TOYOTA has been busy keeping the Corolla Cross, its present top-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV) model, fresh for the third year straight.
Last year saw the introduction of the hybrid variant that delivered a commendable range on a single fuel tank.
And to put the "sport" into the SUV, the Corolla Cross has now been given its own Gazoo Racing (GR) makeover.
The update isn't just for show either. While there isn't necessarily a major upgrade in performance, it does have a few surprise tweaks to the overall drive experience.
AESTHETIC AWAKENING
The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR Sport shares many features with the base Corolla Cross but boasts a sportier look.
It even shares the same powertrain setup, being a 1.8-litre petrol DOHC engine with dual VVT-i mated to a seven-speed sequential shiftmatic transmission to produce 139ps at 6,400rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
Its three colour options are Platinum White Pearl (Hero), Red Mica Metallic or Nebula Blue.
The sportier exterior is mostly due to the more aggressively styled front radiator grille, a set of 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, clear lens LED rear lamps and roof rails.
The cabin has plenty of all-black leather with red stitching.
The nine-inch instrument panel in the middle of the dashboard, which boasts a 4.2-inch colour Multi-Information Display, serves as the display for the audio and infotainment system.
The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with USB mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity.
Among its conveniences are the Smart Entry and Push Start System to lock/unlock the doors and start/stop the engine, an eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and power backdoor with kick sensor that opens and closes automatically with just positioning a foot under the rear bumper.
The cargo area with tonneau cover has a volume of 440 litres with the rear backrests raised. This can be expanded by folding down one or both backrests and when folded, the floor is completely flat. With both backrests down, it is said to be possible to carry two road bicycles.
The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR Sport is also equipped with a digital video recorder at the front (optional for the rear) and a vehicle telematics system that allows tracking of the vehicle's position using GSM/GPS signals.
The advanced safety features also include the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a 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 and a best-in-class seven SRS airbags.
Further taking advantage of the returning Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, there is a Sport ECU (electronic control unit) for electric power steering.
The low centre of gravity reduces body roll with special tuning on the front and rear suspension coil springs and struts.
There is also an added performance bar for improved rigidity to enhance handling by reducing body roll.
The locally assembled Corolla Cross 1.8 GR Sport petrol variant is priced at RM142,000, which is the same price as the Hybrid Electric variant.
For comparison, the Corolla Cross 1.8G AT base model starts from RM130,400 while the 1.8V AT begins at RM137,400.
FUN FACTOR
At its core, the Corolla Cross has been a mainstay in the automotive scene since its introduction.
It is a practical and comfortable SUV for both the driver and passengers.
For this writer, my experience with it has mostly been positive, with one negative being the location of the glove box that limits the front passenger's legroom.
Less of an issue and more of an oddity is the use of a foot brake, which is still present in the latest variant.
The hybrid variant expanded on the model's practicality by delivering an amazing range on a single tank of petrol. Some even noted an improvement in drive performance with the new engine. To date, it remains one of my personal recommendations for a hybrid SUV, topped by an acceptable price range.
However, despite the praises, some have noted its lack of "fun" characteristics.
Safe, cosy and pragmatic but ultimately borderline conservative isn't what you want to hear from potential young buyers who prefer their SUV to be the sportiest that it can be.
Clearly, the latest GR Sport was put together to address this and the result has paid off.
I like how there are enough design additions to make it different from the standard model but not so much that it goes overboard or transforms the Corolla Cross into something unrecognisable.
Most surprising is the attention to sports-centric tuning. I have mentioned this many times over and will continue to do so in future reviews, on how impressive the TNGA platform has been in serving Toyota's latest models.
The Japanese carmaker could have decided to simply leave the GR Sport update purely aesthetic and the majority would have been okay with the move.
Instead, it went a step further to add the Sport ECU electric power steering, performance bar and sport tuning to suspension, while lowering the body for an improved sport-esque performance.
It's a tweaking that I experienced during my extended drive with the SUV on highways and winding roads. There's an added bounciness thanks to the suspensions but it was extra stable due to the more planted stance.
The handling felt smoother and more agile but not to the extent it felt too light or sensitive. It's an overall combination that can only be felt and not seen, and to be enjoyed by everyone.
VERDICT
The Corolla Cross is no longer meant
only for family and friends, with this new update targeted at those seeking a little bit of fun in their drive.
The added ferocity of the GR Sport badge had me wanting to drive it even more now because of these small additions.
Taking into account the pricing, which is only RM4,600 higher than the top standard variant, the GR Sport is simply an irresistible choice.
It is also the same price as the hybrid variant, making this latest variant just as appealing for those who are on the fence with regard to hybrid technology.
The standard model remains a viable choice but there's simply no reason not to go for the more fun variant, all things considered.