2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport revealed for Europe – revised suspension, sporty design cues, 1.5L hybrid engine
Toyota has introduced a new GR Sport variant of the Yaris Cross in Europe, which benefits from minor styling and performance tweaks, while keeping the same hybrid powertrain as the regular model. This small crossover version was launched in Japan in July this year.
As such, it is still a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, e-CVT transmission and electric motor for a total system capacity of 116 hp (114 hp) and 120 lb-ft of torque. Nm – setup is front-wheel drive.
In the GR Sport guise, 2022 Urban car of the year in the world distinguished by newly machined 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. Elsewhere, the front grille gets an exclusive “hot stamp” piano black mesh pattern, the rear gets a new diffuser and gets a bunch of GR badging.
The new Dynamic Gray is the signature color of the GR Sport, which can be ordered as a two-tone option with contrasting black roof and pillars. Inside, the front sport seats get new gray upholstery with red stitching – also applied to the steering wheel and gearshift lever – but customers can opt for the premium GR Sport black perforated Ultrasuede seats with leather splint and red stitches.
In terms of dynamic handling, the Yaris Cross GR Sport has been improved by a retuned suspension that the automaker says offers enhanced steering, rolling and traction.
Toyota positions the GR Sport variant alongside the Elegant and Adventure are premium offerings, so the standard kit list includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, rear privacy glass and the Toyota T-Mate package.
Pre-sale of the new Yaris Cross GR Sport in Europe will begin in the third quarter of 2022. The crossover has been a huge hit among buyers in the region since it went on sale last year and in the first half of the year. Today, 77,000 units have been sold. This represents 7.7% of the market share of the competitive B-SUV segment and represents 48% of the Yaris model family.
