Toyota is extending the line-up for its hybrid-only Yaris Cross compact SUV with a new GR Sport grade for the UK and Europe.

The new GR Sport grade is inspired by the brand’s Gazoo Racing motorsport division and brings bespoke styling and handling upgrades

Already available on models such as the Corolla, C-HR and Yaris, it’s inspired by the brand’s Gazoo Racing motorsport division and brings bespoke styling and handling upgrades.

Positioned as a top-spec model alongside the Yaris Cross Excel, it features exclusive exterior features include a new rear diffuser and front grille with gloss black mesh details and GR badging, plus 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a bright machined finish. It’s also available in an Ash Grey signature colour, available as a bi-tone option with a contrast black roof and pillars, or Scorched Orange; both are exclusive to the new model.

The cabin is reworked with new black Ultrasuede upholstery and red stitching for the front sports seats, gunmetal silver trim inserts and prominent use of the GR logo.

Performance has been sharpened with retuning of the suspension, giving the driver better steering, roll and grip feel.

Equipment includes 9.0-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration and cloud-based navigation, plus dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and rear privacy glass.

It’s the latest addition to the Yaris Cross line-up, which launched in 2021.

Built on the same GA-B small car platform and with the same fourth-gen petrol-hybrid technology as the Yaris, the Yaris Cross is a standalone model developed to combine the “high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban areas”.

Since its launch, it’s been a consistent top-seller for Toyota in Europe with sales of more than 77,000 units in the first half of 2022, giving it a B-SUV segment share of 7.7%. It’s also taken a 48% share of the Yaris range in the same period.

All models are powered by a hybrid powertrain featuring a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol.  CO2 and fuel economy performance of the Yaris Cross GR Sport is targeted to be on par with the Yaris Cross Excel model.

Pre-sales of the new Yaris Cross GR Sport in the UK and other European markets will begin in Q3 2022.