
|
Specification & Features
Using the Xr grade as a base, the Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid comes with a substantial standard specification, including keyless entry, power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors, all-round one-touch power windows, LED lighting units, cruise control, TFT Multi-Information Display (MID), dual-zone climate control, reverse camera, Park Distance Control (PDC), rain-sensing wipers, LED interior illumination, and a touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto and USB.
In terms of safety and security, the Corolla Cross GR-S is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which offers a full suite of active safety aids, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Trace Assist (LTA), and Pre-Collision System (PCS). These are joined by the obligatory ABS, VSC, EBD, Hill Assist Control (HAC), and Brake Assist systems, as well as passive safety aids such as ISOFIX and a full airbag array.
| Model | Price | Service Plan | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi CVT | R 381 200 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XS CVT | R 414 300 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty |
| Corolla Cross1.8 XR CVT | R 451 300 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XS HEV | R 442 800 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 8-year/195 000 km warranty on Hybrid battery |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV | R 480 200 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 8-year/195 000 km warranty on Hybrid battery |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 CVT GR-S | R 466 800 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-S | R 495 200 | 6-services/90 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) | 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 8-year/195 000 km warranty on Hybrid battery |
Specification Changes & Enhancements
In line with customer feedback, the convenience specification on the Xi and Xs models (both Petrol and Hybrid variants) has been increased. Xi models receive an upgrade to LED headlamps (previously Halogen), while Hybrid models get blue headlamp inserts that convey their hybrid credentials. Interior changes include a touchscreen 8-inch display audio system with six speakers and a revised speedometer design for Xi models. Xs models now come with a front armrest added with cup holder functionality.
Model Line-up & Pricing
The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is part of a model line-up that includes the Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi CVT, Corolla Cross 1.8 XS CVT, Corolla Cross 1.8 XR CVT, Corolla Cross 1.8 XS HEV, Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV, Corolla Cross 1.8 CVT GR-S, and Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-S. The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is priced at R 495,200, making it the most expensive model in the line-up.
Peace of Mind
All Corolla Cross models come with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. The Hybrid battery carries an 8-year/195 000 km warranty provision. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets).
Connectivity
All Toyota models come equipped with Toyota Connect, including a complimentary 15 Gb in-car Wi-Fi allocation, vehicle status information, and enhanced user features via the MyToyota app.
Conclusion
The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is an impressive addition to the Corolla Cross line-up, offering a unique combination of sporty performance and fuel efficiency. With its bold styling, refined interior, and advanced features, the Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is sure to attract a wide range of customers who seek a practical and exciting crossover SUV.
| Connectivity | Features |
|---|---|
| Toyota Connect |
|