Hilux, Corolla Cross, and Corolla GR-S – The sporty side of practicality

Imagine stepping into a bustling Toyota showroom on a typical Malaysian Saturday afternoon. Families browse leisurely, children excitedly explore cars, and sales executives enthusiastically chat about the latest offers.

Yet, amidst this familiar scene, there’s something else catching everyone's attention—three strikingly sporty vehicles proudly displaying the GR-Sport badge: the rugged Hilux GR-S, the dynamic Corolla Cross GR-S, and the spirited Corolla GR-S.

These aren’t just cars; they’re invitations to a sportier, more thrilling driving experience, ready to redefine daily journeys across Malaysia’s diverse roads.

Toyota’s GR-Sport isn’t simply a trim—it's an accessible performance statement. Born from Toyota’s motorsport heritage, GR (Gazoo Racing) resonates with Malaysians’ enduring love for excitement, sporty aesthetics, and cars that stand out yet remain grounded in practicality.

The GR-S badge instantly conveys a certain swagger without alienating everyday usability.

What truly differentiates the GR-Sport models from their standard siblings is a philosophy deeply rooted in motorsport heritage. Malaysians are no strangers to racing culture, evident in our packed stands during Sepang’s racing weekends and the vibrant car culture in Sunway, Johor Bahru, and Penang.

Toyota taps into this passion, translating motorsport inspirations into everyday vehicles. It isn't mere decoration; it's authentic, functional, and emotionally resonant.

The GR-Sport models feature enhancements like retuned suspension systems, sharper handling dynamics, and distinctive visual cues—elements inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s track-focused vehicles.

Though subtle compared to full-fledged performance cars, these tweaks make a genuine difference. Toyota cleverly understands that Malaysians want the excitement of performance without sacrificing daily comfort or breaking budgets.

Crucially, Toyota’s GR-Sport appeals to a fresh, younger demographic—buyers eager to express individuality, style, and a taste for excitement but practical enough to require reliability and affordability. In a market historically dominated by conservative choices, the GR-S line-up injects personality without intimidation.

Toyota's genius lies in creating models that make performance accessible, relevant, and exciting for everyday Malaysians. GR-Sport isn't about blistering laps at Sepang International Circuit every weekend, but about capturing the spirit of motorsport and distilling it into your daily commute, your weekend adventures, your routine errands—adding colour, excitement, and character to each journey.

Consider a young executive, who has spent years comfortably driving a dependable but uninspiring sedan. The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S might speak directly to this individual—bold and expressive, yet practical enough for everyday commutes. It doesn’t overwhelm with excessive power or burdensome running costs; instead, it offers an inviting step into a more vibrant driving experience.

Imagine heading out on a weekend escape to Genting Highlands. As you tackle twisty uphill corners, the Corolla Cross GR-S, priced at RM148,800, reveals its true strengths.  performance chassis brace, and sport-tuned electric power steering (Sport ECU), the setup inspires confidence, turning every bend into an effortless dance.

Set on distinctive 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in grippy 225/50 Toyo tires, this SUV isn't focused solely on outright speed, but rather on delivering balanced and precise handling—every turn feels sharper, every corner tighter. Inside, the sporty black cabin with striking red stitching and GR-embossed leather seats enhances your connection to the drive, while the vibrant 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster vividly presents hybrid-specific information.

The Corolla Cross GR-S doesn't merely promise adventure; it actively involves you with every kilometre driven, reshaping expectations of what an SUV can deliver.

Imagine a successful entrepreneur, busy managing his bustling bakery. The Toyota Hilux GR-S not only provides unmatched durability for frequent deliveries throughout the Klang Valley but also elevates his business presence. With its sporty aesthetics, the Hilux GR-S projects a dynamic and energetic image perfectly aligned with her thriving brand, seamlessly combining utility with sophisticated style.

Now, envision yourself navigating through peak-hour Federal Highway traffic. While others grow frustrated behind their wheels, you remain comfortably poised in your Hilux GR-S, priced at RM169,080, enveloped in sporty yet luxurious comfort.

Beneath the bold, blacked-out grille and aggressive front bumper lies the proven power of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, confidently producing 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque. This power is smoothly managed by a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, uniquely featuring paddle shifters—a first for the Hilux.

Enhanced handling comes courtesy of monotube dampers and retuned coil springs, offering sharper dynamics. Striking 18-inch GR alloy wheels not only catch attention but also reinforce its sporty stance. Inside, the cabin impresses with premium leather-suede upholstery accented by distinctive red stitching, GR logos, and aluminium sports pedals. This isn't merely a work vehicle; it's a daily drive infused with motorsport charisma, performance credibility, and legendary Toyota reliability.

Imagine a fresh graduate who has just secured an impressive first job, driving a Corolla GR-S that perfectly captures youthful ambition. For this young professional, the car isn't merely transportation—it's an extension of their personality, aspirations, and vibrant energy. Whether parked at mamak stalls with friends or at social gatherings in Putrajaya, the GR-S badge naturally sparks conversations and forms new connections.

The Corolla GR-S also brings excitement to everyday commutes. Even the mundane Monday drive down the NKVE becomes spirited, thanks to enhanced driving dynamics delivered by its finely tuned suspension, optimized electric power steering, and responsive 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic CVT.

Precise steering and minimized body roll, thanks to retuned shock absorbers, firmer rear coil springs, and upgraded stabilizers, inject subtle yet tangible thrills into routine drives. Each journey transforms from an ordinary task into something genuinely anticipated.

Priced attractively at RM149,800, the Corolla GR-S combines thrilling performance with practical daily usability. Inside, sporty touches like the GR Sport Design leather and suede seats with distinctive red stitching, red seatbelts, smoked silver metallic trim, and exclusive GR badging on the steering wheel and start button make the cabin feel uniquely special.

Externally, the Corolla GR-S showcases its sporty personality through redesigned GR-specific bumpers, aerodynamic enhancements, darkened tail lamps, a boot lid spoiler, and eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 tyres. Whether you're off for a relaxed kopi session in SS15 or on late-night mamak runs in Bangsar, the Corolla GR-S adds an exhilarating dimension, ensuring every drive becomes memorable.

The Hilux, Corolla Cross, and Corolla GR-S aren't mere variations of popular models. They represent Toyota’s strategic shift towards excitement as a core identity. This sporty direction is more than an aesthetic upgrade; it's a meaningful evolution responding directly to Malaysian tastes.

Ultimately, Toyota's GR-S line-up does more than enhance cars—it reinvigorates driving itself, ensuring your daily journeys across Malaysia’s varied roads become experiences worth savouring.

Whether braving KL traffic, escaping to Cameron Highlands, or casually cruising along Penang’s coastal roads, each GR-S vehicle infuses the spirit of motorsport into ordinary life, making performance accessible, exciting, and relatable to all Malaysians.

Toyota GR-Sport: accessible excitement, genuine character, and a daily invitation to embrace a sportier, more vibrant drive. Because for Malaysians, driving isn't just transportation—it’s personal, passionate, and now more thrilling than ever.