After I wrote up my listing of recent Toyota GR Sport mannequin predictions, I certain as hell didn’t have the Yaris Cross scoring the therapy earlier than, say, the Corolla hatch, or the HiLux ute.
In truth, when Toyota introduced it was including a Yaris Cross GR Sport Hybrid to its vary, I nearly spat my espresso throughout the room.
It appeared so incongruous to me – that is an city SUV that’s not sporty. It wasn’t presupposed to be sporty. It wasn’t making an attempt to be sporty. And, I believed, it didn’t want a sporty model to reinforce its attraction.
However then once more, I didn’t see the GR Yaris sizzling hatch being nearly as good because it was, nor as in demand because it has been. And, whereas absolutely it’s vital to stipulate that GR Sport is a distinctly completely different provide to a full-fat GR product, possibly there’s extra to this oh-so-Japanese ‘Gazoo Racing’ model than meets the attention.
So right here we’re, with the GR Sport model of the Yaris Cross, which scores retuned suspension, exterior badging, new inside trim bits and a mid-range worth level. All the main points are beneath.
For the document, I didn’t truly write an inventory of GR Sport mannequin predictions – I’m not that huge of a loser.
How a lot does the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid value?
The Yaris Cross vary was already broad, and the addition of the GR Sport 2WD Hybrid mannequin may truly appear a bit complicated.
It doesn’t actually have a spot to suit comfortably, although Toyota managed to squeeze it in simply above the City 2WD Hybrid grade.
2023 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing:
Yaris Cross GX
- 2WD Petrol: $26,990
- 2WD Hybrid: $28,990
- AWD Hybrid: $31,990
Yaris Cross GXL
- 2WD Petrol: $29,990
- 2WD Hybrid: $31,990
- AWD Hybrid: $34,990
Yaris Cross GR Sport
- 2WD Hybrid: $35,840 (NEW)
Yaris Cross City
- 2WD Petrol: $32,990
- 2WD Hybrid: $34,990
- AWD Hybrid: $37,990
Costs exclude on-road prices
Does it have any rivals? Not likely, except you have a look at its in-house rival, the C-HR GR Sport Hybrid ($37,665), which is technically the subsequent measurement up, being classed as a small SUV relatively than a lightweight SUV just like the Yaris Cross.
Not hybrid, however like-minded sporty-ish compact crossover rivals embrace the Ford Puma ST-Line and ST-Line V, Kia Stonic GT-Line and Renault Captur R.S. Line.
What’s the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid like on the within?
There are some good bits, such because the GR-embossed entrance seats with faux suede and faux leather-based. They’re comfortable and supportive, and the very fact the trim continues in lashings throughout the again seat is good, too.
There’s a ‘sports activities’ steering wheel with leather-based bits, which additionally scores GR badging, although the controls could be a little tough to get used to.
The cabin doesn’t really feel in any other case sporty. In truth, it in any other case feels a bit drab.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen media system is sufficient; and I like that it has very grabbable dials and buttons, as does the local weather management system beneath.
However the display show measurement is small by present requirements, and whereas I respect the notion of a surround-view digital camera, the pixelated view you get is fairly lacklustre. For what it’s price, the Chinese language manufacturers have largely nailed the digital camera high quality conundrum.
At the least the display has satellite tv for pc navigation, AM/FM and DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired) and there’s a second USB port (1x USB-C, 1x USB-A) within the dashboard – which different variations miss out on.
Opinions are divided on the digital instrument cluster format, which incorporates two small digital dials, and a center, 4.2 inch show.
A part of me thinks that it’s a novel method to the design, however one other a part of me thinks it seems previous already – particularly when so many manufacturers are shifting in the direction of digital instrument panels as normal, even in low cost fashions. At the least it’s very simple to see all the pieces at a look.
There are a number of open storage caddies which, if a bit concerning the improvement technique of vehicles, is a transparent indication of value financial savings – as a result of lids and the mechanisms they require, effectively, cash.
That is likely to be okay for you in case you’re within the “lids simply get in the best way and waste my time anyway!” crowd, however when it comes on the expense of a centre console and armrest and means there’s solely the glovebox or the boot for “out of sight” storage, then it’s a bit annoying.
There are many storage bins although – a pair between the entrance seats, giant door cubbies, and a receptacle on the dashtop close to the display.
Within the again there are bottle holders within the doorways, a map pocket, and entry to a cup holder in the back of the part between the entrance seats.
Plus, in case you decrease the center part of the again seat (it’s a 40:20:40 association) then you’ve got entry to a pair of cup holders, or you possibly can use it as a ski port in case you be sure to safe no matter is holstered there.
Passenger area is sweet for a automotive on this class. I may sit behind my very own driving place (I’m 182cm) and there was sufficient foot, knee and headroom for me to be comfortable. Three adults my measurement throughout the again received’t be a goer, and nor would three little one seats.
Not that you simply’d need to attempt to hitch three child seats within the again, not to mention get three youngsters within the automotive. As is a typical subject with the present technology of Toyota fashions, the rear doorways don’t open very broad, so loading something that isn’t your self into the again seat could be a little bit of a activity.
Relaxation assured there are ISOFIX factors within the window seats, and a trio of top-tether hooks as effectively.
Simply word, although, that there are not any rear directional air vents, and there’s no USB charging current within the again, both. The window line additionally takes upwards fairly sharply, and the darkish headlining does make it really feel much more claustrophobic – some youngsters received’t prefer it right here.
The boot is fairly intelligent, too. It has a dual-floor setup which means you may have a flat load-in lip (and flat load-through over the again seats when folded) however much less storage, or a much bigger cavity that you must drop stuff into over the again ledge.
The boot capability in max mode to the “parcel shelf” is 390 litres. The inverted commas there are as a result of the shelf can be as helpful as placing anvil in a bowl of jelly.
There’s additionally a space-saver spare wheel within the boot, below the second layer flooring.
What’s below the bonnet?
The Yaris Cross GR Sport comes with the hybrid powertrain. You possibly can’t get it as a petrol-only mannequin.
Which means it runs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine teamed as much as a pair of entrance motor mills and a battery pack, all of which work collectively for a mixed 85kW of energy, in line with Toyota. There isn’t a mixed torque determine acknowledged, however the engine is outwardly rated to 120Nm.
So, there is no such thing as a energy bump for the GR Sport, and Yaris Cross Hybrid fashions use a CVT (constantly variable transmission) computerized.
This spec is front-wheel drive solely – there are all-wheel-drive hybrid fashions out there if that’s what you like, you simply received’t get it with GR bits.
How does the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid drive?
My companion usually drives the vehicles I’ve to check, and I actually worth her “I’m not a motoring journalist” opinion.
And it’s truthful to say, she didn’t suppose this automotive was sporty in any method, form, or type. So… possibly these GR bits actually are a waste of time.
She stated she completely will get that it’s making an attempt to be sporty, however that it would attraction extra to those that discover aqua aerobics, garden bowls, or hardcore climbing on paved paths along with your strolling sticks to be sporty endeavours.
Suffice to say, she didn’t prefer it – and I didn’t suppose it justified being brandished with the GR badge, both.
The modifications to the chassis is likely to be important: lowered (10mm) retuned suspension “that improves dealing with and sharpens the steering response and really feel”, in addition to a certain stopper being added to “management physique roll and enhance journey consolation”, to not point out further bracing entrance and rear – however they may have been more practical if the model had additionally upgraded the tyres.
The sporty 18-inch rims are shod with uninspiring Falken Azenis 215/50/18 rubber – tyres that aren’t going to be talked about in the identical breath as a Pilot Sport or P Zero. And albeit, after I gave this automotive a fang, I ran out of tyre expertise earlier than the chassis was able to cease.
Nevertheless it must be stated: the steering is likely to be a bit higher than the usual Yaris Cross (you’d need to drive them back-to-back to essentially get judgement on that), and likewise the suspension is likely to be just a little decrease and just a little extra desirous to hunker down, however I used to be left underwhelmed by the “GR-ness”.
It additionally felt extra uneasy at freeway speeds, with the physique shifting round a bit greater than some drivers might respect.
After which there’s the powertrain; which goes to be wonderful in case you simply desire a automotive to instrument round city, to the retailers and college, and never a lot else. As a result of a firecracker, it ain’t.
It makes a number of noise, emits a number of vibration and feels quite a bit like its out of puff once you ask a lot of this three-cylinder petrol-electric combine, however when you find yourself doing what I steered – simple going city driving – you’ll word how keen it’s to dip out and in of EV mode, and it’ll do this heaps.
Nevertheless it’s the ugliness with which it has to name on the three-pot and CVT to lurch again into life below exhausting throttle and serenade these within the cabin with its incessant gurgling that basically does make this automotive really feel a bit, effectively, improper.
A have a look at the tailgate badging symbolises the confusion of this automotive’s drive expertise.
What do you get?
As talked about, the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid slides in simply above the extra primo-focused City 2WD Hybrid grade on worth, but it surely truly builds its gear listing on the lower-spec GXL 2WD Hybrid.
Yaris Cross GR Sport highlights:
- 18-inch wheels in two-tone design
- Crimson brake calipers with GR logos (entrance)
- Distinctive entrance grille with black mesh
- Rear diffuser
- Black mirror caps
- GR badging
- Sport entrance seats
- Gray artificial leather-based, perforated black suede upholstery
- Mild gray stitching
- Aluminium pedals
- Gunmetal trim highlights
- GR logos on the headrests, steering wheel, and sensible keys
- Extra USB-C port within the sprint
- Nanoe2X air ioniser
That’s above the Yaris Cross GXL’s specification:
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- LED rear fog lamps
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Encompass-view digital camera
- 3-year subscription to Toyota Related Companies
- Digital devices
- Keyless entry, push-button begin
- Drive mode selector (Sport, Eco, Regular)
- 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats
- House-saver spare wheel
Color choices embrace the no-cost Ink Mica black hue, whilst you’ll pay $575 for Lunar Blue metallic, Frosted White crystal pearl, Gorgeous Silver metallic, and Atomic Rush purple.
Want the two-tone appear like you see right here? You possibly can pay $1350 to have it in Atomic Rush with black metallic, or Frosted White with Ink Mica.
Is the Toyota Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid protected?
For those who purchase every other model of the Yaris Cross, it comes with a five-star ANCAP security score. For some motive, ANCAP particularly states that GR Sport doesn’t get the identical top-notch security rating.
I requested ANCAP about this, and a spokesperson informed me that Toyota hasn’t put ahead the paperwork for it to be checked and assigned a score – so, no 5 star rating is probably going for this model.
Nonetheless, being primarily based on the GXL grade, there’s loads of great things safety-wise within the GR Sport, together with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a {surround} view digital camera system – none of which seem within the base GX.
All variations rating autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and bicycle owner detection, and there’s lane conserving help and adaptive cruise management with lane-centring tech, too.
The Yaris Cross is nifty in that it has a pair of entrance centre airbags to cease head-clashes within the occasion of a T-bone accident. There are additionally twin entrance, entrance facet and full-length curtain airbags, for a complete of eight.
How a lot does the Toyota Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid value to run?
As with all Toyota fashions, the Yaris Cross is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which may prolong out to seven years for the powertrain in case you preserve logbook servicing.
Purchase a hybrid model and have the automotive checked yearly at a Toyota dealership, you’ll stand up to 10 years of hybrid battery guarantee included (with battery well being checks achieved at each service).
Servicing is due each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, with the primary 5 companies capped at $250 every. Very inexpensive certainly.
However, you have to so as to add 100 bucks a yr or so to your funds if you’d like roadside help, which isn’t included for any Toyota mannequin.
Discuss flying within the face of custom. It was once that in case you purchased the sporty model of a automotive, it used like 15-20 per cent extra juice. Not any extra.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid has a stunningly low official mixed cycle gasoline consumption determine of simply 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
I noticed the journey pc dip effectively beneath that, hovering at 3.3L/100km over some 80km/h arterial highway touring on my take a look at loop. However total, after every week of driving in summer season warmth (temp low, fan excessive on the A/C) I noticed a return of 4.8L/100km.
For context, I additionally not too long ago drove the upgraded 1.8L hybrid four-cylinder within the Corolla Hatch, which was exhibiting 5.1L/100km pushed in very related circumstances, and it’s a significantly extra refined powertrain in almost each state of affairs.
For additional context, the AWD Yaris Cross hybrid fashions have official figures of 4.0L/100km, and the petrol front-wheel drive variations are comparative guzzlers, utilizing 5.4L/100km.
The petrol fashions have a 42-litre gasoline tank, whereas hybrid variations run a 36-litre tank. All can run on 91 RON common unleaded petrol, too.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport 2WD Hybrid
Possibly I must be working in Toyota’s product planning crew, as a result of I actually don’t suppose there ought to have been a GR Sport model of the Yaris Cross… not less than, not with this powertrain and never with the tyres which have been fitted.
It’s a fairly spectacular compact SUV in a number of ways in which matter – it’s effectively packaged, tremendous environment friendly, low cost to personal and run, protected, and fairly sensible trying – however the expectations for somebody who is aware of what GR is meant to be about, and buys into the concept of it, may not be met.
They definitely weren’t met for me.
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