With the Japanese manufacturer continuously expanding both their Hybrid vehicle lineup and their Gazoo Racing brand in the country, another vehicle addition has been made to blend both breeds. Toyota Motor Philippines just recently revealed that a new Corolla Cross HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) model is now available in the market. Yet this time, it is revealed to be a GR Sport variant as well – becoming the fourth addition to TMP’s progressively growing sport line.
The crossover SUV emulates the styling ideas from the Thailand-spec Corolla Cross GR Sport, which debuted in December. New bumpers, side skirts, and a gloss black front grille are among the cosmetic changes, along with a sporty black top and transparent LED tail lights. Rounding up the exterior changes are 18-inch alloy wheels that are encased in 225/50/R18 tires.
The interior of the Corolla Cross GRS is also given a makeover, with black leather upholstery. For a more refined design, the front headrests for this model have the embossed GR insignia in black rather than the customary Gazoo Racing colors.
In addition, this Hybrid Electric Vehicle adds the sporty touch to its driving sense as well. As with the Thai version, the Corolla Cross GR Sport gets upgraded coil springs and shock absorbers to improve vehicle handling.
The same 1.8-liter hybrid engine mounted on the previous Corolla Cross model, which produces 98 PS and 142 Nm of torque from its internal combustion engine, is found under the hood. Back it up with its electric motor and you’d be given a total power production of 122 PS and 305 Nm of torque. Moreover, it is mated to an E-CVT transmission with three driving modes to choose from: EV, Sport, and Eco.
The new Corolla Cross GR Sport will cost PHP 1,774,000, which is significantly more than the previous – yet still available – top-of-the-line 1.8V Hybrid model, which sells for PHP 1,665,000. Will the GR Sport boost live up to its premium price tag? I think it’s up to the consumers to decide.