Toyota South Africa Motors has expanded its Corolla Cross range with a 2nd GR-Sport derivative, this time boasting hybrid power. Here’s what it costs…

When the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport debuted in South Africa in September 2022, it was available only with the standard 1.8-litre petrol mill. But now a new hybrid version of the GR-Sport derivative has joined the line-up as part of a range-wide specification update.

Yes, Toyota South Africa Motors has launched the box-fresh Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-Sport – or GR-S, for short – variant, slotting the newcomer in at the very summit of the local range. As with all other derivatives in the Corolla Cross line-up, this hybrid GR-Sport version is produced at Toyota’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

As a reminder, while the standard naturally aspirated 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine makes 103 kW and 172 Nm, the hybrid powertrain combines an electric motor and a small battery with a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol mill. Total system power delivered to the front axle through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) stands at 90 kW, while Toyota opts not to list a combined torque figure (though the petrol engine peaks at 142 Nm and the electric motor at 163 Nm).

The GR-Sport’s cabin boasts leather upholstery with red stitching.

Priced from R495 200, the 1.8 Hybrid GR-Sport is most expensive Corolla Cross derivative yet, commanding a R15 000 premium over the 1.8 Hybrid XR. The new grade boasts the same lofty specifications as that model, along with various GR-Sport goodies, including specially tuned suspension and steering set-ups. Cosmetic upgrades again include black 18-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in the same 225/50 R18 rubber as used by XR models), a black roof, black side-mirror caps and a sportier treatment for the grille and front bumper.

There’s also a faux-diffuser round back as well a GR-Sport badge for the tailgate. As with the non-hybrid 1.8 GR-S, 3 exterior paint colours are on offer, each combined with a black roof: Glacier White, Arizona Red and Chromium Silver. Inside, you’ll find more GR-Sport badges, along with leather upholstery with red stitching (as opposed to partial leather offered on the XR), piano-black trim and model-specific treatment for the CVT shift lever and knob.

Specification updates for the rest of the Corolla Cross range

Even the base Xi model is set to gain the 8-inch touchscreen system.

While the Corolla Cross line-up’s powertrain options, exterior colour choices and interior trim will all remain unchanged, the range is also set to see some interesting tweaks for 2023. The hybrid models, for instance, will score “improved” headlights complete with blue inserts, while the base Xi trim level will upgrade from halogen to LED headlights, bringing it in line with the rest of the range.

The entry-level Xi model will furthermore gain Toyota’s “Display Audio” system, comprising an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. It will also benefit from voice command, a reversing camera and an updated 4.2-inch colour multi-info display. Finally, the mid-tier XS will score additional cupholders in its rear armrest.

How much does the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-Sport cost?

Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-Sport– R495 200

A 6-service/90 000 km service plan will again be included as standard, along with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty (with the hybrid battery further covered by an 8-year/195 000 km warranty).

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