Toyota Australia has announced that it will be introducing a new sporty-looking variant of its smallest SUV, the Yaris Cross. Sitting likely atop the local Yaris Cross range, the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport ushers in a number of styling changes for a sportier look. The new model will join the LandCruiser and CH-R, which both have a GR Sport variant.
Mechanically, Toyota has retuned the suspension, which it says will “sharpen steering feel and response and reduce body roll”. The sole drivetrain option will be the existing automatic hybrid 2WD system, which pairs a three cylinder 1.5-litre engine with two electric motors, which together develop 85kW of power.
Externally, the GR Sport will be set apart by five spoke 18-inch alloy wheel with a machined finish, a unique grille design differentiated by a black mesh design and a rear diffuser.
The interior features front sports seats upholstered in a combination of suede-like material and synthetic leather with light grey stitching. The steering wheel also receives matching stitching. Silver inserts have been added to the cabin, in both the instruments panel and door panels. As with other GR Sport models, the interior features GR sport badging on the steering wheel and headrests. The interior changes of the new variant are rounded out aluminium accelerator and brake pedals.
Toyota haven’t released a full specification list for the GR Sport and have not said what existing variant the Yaris Cross GR Sport is based on, however it will feature standard Yaris Cross features such as a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, climate control and the full suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense safety kit.
The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport will be released in December of this year, with pricing and other specifications to be announced closer to the release date. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.