The ever popular Corolla Cross SUV has gained a GR-S design spec that will appeal to those seeking a dependable, efficient engine SUV whilst having a design that doesn't give "retired" vibes. We attended the local launch to find out if the GR-S name fits.
Starting with the colour palette offered locally, there is Glacier white, Chromium silver and Arizona red with all colours getting a polished black roof. I personally loved the red but then white will always be the popular colour due partly to its low maintenance.
The Corolla Cross got a design update early last year and now the GR-S spec has also received updates. Up front there is a new dedicated GR-S black mesh grille housing a bold Toyota badge with a GR badge placed lower down in the grille housing. Sleek LED headlights with LED daytime lights come standard whilst the sequential turning signal add style. LED fog lamps are neatly places on either side of the lower air intake whilst sporty skid plates are an SUV design item that also add a dynamic look.
On to the side, there are new 18 inch alloys in 6 spoke machined finish design whilst black Side Moulding add a sporty touch. Polished black mirror caps align with the black roof and they come with blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert. Nope, there is no sun roof or a panoramic glass offered in Mzansi. Sleek roof rails add to the practicality (below).
At the back there is the roof spoiler, shark fin antenna with the rear lights carried over from the previous model. There are new skid plates at the back with brushed silver accents. The rear tailgate is electrically opened and close with a functional kick ability allowing the person with the remote keys to open it without touching the access button.
On the inside there are GR-S Black Leather seats with Red stitching & GR logo which are both comfortable and sporty in feel. The drivers seat is electrically adjusted with multi position adjustment to aid driver comfort. Red seatbelts come standard.
Aluminium sport pedals have been added for that Gazoo Racing feel whilst the cabin quality feel is still high making the Cross a keeper. There is a new centre console that houses a new gear lever.
The multi function steering wheels is also wrapped in leather with red stiching and a GR logo. Steering wheel satellite controls are for cruise control, audio, drive info settings, lane keep assist, radar cruise control and for the phone connection. The GR-S petrol also comes with steering wheel paddle shifters.
There is a new 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to suite the info the driver wants to see.
The 10.1 inch infotainment screen comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay whilst climate controls functions are retained below the screen forgoing the irritating inclusion of climate controls on the infotainment screen. Dual zone temp settings also come standard. Panoramic parking camera with sensors aids usability.
There are two engine options on the GR-S starting with the 103kW/173Nm naturally aspirated 1.8 4-cylinder engine. There is also the 90kW Hybrid motor that aids fuel efficiency. All models drive the front wheels via a CVT.
| Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S | – R527 000 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV | – R569 700 |
Peace of Mind
All Corolla Cross models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals at 15 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. The hybrid battery is covered by an 8-year/160 000 km warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions are available through Toyota’s national dealer network.
Connected Services
All Toyota owners can register for a MyToyota profile, providing convenient access to vehicle information and services. In addition, all new Toyota vehicles are equipped with connectivity hardware, enabling in-car WiFi (including a complimentary 25GB allocation) and a suite of Toyota Connect services.