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Enhancing the 2026 GR Corolla through a Cunning Innovation by Toyota

Revamped hot hatch boasts enhanced structure, improved cooling, advanced audio system, and increased availability in Japan sans pricing hikes

Enhancing the 2026 GR Corolla Through a Clever Strategy by Toyota
Enhancing the 2026 GR Corolla Through a Clever Strategy by Toyota

Enhancing the 2026 GR Corolla through a Cunning Innovation by Toyota

The automotive world is abuzz with the latest news from Toyota, as the Japanese automaker prepares to unveil the upgraded Toyota Corolla Cross for the North American market in the coming weeks. This high-performance hatchback, already popular in Japan, is set to become more accessible, thanks to increased production and no longer being subject to a lottery system for sales.

One of the key improvements in the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the Advanced Sound Control (ASC) system, which enhances acceleration and gear changes, simulating the bubbling overrun effect when lifting off the throttle. The ASC system, which can be switched on or off, filters out harsh engine noises and offers three selectable sound patterns and volume levels tied to drive modes.

Under the hood, the Toyota Corolla Cross's turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine continues to generate the same power output of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. However, Toyota is offering an upgrade for existing Toyota Corolla Cross owners who bought their vehicles before 2024, which will unlock an extra 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) of torque and new settings for the GR-Four system.

The chassis of the new Toyota Corolla Cross has been tightened without adding significant weight, a move that Toyota says is for stable driving on 'overseas circuits' like the Nurburgring, where vertical and lateral G forces are stronger. The new Toyota Corolla Cross also features an additional 13.9 meters of structural adhesive, primarily concentrated around the front body, floor, and rear wheelhouse.

In terms of aesthetics, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross boasts revised aero for improved performance and a more aggressive look. The vehicle will be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Orders for the updated Toyota Corolla Cross are already open in Japan, with first deliveries scheduled for November. The manual version of the updated Toyota Corolla Cross is listed at ¥5,680,000 ($38,500) in Japan, while the automatic version is priced at ¥5,980,000 ($40,600). Toyota has promised to increase supply of the Toyota Corolla Cross without touching the price tag.

The production of the Toyota Corolla Cross will take place in the UK, specifically on an added production line dedicated to serving export markets. This move is expected to boost the availability of the Toyota Corolla Cross, making it more accessible to customers worldwide.

Moreover, all Toyota Corolla Cross fitted with JBL now feature an updated ASC system as standard. The optional JBL premium audio system in the Toyota Corolla Cross now includes a subwoofer in the boot, increasing the speaker count to nine.

Toyota's focus on the Toyota Corolla Cross is clear: to deliver a high-performance, agile, and engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort and practicality. With the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, it seems they have succeeded in doing just that.

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