The GR Sport version will site as the second-most expensive variant, $500 below the Limited.

AN incoming addition to the Gazoo Racing supporters’ club has been confirmed.

At $43,290 the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport will become the second-most expensive model in Toyota's smallest sports utility range, which until now has comprised a pure petrol GX, at $33,290, and a pair of hybrids, in GX and Limited guises, spanning $37,290 to $43,790.

The GR is, of course, short for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's performance-car division. GR Sport models are less hardened than the full GR cars, which in this market span the GR 86 coupe, GR Supra, the GR Yaris hot hatch and, very soon, the GR Corolla.

The GR Sport badge also already attaches to the C-HR small sports utility and a version of the Land Cruiser 300-Series in New Zealand.

The Hilux GR Sport, reported on earlier this week, is due in late 2023. TNZ confirmed this to MotoringNZ.com late last year, though more recently it has been telling other media a final decision will be made by end of March.

GR Sport models have styling embellishments and, usually, specific suspension tune, but do not benefit from power enhancements. This version is also front-drive.

Yaris Cross GR Sport’s existence was reported on December 6 (https://www.motoringnz.com/news/2022/12/6/yaris-cross-joins-gr-sport-team). The exterior upgrades over the standard Yaris Cross include unique machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, a new (black) mesh front grille design, and a revised lower rear bumper.

Interior changes run to grey synthetic leather and suede seat upholstery, light grey stitching on the steering wheel and seats, silver trim on the doors and instrument panel, aluminium pedal covers, and GR logos on the headrests, steering wheel and key fobs.

Mechanical changes are limited to retuned suspension claimed to “sharpen steering feel and response and reduce body roll”.

Power is from the same petrol-electric hybrid system as regular Yaris Cross models, combining a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric system to develop 85kW combined.

TNZ general manager of new vehicles, Steve Prangnell, says customers “will appreciate the high sports utility vehicle driving position and the car-like dynamics.”