Toyota’s GR performance model stable is set to grow with the introduction of the GR Corolla scheduled for next year. 500 units of the hot hatch have apparently been secured for Australia, and it will join the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR86 in the local GR range.

Toyota say the new GR variant will also complete the Corolla family, which will now be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV and performance hot hatch form.

Power will come from the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that is also in the GR Yaris. However, it has been enhanced further with more power to suit the larger hatch, with a 10 per cent increase in power to 220kW. Maximum torque is 370Nm and it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

The GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship and offers four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Custom – allowing the driver to tailor the drive to the conditions.

Visually, the GR Corolla has the lower grille opening shared by other GR products. There’s also triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler, and 18-inch black alloy wheels shod in high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres.

Inside, the GR Corolla features an 8-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, all included as part of the infotainment system. There’s also a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display, head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Other features include dual-zone climate control; heated front seats and steering wheel; leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob; power windows; smart entry and start; illuminated entry; and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

Active safety features as standard include Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian and Daylight Cyclist Detection, Intersection Assist, Emergency Steering Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Further details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the model’s launch in the first quarter of 2023.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (October 2022)

14 October 2022