Toyota Yaris Cross gains GR Sport trim (gallery)

Toyota has extended its GR Sport trim level to the Yaris Cross compact SUV.

Dealers will be able to take orders for the new model in Q3.

Inspired by the multi-world championship-winning achievements of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR Sport derivative features exclusive exterior and interior styling elements and retuned suspension.

The trim level is already offered on Corolla, C-HR and Yaris models and builds on the success of Toyota's GR models. Such is the popularity of these performance-focussed derivatives, Toyota GB’s entire allocation of the new GR86 coupe sold out within 90 minutes of the car being offered for sale online.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport is fitted with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a bright machined finish. There’s also a rear diffuser and new front grille with an exclusive gloss black mesh pattern and discreet GR badging. A new Ash Grey finish is the GR Sport’s signature colour, available as a bi-tone option with a contrast black roof and pillars. Scorched Orange is also exclusive to the new model.

In the cabin, the front sports seats have new black Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching; similar bright stitchwork is featured on the steering wheel and shift lever. The GR logo is prominently featured, on the front head rests, carpet mats, starter button, combimeter and steering wheel, and there are GR Sport-specific gunmetal silver trim inserts in the doors and instrument panel.

As a high grade model, positioned alongside the Yaris Cross Excel, the Yaris Cross GR Sport has a high-level of standard equipment, including nine-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration and cloud-based navigation. Other equipment highlights include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and rear privacy glass.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport is powered by Toyota’s three-cylinder 1.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force engine, serving up 116PS. CO2 and fuel economy performance of the Yaris Cross GR Sport is targeted to be on par with the Yaris Cross Excel model.

Since its launch in 2021, the Yaris Cross has achieved sales of more than 77,000 units in the first half of 2022 to secure a B-SUV segment share of 7.7%. It now accounts for 48% of Yaris sales.