Most Toyota Corollas are sedately driven sedans, hatchbacks and utility-style vehicles, known for their relative affordability.
The GR Corolla, which arrived for 2023, is the one significant and surprising exception. This fun-and-games machine will quicken the pulse of performance-oriented buyers, both on and off the track. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division developed the GR Yaris hatchback for Europe and Asia.
But since the Yaris is no longer sold here, the Corolla hatchback substitute receives the GR treatment for North America. It competes in the same category as the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen GTi and R hatchbacks as well as the Subaru WRX sedan. The GR is a similar size to all four contenders and is significantly larger than the Yaris, which means it’s more practical as well as quick.
Compared with Corolla hatchback, the GR has a distinctive nose plus added air intakes and hood ducts and wider front and rear fenders. It also runs 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport rubber mounted to 15-spoke gloss-black wheels.
The body structure is more rigid to better handle track-day rigours, and the aluminum hood and front-door panels are intended to reduce weight.
Interior fittings include GR-exclusive synthetic suede and leather-trimmed sport seats, aluminum pedals and a short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching downshifts. There is no automatic transmission offered. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and an 8.0-inch infotainment display (with voice activation) are also standard.
The GR has a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, the turbocharger is positioned within the engine’s exhaust manifold. A special three-piece muffler with stainless-steel exhaust tips increases flow, which aids engine efficiency and performance.
A six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching downshifts is the sole transmission choice.
The standard AWD system offers variable (selectable) front-to-rear torque splits of 60:40 (the default setting) 50:50 or 30:70, depending on surface conditions and driver preferences.
The GR Corolla Core Grade, with a base price of $49,500 including destination charges, comes with climate control, two USB charge ports, heated front sport seats and steering wheel plus a number of active-safety technologies (part of Toyota’s Active Safety Sense 3.0) such as emergency braking, lane-departure alert and pedestrian detection.
A tempting upgrade would be the Circuit Edition, priced at $56,600. It adds front and rear limited-slip differentials, beefed-up brakes and torque vectoring, which applies extra power to the outside wheels in a turn for greater steering precision and vehicle control. Front and rear parking sensors are standard and the interior gets faux suede and leather seat coverings. You’ll also get lightweight BBS-brand wheels, a unique raised (bulging) vented hood, a carbon-fibre roof (to lower the centre of gravity) and a less-than-discreet rear spoiler. The rear seat and rear wiper blade are also deleted. The net result is about a 60-kilogram reduction in curb weight compared with the Core Grade.
Discontinued for 2024 is the track-oriented GR Morizo Edition, which provided a bit more torque.
No matter the model, the GR Corolla is an absolute blast to drive. The sharp-shifting six-speed gearbox helps get the tiny engine into its power band in short order, the sport suspension makes tight corners a most enjoyable experience and the exhaust notes let you and anyone within earshot know that this compact hatchback means business.
At a price that’s thousands of dollars above a standard-issue Corolla, the Toyota GR Corolla isn’t for everyone. But if the hot-hatch concept speaks to you, and your driving skills include shifting for yourself, then this one could be the ride of your life.
What you should know: 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Type: All-wheel-drive compact hatchback
Engine (h.p.): 1.6-litre I-3, turbocharged (300)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Market position: The hot-hatchback group (including one hot sedan) consists of entries from Volkswagen, Honda and Subaru. All three brands provide a sporty driving experience with crisp handling and quick acceleration.
Points: Styling adds performance enhancements to the existing design. • Unique turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces substantial power. • Upgraded suspension designed for competition-level driving. • Hard-core trim level available, but it increases the price considerably. • Three-pedal proficiency is a must.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); automatic emergency front braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (n.a.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian detection (std.).
L/100 km (city/hwy): 11.1/8.3
Base price (incl. destination): $49,500
PHOTO: TOYOTA
BY COMPARISON
Subaru WRX Sport
- Base price: $39,500
- All-wheel-drive sport sedan; turbo four-cylinder makes 271 h.p.
Honda Civic Type R
- Base price: $53,300
- New-for-2023 hatch uses the same turbo I-4 as before; 300-plus h.p.
Volkswagen Golf R
- Base price: $53,300
- Pricier than the Golf GTI, but comes with AWD and 41 more h.p.
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