Should Toyota PH sell the Corolla Cross GR Sport?

Toyota Corolla Cross gets the GR Sport upgrade

Toyota has been busy giving nearly all of its vehicles the GR Sport makeover. In Thailand and Indonesia, the automaker has launched several new GR Sport models from the Wigo all the way to the Fortuner. Now, Toyota is doing the same in Taiwan. The latest model to get the GR Sport makeover? The Corolla Cross.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport is essentially a kitted-up version of the crossover we're familiar with. But unlike other GR Sport models, which only received a lip kit and stickers, the Corolla Cross gets new panels. The front fascia is unique to help distinguish it from the regular model, and it's mostly due to the new bumper and grille. The bumper features a more prominent skid plate and new side intakes. Meanwhile, the grille now adopts a mesh design with a black trim running through the Toyota logo.

Unlike the new face, changes to the rear are more minimal. The most obvious difference would be the more prominent rear under guard. It's complemented by new rocker panels with a more rugged design, giving the crossover a more off-road look. Unlike the standard model, the GR Sport also comes with a two-tone paint job. 

Toyota gave the interior of the Corolla Cross GR Sport a makeover as well. The seats now have “GR” embossed on the headrest, and there are more GR accents around, including a GR start-stop button. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with a dedicated GR boot-up screen is also standard.

Interestingly, the Corolla Cross GR Sport isn't just all about looks. Toyota also made some changes to the under-chassis. The crossover comes with sports suspension and a chassis reinforcement brace to improve handling.

Customers can choose between two engine options for the Corolla Cross GR Sport. The first is a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill with 140 PS and 172 Nm torque paired with a CVT. The alternative is a hybrid setup featuring a 1.8-liter mill paired with an electric motor. Combined output is rated at 122 PS, similar to the local Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport starts at NTD 875,000 (PHP 1,577,000) for the gasoline and NTD 945,000 (PHP 1,703,000) for the hybrid. It's quite pricey, but considering it is a proper GR Sport model, that's not bad. If you aren't feeling the GR Sport, there's always the Modellista kit. 

There's no word if the Corolla Cross GR Sport will be available in other markets, but for now, it's only offered in Taiwan. That said, do you think Toyota Motor Philippines should offer it in the country?