Fans of the hot hatchback segment have been waiting . . . and the wait is now over, with Toyota revealing the company’s latest performance GR model, the GR Corolla.

Scheduled to arrive in Australia at the end of the year, the GR Corolla will be the fourth GR performance model to be launched locally, joining the GR Supra, the GR Yaris, and the upcoming GR86, and will be just as potent as its brethren.

The foundation of its performance comes via a strengthened version of the homologation-special three-cylinder GR Yaris engine, the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, and front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials and six-speed manual transmission with a short-stroke gear shift lever.

A valve-equipped, triple-exhaust muffler improves airflow, unleashing maximum output and torque of 220kW/370Nm from the 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder intercooled turbo engine.

All the under-the-skin stuff is designed for performance.

The GR-FOUR system, which uses an electronic multi-plate clutch to provide variable front and rear driving force has been upgraded for maximum control when pushing the car to its limits.

Toyota has separated the system’s ‘4WD’ mode (which controls driving force distribution) and ‘Drive’ mode (which controls accelerator response, steering and other systems), enabling selection according to driver preference and the driving environment.

Pillow-ball bushings and enhanced springs, shock absorbers and wheel alignment contribute to cornering control, and body rigidity has been strengthened. Braces have been added between the rear wheel wells, to the under-floor tunnel, and under the floor in front of the fuel tank to improve handling stability.

Opposed-calliper disc brakes provide the stopping power and the car is fitted with a hand-operated parking. Safety hasn’t been ignored, with the GR Corolla fitted with the latest Toyota Safety Sense package.

The Corolla has a decent racing pedigree, and the new GR will evoke some good memories for Toyota motorsport fans. The GR’s performance will, no doubt, be stellar, and if it moves as good as it looks, the hot hatch fan club are going to be very pleased indeed.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2022) 

19 April 2022