Toyota’s “ Corolla Cross ” is improved every year, and there is a high possibility that the 2023 Japanese model will also adopt the “GR SPORT” grade. Already in Taiwan, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT, developed jointly with the GR team, was announced in Taiwan on September 13, 2021 (local time).
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
- “GR SPORT” adopted overseas is also adopted in Japanese models
- New Corolla Cross GR SPORT
- What I think about Toyota’s new Corolla Cross GR SPORT
- Toyota Corolla series common changes
- Toyota Corolla common changes
- Toyota Corolla common interior changes
- Toyota Corolla common safety equipment changes
- About this major improvement
“GR SPORT” adopted overseas is also adopted in Japanese models
Among Toyota’s previously released models, the “GR SPORT” grade was announced first from overseas models, and some models were adopted in Japan later after release. “Hilux” announced “ Hilux GR SPORT ” at the Sao Paulo Motor Show 2018 on November 6, 2018 , and then added “ Hilux Z “GR SPORT” ” with some improvements in Japan on October 8, 2021. It is on sale.
Currently, the “GR SPORT” grade is available in the ” Yaris “, ” Yaris Cross ” , ” Aqua “, ” Corolla ” , ” C-HR “, and ” Hilux ” models, and it is strange that the “Corolla Cross” has a “GR SPORT” grade. Not at all.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
New Corolla Cross GR SPORT
The Corolla Cross GR SPORT was announced in Taiwan, a visual and mechanical update to the standard model. The Corolla Cross GR SPORT not only looks tough, but thanks to Gazoo Racing’s new suspension setup, it also offers a sportier driving experience. Design-wise, the SUV gets a redesigned front bumper with a different grille similar to the Hilux surrounded by black chrome. The front end also features a larger intake with integrated fog lights and an aluminum-style skid plate.
It has silver sill add-ons, and the back has a matching skid plate and GR badge. Inside the model, there are new graphics for the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a GR-branded engine start button, and an embossed GR logo on the seats. Safety equipment includes seven airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense2.0 suite.
Toyota Gazoo Racing offers the Corolla Cross a sports suspension with new springs and dampers to improve handling. New chassis reinforcement bracket increases rigidity.
The Corolla Cross GR SPORT is available with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder engine produces 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS) and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a SuperCVT-i gearbox. The hybrid combines a 1.8L engine and an electric motor to deliver a total output of 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS), which is transmitted to the front wheels via an E-CVT gearbox. The Corolla Cross GR SPORT starts at NT$875,000 for the gasoline model and NT$945,000 for the hybrid model.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What I think about Toyota’s new Corolla Cross GR SPORT
For Toyota, the “Corolla Cross” is a compact SUV in the Japanese market and is a model with high sales potential. This time, the lineup will be “GR SPORT”, but in addition to major improvements in 2023, a new option called “GR SPORT” will be added, giving you even more product appeal and choice. So it’s wonderful.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toyota Corolla series common changes
Toyota will make major improvements (minor changes) to its crossover SUV model, the Corolla Cross, and release it in September 2023.
- Exterior design changed.
- Higher grade models use a 7-inch to 12.3-inch TFT meter display.
- Display audio is larger. “7-inch display audio” has been abolished. ” 8-inch Display Audio ” and ” 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus “.
- Changed navigation system. “Connected Navigation” is used in vehicles such as the new Noah Voxy .
- Equipped with the latest preventive safety package “Toyota Safety Sense” which has advanced functions and improved functionality .
- Changed engine lineup.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toyota Corolla common changes
The “inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.2L direct injection turbo” and “1.8L inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine” have been discontinued . The new “Inline 3-cylinder 1.5L direct injection dynamic force engine M15A type” is combined with “Direct Shift-CVT” with a starting gear. In addition to adopting high-speed combustion technology and a variable control system, the new engine improves thermal efficiency and achieves high output by reducing various energy losses such as during exhaust, cooling, and mechanical operation.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Gasoline engine change
| spec | old model corolla | new corolla |
|---|---|---|
| engine | 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine |
In-line 3-cylinder 1.5L direct injection engine “Dynamic Force Engine” |
| Maximum output | 103kW (140PS)/ 6,200rpm |
88kW (120ps) / 6,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 172Nm (17.5kgm)/ 4,000rpm |
145Nm (14.8kgfm) / 4,800-5,200rpm |
| transmission | Super CVT-i | Direct Shift-CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD | 2WD |
| WLTC mode fuel consumption |
14.4km/L | -km/L |
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Hybrid engine change
The 5th generation hybrid system uses a series parallel hybrid with a reduction mechanism that combines an improved inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.8L engine “2ZR-FXE” with a motor. Compared to the old model, the front motor and rear motor have been significantly strengthened. Maximum output: 5.3kW (7.2ps) → 30kW (41PS), maximum torque: 55Nm (5.6kgm) → 84Nm (8.6kgfm), system output: 90kW (122ps) → 103kW (140ps). Furthermore, E-Four (4WD) is adopted.
| spec | old corolla hybrid | new corolla hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| engine | Straight 4 DOHC 1.8L+ motor (THSⅡ) |
Straight 4 DOHC 1.8L+ motor ( series parallel hybrid with reduction mechanism ) |
| Maximum output | 72kW (98ps) / 5,200rpm |
72kW (98ps) / 5,200rpm |
| Maximum torque | 142Nm (14.5kgm) / 3,600rpm |
142Nm (14.5kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
53kW (72ps) | 70kW (95PS) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
163Nm (16.6kgm) | 185Nm (18.9kgfm) |
| Rear motor maximum output |
5.3kW (7.2ps) | 30kW (41PS) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
55Nm (5.6kgm) | 84Nm (8.6kgfm) |
| system output | 90kW (122ps) | 103kW (140ps) |
| Drive system | 2WD E-Four (4WD) |
2WD E-Four (4WD) |
| WLTC mode fuel consumption |
26.2km/L (2WD) 24.2km/L (4WD) |
km/L (2WD) km/L (4WD) |
| price | 2,590,000 yen – 3,199,000 yen |
-yen～ -yen |
Toyota Corolla common interior changes
“7-inch display audio” has been abolished. ” 8-inch Display Audio ” and ” 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus “. Changed navigation system. “Connected Navigation” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are used in the new “Noah Voxy” and other vehicles . Added USB-C charging port. Changed meter design.
Connected navigation
Although the UI is designed with smartphones in mind, it cannot be said to be easy to use. I couldn’t say that the final navigation guidance was good either. I hope to see improvements with version updates.
Toyota Corolla common safety equipment changes
All models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense , which is enhanced by system sensors with improved detection capabilities . “Low speed acceleration suppression function”, “detection of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when turning right at an intersection”, and “emergency steering avoidance support function” have been added. Equipped with a “driver abnormality response system.” A curve speed suppression function has been added to the “radar cruise control.”
About this major improvement
The contents of this improvement are all changes that make you feel Toyota’s greatness. Particularly praiseworthy is the change in the engine lineup. I have also touched on the engine lineup in my experience and evaluation of the “Corolla Touring” , but the “1.8L inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine” uses an engine that is one generation older, and of course it is perfect in terms of specifications. Although it doesn’t have one, it does fulfill my request to use the latest engine if possible. If it’s a “ in-line 3-cylinder 1.5L direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) ”, it is certainly equipped with the latest engine, the specs are perfect, and there is no doubt that WLTC mode fuel efficiency will improve. One disappointing point is that the “inline 4-cylinder 2.0L direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine)”, which was only used in the “Corolla Sport”, was not adopted in the “Corolla”, “Corolla Touring”, and “Corolla Cross”. . It may be appropriate to adopt it in the Corolla Sport, which many people choose for its sports elements, but other models such as the Corolla Touring and Corolla Cross have large cargo spaces and are used by some people to carry things. However, having a 2.0L NA will give you a wider range of options. Of course, Toyota has a further option of hybrid vehicles, but I think this is a good option given that there is still demand for gasoline-powered vehicles in Japan, considering delivery issues caused by the coronavirus. Finally, Toyota cars that will be released in the future will be changing their navigation systems, but the level of perfection of the “Connected Navigation” is not so good at the moment, so I would like to somehow update the version and change it to a better navigation system. I want it from the user’s perspective. If you would like to purchase, please include this information before considering your purchase.
toyota news release
https://www.toyota.com.tw/news_detail.aspx?id=666
Corolla Cross GR SPORT