Toyota expands its SUV line-up in Australia

Toyota has added another stylish softroader to its local range and has previewed the next generation of one of its most popular vehicles.

Toyota is expanding its SUV range in Australia.

The Japanese giant is boosting the appeal of its Yaris Cross small SUV line-up with the addition of a new GR Sport variant.

Despite wearing the “GR Sport” badge the Yaris Cross doesn’t get any performance upgrades but is rather a styling exercise.

Toyota has added a GR Sport variant to the Yaris Cross line-up.

Toyota’s head of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, says the Yaris Cross GR Sport continues the brand’s desire to sell driver focused cars.

“Vehicles like the Yaris Cross GR Sport offer customers a sporty aesthetic and a more dynamic focus on driving characteristics reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever better cars that are as exciting to drive as they look,” says Hanley.

It is priced at $35,840 before on-road costs, which is about $4000 more than the GXL Hybrid two-wheel drive model it is based on.

It is based on the mid-tier GXL 2WD Hybrid variant.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport brings sporty flair to the little SUV range with a new black mesh grille, flashy 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers with GR logos.

Toyota has added black mirror caps and GR badging to the front and rear. There is also a mesh finish for the rear bumper and a rear diffuser that complements its sporty vibe.

There are plenty of GR logos throughout the cabin.

Inside the GR Sport has black faux-leather and suede seat upholstery with contrast grey stitching.

GR Sport logos are featured on headrests, steering wheel and keys.

Gun metal and faux suede highlights are scattered throughout the cabin and connectivity is boosted with the addition of another USB-C port.

Toyota claims it has tweaked the suspension to improve handling and steering response.

It comes with hybrid power that combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a small electric motor and battery to make a combined 85kW. Toyota doesn’t provide a combined torque figure for its hybrid systems.

Toyota claims it drinks just 3.8L/100km.

Toyota claims the GR Sport will drink just 3.8L/100km of regular unleaded.

Toyota has also previewed its next-generation C-HR via its Prologue concept.

It carryovers the current C-HR’s funky, coupe-like styling that give it a point of difference from the similar sized Corolla Cross SUV.

2022 Toyota Prologue concept.

“The current C-HR was embraced by customers for its bold styling and unique small SUV packaging and the concept vision for the next generation C-HR takes that to an even higher level,” says Hanley.

“We are looking forward to the reveal of the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years.”

The next-generation C-HR will be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.