Toyota is in the process of expanding its GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup with more performance models, but the Yaris Cross won’t be among them, even though it could technically get the potent powertrain of the GR Yaris, as it shares most of its construction with the hot hatch.
Australian journalists present at the local media preview of the subcompact crossover took the opportunity to ask the brand’s execs whether the Yaris Cross is getting a GR version. Instead of avoiding the answer, as they often do, the representatives said that they are not aware of it.
See Also: Looks Like Toyota Gazoo Racing Is Developing A More Hardcore GR Yaris
“No plans that I’m aware of for a GR Yaris Cross”, said Toyota Australia’s marketing chief, Sean Hanley, cited by CarAdvice. “But we’re very happy to be bringing the GR Yaris (to) the (Australian) market in the next month, but nothing that I’m aware of in terms of the Yaris Cross in that space”, he added.
A GR Yaris Cross would have gunned for the Hyundai Kona N and Volkswagen T-Roc R, with the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine resting in the GR Yaris supermini hot hatch. It’s rated at 257-horsepower (261 PS / 192 kW) and 266 pound-feet (360 Nm) of torque in the variant sold in Europe, while in Japan, it’s a hair stronger at 268 HP (272 PS / 200 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm).
The three-pot drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, enabling a zero to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of 5.5 seconds, with a 143 mph (230 km/h) top speed.
Note: Individual renderings by KDesignAG that are not related to or endorsed by Toyota
