Corolla Cross GR-S Gets Thumbs-Up from Us
The Corolla nameplate is one of the most popular in the world. A car that is as widely recognized as the Beetle and the Mustang. The Toyota Corolla was and remains one of the company's top-selling models. However, as times have changed, so have the desires of the automotive customer. The crossover is now a hot topic, and brands are introducing new versions regularly. So when Toyota added the Corolla name to a crossover, it was bound to be the next best thing…
The Corolla Cross Evolution
And it was. Since its release in 2020, Toyota has been turning them out at max capacity, from entry-level offerings to hybrids and now even a sporty version. The Corolla Cross GR-S is a more visually appealing offering that has been given some Toyota Gazoo Racing goodies.
Sporty Design Features
The GR-S version, which we sampled, features a few sportier touches that separate it from other offerings. The Corolla Cross has a modern and sleek design that is typical of Toyota's recent offerings. It has a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted hood that give it a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile is characterized by a sloping roofline, prominent wheel arches, and a pronounced character line that runs along the length of the car. The rear of the car features a distinctive light cluster and a spoiler that further enhances its sporty appeal.
Interior Comfort and Features
The interior of the Corolla Cross is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The GR Sport treatment also makes its way into the aesthetics of the cabin. You get a GR push start button, red stitching in the black leather seats, GR floor mats, a GR gear knob, and a long red pinstripe trim on the instrument panel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard is well laid out and easy to use.
There is also a generous amount of standard features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The Corolla Cross offers around 440 liters of luggage capacity with a 60/40 split rear bench setup, making it one of the most versatile in the segment.
Engine and Performance
The Corolla Cross GR-S employs the existing 1.8-litre petrol engine, coupled to a CVT transmission with seven pre-programmed 'steps' to simulate a close-ratio transmission in manual shifting mode. It delivers 103 kW and 172 Nm while sipping just 6.8 l/100 km on the combined cycle.
Safety Features
The Corolla Cross GR-S is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which offers a full suite of active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Trace Assist, and Pre-Collision System. These are joined by the obligatory ABS, VSC, EBD, Hill Assist Control, and Brake Assist systems, as well as passive safety aids such as ISOFIX and a full airbag array.
Final Thoughts
While this might not be a performance car in terms of the way in which it drives, the Corolla Cross GR-S does look edgy, and it offers owners a more visually appealing vehicle that sets itself apart on the road. The motor is potent enough for everyday tasks, and reliability can be felt. Is it worth the premium over a standard offering? That will be for your budget to decide. We do like it as it does feel a bit more special.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is an impressive compact crossover SUV that offers a great balance of style, comfort, and performance. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth driving experience make it a great choice for families. At the end of the day, the Corolla Cross does what it is supposed to do. Sure, it’s not the fastest thing around, but it is a Toyota, it is a Corolla, and it is a crossover—and you can’t seem to go wrong with any of those.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S is priced at R449,900 in South Africa, which puts it at the premium end of the compact crossover market but still offers decent value for the GR Sport treatment and features you get.
Q: Is the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S worth buying?
Yes, the Corolla Cross GR-S is worth buying if you want a reliable crossover with sporty styling touches, excellent build quality, and Toyota's proven track record for durability, though it's more about looking sporty than actual performance gains.
Q: What engine does the Corolla Cross GR-S have?
The Corolla Cross GR-S comes with a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103kW and 173Nm of torque, paired with a CVT automatic transmission that prioritises fuel efficiency over outright performance.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S?
The Corolla Cross GR-S achieves a claimed fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100km, making it one of the more efficient options in the crossover segment and ideal for daily commuting and long-distance travels.
Q: What are the main differences between the regular Corolla Cross and the GR-S version?
The GR-S version adds sporty visual elements like unique exterior styling, GR badging, red interior stitching, GR floor mats, a special gear knob, and enhanced interior trim, but the engine and performance remain the same as the standard model.
Should You Buy It?
The best sporty crossover under R450,000 in South Africa is definitely the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S at R449,900. If you're after a reliable family crossover that looks the part without breaking the bank, this is your answer. The GR-S treatment gives you all the visual appeal of a sports model while maintaining Toyota's legendary reliability and decent fuel economy. Sure, it's not going to set your pants on fire performance-wise, but for daily driving, school runs, and weekend getaways, it ticks all the right boxes. The interior upgrades are tasteful, the exterior looks sharp, and you'll have Toyota's excellent dealer network and resale values on your side. Buy it if you want substance with a dash of style.
