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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport
Proudly South African
Toyota’s Corolla Cross is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market. And surprisingly affordable. Thanks to being made in Mzansi. We spent some time in the most attractive GR-S version.
With an aggressive gloss-black front grille, bold black 18inch wheels and a couple of other design elements, including the red GR-S badges, this Corolla Cross looks the part. Inside as well, with those cool black leather seats, embossed with GR-S badges and red stitching everywhere. But the modifications to the standard model are not barely cosmetic. The suspension was tuned, with ‘more stability during extreme cornering’. I can confirm this, after a brisk Clarence Drive run. New shock absorbers and revised coil springs, as well as a recalibrated power steering setup are giving the GR-S a more solid road feel.
As with all GR-Sport variants launched so far, the motor is untouched. Still fitted with Toyota’s naturally aspirated 1.8-l. 4cyl petrol engine. At the beginning of 2023 a GR-Sport Hybrid was added to the line-up.
The GR (Gazoo Racing) product hierarchy has four stages. The first one is GR parts (not available in SA yet), which allows customners to enhance their normal models with GR looks. Next up is GR-Sport (short GR-S), with cosmetic and dynamic handling upgrades. Apart from the Corolla Cross, there are also GR-S versions of the Hilux and Land Cruiser 300. The third stage is reserved for proper GR performance models, like the GR86, GR Yaris and GR Supra. The last but not least stage is GRMN, representing the top level of performance tuning.
When the Corolla Cross was launched in November 2012, I had a good feeling about it’s success. And the SUV version of the world’s best-selling vehicle did not disappoint. Locally produced in the Toyota plant in KwaZulu/Natal, it proved to be extremely popular. And the Cross was even elected ‘2022 South African Car of the Year’.
I took it on an extensive road trip into the Karoo. On some untarred routes as well. Such as Swartberg Pass and - thanks to some heavy downpours -a very rugged Montagu Pass. The Cross managed impressively. Even without all-wheel drive. Although a Hilux GR-S 4x4 would have been even more fun.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has seven pre-programmed steps, simulating the feel of a manual shifting box. I am not a fan of CVT auto boxes, but this one was in fact much less annoying than most others.
Conclusion: It’ll be difficult to find a more attractive and affordable crossover than the ‘proudly-made-in-South Africa’ Corolla Cross GR-Sport.
Engine: 1.8-l, 4 cyl., naturally aspirated petrol, paired with a CVT box, driving the front axle
Power: 103kW & 172Nm
Top speed: 160km/h
Price: R466 800 (GR-S Hybrid R495 200)
The GR-S comes in three colours: Arizona Red, Chromium Silver & Glacier White.
www.toyota.co.za
