Facelift time for a stalwart of the Toyota hybrid passenger range.

THREE years on from introduction, a popular choice within Toyota’s hybrid car family is set for refresh, including introduction of a version with a sporty look - but no additional cojones.

In addition to adding the new GR Sport variant in all-wheel-drive, in place of a previous Limited all-paw presentation, the mid-life facelift for the Corolla Cross achieves some additional features.

What impact this has on pricing won’t be spelled out until closer to the cars’ arrival, around June or July. The current types start at $44,990 and top out at $54,490.

The changes all effect cars produced in Japan from this month. All versions take a new front bumper and grille design, new exterior colour options and improvements to the driver assist occur to GX and GXL.

Andrew Davis, Toyota New Zealand’s chief strategic officer, says the Corolla Cross fills a niche in the compact SUV market, by providing a versatile vehicle that can be a weekday commuter, or a family run-around on the weekend.

“The Corolla Cross has been a welcome addition to the Corolla family, bringing all the attributes of the legendary and reliable Corolla with the convenience of a higher ride and extra cargo space of a compact SUV," he says.

The GR Sport treatment is primarily visual, to lend closer link with the pukka high-performance that come under a separate purely GR banner, and in this instance there is no change to the tune of the 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain.

However, Toyota says on-road performance has been tweaked with a double wishbone rear suspension and says refinements to the electric power steering system lend to advanced vehicle dynamics.

The GR Sport identifies with 19 inch black and machined alloy wheels, red brake callipers, unique front bumper and grille design, and black exterior accents. Inside, the GR Sport has GR-branded suede and leather-accented seats, sport aluminium pedals, paddle shifters, and gun metal interior ornamentation.

The upgrades to the Corolla GX grade include a new honeycomb bumper and grille design, which integrates the coloured bumper and grille better into the overall design and substantial upgrades to the parking system, with a parking support brake and four new front and four new rear parking sensors. Inside the GX receives dual-zone automatic air-conditioning.

Upgrades for the GXL include a Qi wireless device charger, front seat heaters, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and a vehicle approach notice safety feature.

Limited grade is now front-drive and receives front seat ventilation, combination fabric and leather accented upholstery, a 12.3 inch digital meter and a power back door with kick sensor.