Toyota Says no to GR Yaris Cross

KUALA LUMPUR: While we already have the Toyota Yaris, which is currently the hottest hatchback around that could easily blend in with city traffic, the world was eagerly waiting if there would be any news about the launch of Toyota GR Yaris Cross. The tie-up between Toyota and Subaru was expected to bring a completely revamped version of the Toyota Yaris but it seems like the plans have gone under the wraps for now.

At the media preview for Toyota Yaris Cross city SUV, which is ready to go for sale in Australia this week, the company executives were asked about any possible plans for a GR model of the company’s newest SUV. Mostly, the company executives are well-versed in holding their cards without disclosing much details, but this time the response came too quickly and was blunt, as opposed to being expected.

The sales and marketing boss of Toyota Australia Sean Hanley stated that “No plans that I'm aware of for a GR Yaris Cross. But we’re very happy to be bringing the GR Yaris (to) the market in the next month, but nothing that I'm aware of in terms of the Yaris Cross in that space”.

Toyota Yaris is fitted with one of the most powerful three-cylinder engines racing at 257 horsepower (191 kilowatts). Toyota says that the Yaris Cross will not be able to handle the grunt. Toyota has decided that its newest model is not completely calibrated to work out with the high-powered drivetrain option from the Toyota GR Yaris Cross. For now, Toyota only plans to focus on expanding its GR lineage and if reports are to be believed, a Toyota Corolla is presently in works. Perhaps this is done just o divert the attention to a performance version of a compact SUV from its line-up.

Also Read: 2020 Toyota Yaris details revealed, estimated price starts at RM 71,688