Up close with the Thai-spec Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport, will UMWT bring this in?

Following its debut in Taiwan, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport’s (GR-S) next stop is Thailand. The Kingdom is also the market that debuted Toyota’s crossover bearing the long-running Corolla name.

Ever since its launch, the Corolla Cross has been topping the sales chart in its segment in Thailand with 27,794 units sold. The hybrid version of the Corolla Cross is also among the most popular hybrid SUVs in the country and it is that variant that is given the GR Sport treatment in Thailand.

Officially launched at the 38th Thailand Motor Expo (TME), the Corolla Cross GR-S features a few enhancements besides a different front grille. We’ll check out what else is extra on the sporty variant of the popular SUV courtesy of our colleagues at AutoFun Thailand.

Also read: Thailand continues getting the good stuff in the shape of the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport

Of course, we’ll begin this with the grille, a standout topic even on a model that doesn’t bear a blue and white roundel. The Corolla Cross GR-S’ grille is redesigned to give it a more macho look, resembling its larger SUV brethren.

With the GR-S, the Corolla Cross now features three different front designs which consist of the Japanese-spec/China-only Frontlander and the global market Corolla Cross.

Also read: Priced equivalent to RM 87k onwards, Toyota Frontlander and twin Toyota Corolla Cross makes Chinese debut

Aside from the front grille, the Corolla Cross GR-S gets redesigned front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and 18-inch GR style alloy wheels.

A GR-S isn’t really complete without a generous helping of GR badges and if the badges on the outside aren’t noticeable enough, there are more inside. The GR logo is embossed into the front seats’ headrests and is also placed on the stop-start button and the floor mats.

Also read: Thais' 2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport rocks Land Cruiser grille, better suspension and more kit!

The interior is also swathed in piano black leather upholstery, further enhancing the sporty nature of the Corolla Cross GR-S.

However, the enhancements aren’t restricted to dress-up. Just like the Vios GR-S, the Corolla Cross GR-S features a newly-tuned suspension that is exclusive to this variant. Toyota claims that the updated suspension set-up gives excellent grip and better confidence around the corners.

Also read: Review: 2020 Toyota Vios GR-Sport - The ride and handling champ in class

In spite of the updated suspension, underneath, the Corolla Cross GR-S is still powered by the same petrol-electric Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine (98 PS/142 Nm) as its hybrid counterpart. That engine is paired with an electric motor that delivers an additional 72 PS and 163 Nm.

Also read: Estimated prices for Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia announced: RM 137k, now open for booking

Combined, the engine and electric motor produce up to 122 PS which is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.

Safety features are also similar to the ones on the hybrid variant with lane departure alert with steering assist, Pre-Collision System, and automatic high beam being standard.

One additional safety feature is the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Lane Tracing Assist which is an enhanced version of DRCC that can reduce the speed to 0 km/h and increase back up to the set level when the lane is clear from traffic.

Also read: Your ACC can't work well in tunnels - and it's not because your car is cheap

The Corolla Cross GR-S is available in three colours – Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica. The first two colours are available with a black roof, further increasing the sporty vibe.

Prices for the Corolla Cross GR-S start from THB 1,249,000 (~RM 156,000) which is THB 50,000 (~RM 6,200) more than the previous top variant, the Corolla Cross HEV Premium Safety.

Also read: Thais celebrate Toyota Corolla Cross' success with Modellista kit; something Malaysians want too?

Do you like the looks of the Corolla Cross GR-S? For now, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has not said anything about the arrival of the Corolla Cross GR-S in Malaysia but we are anticipating the launch of the locally-assembled (CKD) Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Also read: More features for less - Toyota Corolla Cross CKD, hybrid specs confirmed