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Toyota Australia’s smallest SUV is set to gain a new GR Sport model grade later this year, with sporty visual touches and hybrid power.
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The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport has been confirmed for Australian showrooms in December this year, as the flagship model in Toyota’s smallest SUV range.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport will become the third Toyota in Australia to wear GR Sport branding – with GR short for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance-car division – following the C-HR small SUV and LandCruiser 300 Series four-wheel-drive (with a HiLux GR Sport to follow in 2023).
While cars such as the GR Yaris and GR Supra are fully-fledged performance cars, upgrades for GR Sport models are limited to the exterior, interior and mild tweaks under the skin, rather than any more power.
Due in showrooms this December, the GR Sport variant will be available solely in front-wheel-drive hybrid form. Prices are yet to be confirmed – the current Yaris Cross FWD hybrid range costs between $28,990 and $34,990 plus on-road costs.
Upgrades over the standard Yaris Cross include unique machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, a new (black) mesh front grille design, and a revised lower rear bumper.
Inside, highlights include grey synthetic leather and suede seat upholstery, light grey stitching on the steering wheel and seats, silver trim on the doors and instrument panel, aluminium pedal covers, and GR logos on the headrests, steering wheel and key fobs.
Mechanical changes are limited to retuned suspension claimed to “sharpen steering feel and response and reduce body roll”.
Power will come from the same petrol-electric hybrid system as regular Yaris Cross models, combining a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric system to develop 85kW combined.
It’s unclear where the Yaris Cross GR Sport will sit in the model range, however a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, climate-control air conditioning, Toyota Connected Services, and a suite of advanced safety aids will carry over from other models, it has been confirmed.
The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport is due in Australian showrooms in December 2022. Pricing and further details will be confirmed closer to launch.
Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.
Read more about Alex Misoyannis 
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