Toyota Corolla Cross and Hilux Gets New GR Sport Variants – RM142,000 and RM159,880

Besides the three GR performance models we reported earlier, UMW Toyota also seized the opportunity earlier today to introduce new GR Sport variants of its Corolla Cross and Hilux. These now stand as the range-toppers in their respective lines. Here’s a break-down of each.

Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport – RM142,000

We start with Toyota’s popular C-segment crossover SUV model and, in GR Sport trim, the Corolla Cross sports a dual-tone exterior colour package featuring blacked-out side mirrors, roof, and rear spoiler. Three base colour options available, those being Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, and Nebula Blue.

Capping off the exterior changes are a new and more aggressive front grille finished in black, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, clear taillight lens, as well as arear bumper lower garnish.

On board, the Corolla Cross GR Sport gets an all-black interior with red stitching motif. Exclusive kit primed in this variant include GR-badged keyless ignition button, leather-wrapped with red stitching steering wheel and shift lever, seat covers embossed with GR logos in the headrest, as well as exclusive GR floor mats.

Mechanically, the base Corolla Cross’s 1.8-litre 4-cyl powerplant remains unchaged with its 139 PS and 172 NM outputs, which is managed by a 7-Speed CVT box. The GR Sport treatment however sees the electric power steering re-tuned for a sportier feel, which is then matched with specially-tuned and stiffer front and rear suspension, not forgetting a performance bar added under the chassis.

Besides that, this sporty flagship gets a host of semi-autonomous driver assistances. Highlights include Pre Crash System; Automatic High Beam; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert; Lane Tracing Assist; 3D Panoramic View Monitor; Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Tyre Pressure Warning System; Driver Start Control; Vehicle Telematics System; as well as Front & Rear Driving Video Recorder.

Sitting at the top of the Corolla Cross range now, this new GR Sport flagship commands a price tag of RM142,000 – the same figure as commanded by the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant. Included in said price is a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage.

Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR-Sport – RM159,880

Next, we move on to the new sporty flagship of the Toyota marque’s evergreen Hilux pick-up truck. IN its new GR Sport form, this pick-up truck benefits with a new sports suspension system that features monotube dampers. These, according to UMW Toyota, were tuned to inspire greater driving confidence across all terrain types.

Adding to the sporty drive is the addition of steering-mounted paddle-shifters, thus making this the first Hilux to have this feature.

On the exterior front, the Hilux GR Sport gets a new front bumper with blacked-out side mirrors, grille frame, body-coloured overfenders, black sports bar, shark fin antenna; as well as black and red graphics that pays homage to the Toyota GAZOO Racing’s rally cars. Lastly, the Hilux GR Sport also gets red-painted brake and GR-badged calipers that hide behind new 18-inch alloy wheels.

On board, the cabin is now furnished with red stitching, redesigned front sports seats featuring suede and leather inserts, GR-badged leather steering wheel with red stitching, the GR-specific optitron meter panel with GR welcome animation, GR-badged keyless ignition button, as well as aluminium sports pedals.

While this may not be the Ranger Raptor-rivalling Hilux GR Sport seen in Australia recently, this new sporty flagship’s racy stance and styling, plus the promise of enhanced handling, make it quite the desirable truck. As for price, the new Hilux GR Sport retails at RM159,880 sans insurance (Peninsular Malaysia) and comes with a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage too.

What do you folks think of UMW Toyota’s latest and new GR-themed flagship variants of perhaps their best-selling high-riding offerings? Hit the comments below with your thoughts then…