Taiwan gets the snazzy Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport

KUALA LUMPUR: Last month, we saw the GR Sport versions of the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux introduced in the Thai market, and now the Corolla Cross is getting the same kind of treatment. Toyota unleashed the Corolla Cross GR Sport in Taiwan where the compact SUV is much popular among the auto-enthusiasts. The new version offers dynamic driving with a more sporty design and control experience. Let’s know it in detail.

On the exterior, the SUV gets an exclusive appearance kit with a new blacked-out mesh grille and a black horizontal trim behind the brand’s logo. The bumper boasts a unique low-center-of-gravity design that makes the front fascia more domineering and neat. There are also 3D bright silver guards positioned at the bottom of the front, side, and rear for the off-roading stance.

Other significant inclusions are:

• Fog lamps placed within blacked-out trim pieces
• Blackened LED light strip tail lights
• Dual-tone 18-inch alloys
• Dazzling two-tone roof with a sports roof rack 
• GR badge at the rear

Just like the sporty exterior style, the cabin also looks lively and stylish with the GR Sport enhancements. These include a GR graphic on the infotainment unit and a GR badge on the headrests of black leather seats. The push-start button is also equipped with a GR logo to ignite the driver's passion with each departure.

As for the enhanced driving experience, Toyota added a sports suspension system to the kit that significantly reduces roll and results in better handling and stability. The underbody also gets aluminium alloy bracing for better torsional rigidity. Also part of the kit is a sports-tuned EPS electronic steering assist system, which not only offers better feedback from the steering wheel but also makes it easier for drivers to enjoy driving pleasure. 

Toyota offers the Corolla Cross GR Sport with two engine options - a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine churning out 140 hp and a hybrid system with the same engine and an electric motor generating a total system output of 122 hp. The former is mated to a Super CVT-i gearbox while the latter has an E-CVT unit.

As for safety, the Corolla Cross GR Sport specs sheet includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Lastly, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport price, the petrol trim is priced at TWD 875,000 (RM 131,098), while for the hybrid version, one needs to shell out TWD 945,000 (RM 141,607).

Also read: UMW Toyota to bring exciting sales promos in coming months