Toyota will launch a mildly sporty version of the hugely popular Yaris Cross hybrid crossover later this year, although anyone expecting an SUV-shaped version of the tearaway GR Yaris might be disappointed...
No engine tweaks
That's because the Yaris Cross GR Sport won't get any engine tweaks, nor any extra power and will stick with the same standard 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid engine as the rest of the line-up. However, it will be given tweaked and tuned suspension that is claimed to give it a sportier driving setup, as well as improved steering response and feel.
On the outside, the new Yaris GR Sport gets 18-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels with a machined finish, as well as a new rear diffuser and front grille with an exclusive "hot stamp" piano black mesh pattern. You'll spot some subtle GR badging too, to emphasise the connection with Toyota's Gazoo Racing motorsport division.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport will also get a special colour choice, an off-white called Dynamic Grey that can be optionally paired with a contrast black roof.
Lots of GR badges
Inside, the seats get a new grey upholstery material that comes with contrast red stitching, and that stitching is repeated on the steering wheel and gear lever. Optionally, you can have black perforated 'Ultrasuede' seats with GR branding.
Speaking of which, that red-and-black GR badge is liberally sprinkled about inside. You'll find it on the front headrests, the starter button, in the instrument panel and on steering wheel. Plus, you get some nice, brushed metal trim, too. The Yaris Cross GR Sport also comes with the updated Toyota infotainment system, which is a massive improvement on what went before.
'Performance has been sharpened'
Toyota hasn't said exactly how it has changed the Yaris Cross's suspension to make it sportier, but it does say that: "performance has been sharpened with retuning of the suspension, giving the driver better steering, roll and grip feel." Hopefully, it won't be made too stiff and unyielding, but the similarly specified Corolla GR Sport wasn't ruined by its upgrades, so there's hope.
The rest of the Yaris Cross is unchanged, so you get the same useful 397-litre boot, and the same 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and rear privacy glass. The GR Sport is also equipped with the Toyota T-Mate package of advanced active safety and driver assistance features.
You'll be able to order a Yaris Cross GR Sport by the end of this year, for first deliveries in early 2023, and Irish retail pricing is projected to start at €36,830.