GR Created the Corolla Cross You Desired, Yet Concluded You Don’t Deserve It | Carscoops

      Japanese consumers can now experience the sportiest Corolla Cross to date, equipped with various styling and chassis enhancements.

      The updated Toyota Corolla Cross has made its debut in Japan, showcasing design modifications and features tailored for the local market.

      The GR Sport variant introduces a bold bodykit, a lowered suspension, and enhanced chassis tuning.

      Additionally, buyers can personalize their vehicles further with accessories from the GR Parts and Modellista catalogs available in Japan.

      While the Corolla Cross typically leans towards practicality over excitement, Toyota's recent updates inject it with a much-needed sense of flair. The revamped model has arrived in Japan, offering exclusive enhancements, including the GR Sport trim and a selection of striking accessories. However, unlike the new RAV4 GR Sport destined for North America, this version is not available outside Japan.

      The GR Sport package enhances the vehicle's aesthetics with a more aggressive bodykit and several chassis modifications for buyers seeking an appearance that suggests greater performance. For those desiring even more, Toyota provides a variety of enhancements from GR Parts and Modellista to elevate the vehicle's look further.

      A Recognizable Appearance with Local Touches

      In terms of design, the Corolla Cross for the Japanese market resembles its European counterpart in both standard and GR Sport configurations. The main distinction, aside from the anticipated right-hand-drive arrangement, lies in the front badge, which aligns with local styling norms for non-GR Toyotas.

      Japanese consumers also have access to specific technical features not available elsewhere. There’s a "Snow Extra" mode for the E-Four all-wheel-drive system and a feature called "Signal Road Projection," which utilizes turn signals to project arrows onto the road, providing a smart way to communicate intentions to pedestrians and other drivers.

      The GR Sport trim significantly enhances the Corolla Cross's visual appeal. The prominent feature is the front bumper, which draws inspiration from the GR Corolla hot hatch. The regular honeycomb grille and LED bar have been replaced with larger cooling intakes and a lower splitter. Inside, the vehicle now sports bucket seats upholstered in a suede-like material, complete with gray stitching and GR Sport branding.

      Continuing the sporty theme, the car is fitted with black 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and a retuned suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.4 inches). Stiffer springs and additional rear bracing are incorporated to enhance rigidity, contributing to a more stable ride.

      Powering the GR Sport is a self-charging hybrid system featuring a "high-output" 2.0-liter engine, paired with a 10-speed sequential shiftmatic transmission that distributes power to all four wheels through the E-Four system. While Toyota has not disclosed detailed specifications, a dedicated Sport mode exclusive to this trim is available. Other models in the Japanese Corolla Cross lineup utilize a smaller 1.8-liter hybrid engine.

      The Corolla Cross GR Sport is set to launch in Japanese dealerships on August 4, with a starting price of ¥3,895,000 (approx. $27,200). The standard Corolla Cross begins at ¥2,760,000 ($19,300) for the front-wheel-drive version and ¥3,019,000 ($21,100) for the E-Four all-wheel-drive model.

      Further Customization with GR Parts

      Customers who wish to enhance their Corolla Cross GR Sport can explore the GR Parts catalog. Available upgrades include a more aggressive bodykit featuring a larger front splitter, extended side skirts, and a redesigned rear bumper. Notably, there is no oversized wing at the rear, indicating Toyota's restraint in design choices.

      Additional accessories featured in the catalog include side window visors, carbon-look door handle protectors, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic license plate frame, valve caps, and GR-branded floor mats. Buyers can also opt for extra chassis bracing, claiming to reduce vibration and improve handling.

      The bodykit is priced at ¥242,000 ($1,700), while the carbon plate holder costs ¥19,800 ($140). GR floor and luggage mats are available for ¥46,200 ($320), and the supplementary bracing is listed at ¥169,400 ($1,200).

      Modellista Offers a More Elegant Option

      Finally, there are Modellista upgrades available for the entire Corolla Cross lineup. The "Tech Elegant Style" adds several body-colored aerodynamic components, including front and rear bumper extensions, sculpted side skirts, and flared fenders.

      Additionally, a chrome-style grille garnish with matching side trim and a unique set of 18-inch alloy wheels contribute to the refined aesthetic. The aero kit is priced at ¥311,300 ($2,200), while the wheels are an additional ¥290,400 ($2,000).