Alongside four other hot models, UMWT has also taken the covers off the Toyota Hilux GR Sport! Based off the highest-end Rogue model, this tarted-up Hilux features a tougher look, a GR-ified cabin, and suspension enhancements too.

Prices for the Hilux GR Sport start from RM 159,148, making it the priciest of the range. Below are the prices of all Hilux variants in Malaysia:

Exterior: Tougher, smoother look

Oooh this will be popular: the Hilux trades its regular bumper for a blocky one that ups the ante a bit. Its grille is bolder too – and now this spells out T O Y O T A in proud, block letters, just like as it is on the revered Tacoma.

Note too that the overfenders have been smoothened over, now body colour instead of the contrasting black that's on regular variants of the pick-up. Other enhancements include a shiny black rear bumper, graphics, and of course, GR badging.

Oh, yeah there's new wheels too. There's dark, dual-tone 18-inch wheels, and when you look closely behind them there's red brake calipers too. Three body colour choices are available: Super White II, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.

Interior: New upholstery, new colours

Sporting ambitions continue inside, with the interior benefitting from black leather seats and GR Sport branding throughout. GR badging are present on them; and so are they on the mats, steering wheel (which feature paddle shifters, first time in a Hilux), and push start button too.

The red treatment extends to the instrument cluster and digital screens too – upon ignition, a GR logo will turn up. As far as the feature set itself goes – Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, creature comforts – those remain in place as before.

Performance: Same output, better suspension

What sets it apart is the performance tweaks. Yes, the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel is the same (equal 204 PS/500 Nm outputs as the Rogue), and so remains the 6-speed automatic transmission, but you'll be mistaken to assume the same for the suspension.

On that front, it's been treated to some upgrades. There's upgraded monotube shock absorbers that's claimed to improve the overall handling and stability of the pickup.

Features: TSS, large towing capacity

Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) active safety array is available on the model. These include: 

• Pre-collision system (PCS)
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM, optional)

Pricing and availablity

The Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is available for viewing in GR Garages and GR-S showrooms (not all of them sell the model, so please tick the appropriate filter here) starting tomorrow. Warranty coverage for all variants of the Hilux stand at five years/150,000 km.