Toyota debuts Corolla Cross and Yaris GR Sport alongside hydrogen concept
Company has issued a flurry of new models and technologies
Toyota has introduced two new models – the Corolla Cross and the Yaris GR Sport – while revealing a new hydrogen-powered concept.
The five-seater Corolla Cross – which will sit in the middle of the C-HR and RAV4 in Toyota’s line-up – is set to arrive in Europe from Autumn 2022. It’s powered by a fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain, available with the choice of either front- or all-wheel-drive. The former uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine linked to a small motor and batteries for a combined output of 195bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.
The all-wheel-drive version, meanwhile, uses an extra 30.6kW electric motor on the rear axle which is automatically activated should more traction be required. Toyota, however, has yet to announce performance details for this version.
Inside, the Corolla Cross features a 12.3-inch digital driver’s cockpit and a 10.5-inch central infotainment display.
The Yaris GR Sport, meanwhile, is due to launch ‘during the second quarter of 2022’ and will bring a range of features usually found on the performance GR Yaris to the standard hatchback. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a mesh front grille and T-shape rear diffuser. Inside, it gets sporty seat upholstery with contrast red stitching as well as a variety of GR logos and gunmetal silver trim.
Toyota has also revealed a hydrogen-powered GR Yaris concept. Rather than fuel cells being used to generate energy, the GR Yaris features a regular combustion engine which has been converted to use hydrogen as fuel. It means that the concept uses the same 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that you’d find in the regular GR Yaris, but with the fuel supply and injector system modified for hydrogen.
It allows the GR Yaris to deliver the same kind of performance as the petrol-powered version, but with lower emissions.
Toyota has also revealed that its upcoming GR86 sports car will be on sale for two years from its launch next year. The lightweight coupe will use a 2.4-litre ‘Boxer’ engine and will arrive as the third global Toyota GR model, following on from the GR Yaris and GR Supra.
