Kumbi-M on Cars

By Jack Dickson

Toyota South Africa Motors has officially upped the ante in the compact SUV segment with the arrival of the updated Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S. Infused with the high-performance DNA of Toyota Gazoo Racing, this latest addition to the award-winning Corolla Cross range brings a sharper edge to one of Mzansi's favorite locally produced vehicles.

Performance-Inspired Exterior

The Corolla Cross GR-S makes a bold statement from the first glance, sporting an athletic front end defined by a black mesh grille and sleek LED headlamps featuring sequential indicators. A sporty skid plate and refined profile moldings enhance its aggressive stance, while the newly designed 18-inch six-spoke machined alloy wheelsensure it stands out on the road. At the back, the performance theme continues with a blacked-out badge and a sculpted rear skid plate, all finished off with a clean, uniform lighting signature. To top it off, the GR-S is available in three striking bi-tone color options—Glacier White, Chromium Silver, and Arizona Red—each paired with a contrasting black roof.

A Reimagined, Driver-Focused Interior

Inside, the cabin has been transformed into a premium, sporty environment. Black leather upholstery is accented by red contrast stitching and red seatbelts, while GR branding and aluminum sports pedals remind you that this isn't your standard SUV.

The tech suite has received a major boost, featuring a 10.1-inch display audio system and a fully digitized 12.3-inch instrument cluster with customizable themes. Connectivity is seamless thanks to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Practicality hasn't been forgotten either, with a new piano black center console, a 360° Panoramic View Monitor, and a power back door equipped with a kick sensor for hands-free access.

Refined Dynamics and Safety

Under the skin, the GR-S isn't just about looks. The suspension has been specifically tuned to provide better road feedback and sharper handling without sacrificing the comfort needed for South African commutes. Safety remains top-tier with seven airbags and advanced driver assistance systems like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing and Lineup

The updated Corolla Cross range remains highly competitive, with the GR-S sitting at the top end of the spectrum for those wanting maximum style and engagement.

All models include a 6-service/90 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, while Hybrid (HEV) models benefit from an extended 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty.