Smart styling changes and a firmer suspension tune touted.

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

The Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport will become the flagship model in Toyota's smallest sports utility range, which presently comprises a pure petrol GX, at $33,290, and a pair of hybrids, in GX and Limited guises, spanning from $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 and the GR Yaris hot hatch. A GR Corolla is coming next year.

The GR Sport badge presently attaches to the C-HR small sports utility and a version of the Land Cruiser 300-Series in New Zealand. A Hilux GR Sport is due in late 2023.

GR Sport models have styling embellishments and, usually, specific suspension tune, but do not benefit from power enhancements.

Detail about the Yaris Cross GR Sport has come from Toyota Australia, which intends to release it solely in front-wheel-drive hybrid form.

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.