Ditch the Ordinary: Toyota GR Corolla Defines New Era of Hot Hatches

The mundane and regular Corolla turns into a mean beast of driving fun in the Toyota GR Corolla, which is an entirely different type of car.

Toyota is looking everywhere to add the GR logo and performance packaging to its lineup. Most recently, the target receiving this treatment is the new GR Corolla, which is part of the latest model year. This new performance machine brings an unfiltered feeling to the world of hot hatches, giving us something new and special for some serious fun. The North American market missed out on the GR Yaris, but not this hot and hardcore version of the Corolla.

The power to rocket to high speeds in a hurry

Most Corolla owners don’t think about sprint speeds or performance figures, but the GR model will change all of that. This new Toyota hot hatch uses the same powertrain found in the GR Yaris, a three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 300 horsepower, giving this Corolla the power to hit top speeds quickly. Torque figures reach as high as 295 lb-ft for the Morizo edition, with regular models making 273 lb-ft of torque. This new Toyota sports car is ready to reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds.

Professionally tested for performance fun

The new Toyota GR Corolla was assembled at the Motomachi factory and tested by the Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers to ensure it has adequate performance and maximum driver involvement. In addition to the expected testing of this car, Toyota’s master driver and current president, Akio Toyoda, tested this car for performance qualities. It passed the test and is a car that’s expected to deliver the impressive driving qualities and fun that anyone looking for an adrenaline rush from behind the wheel.

What are the pros and cons of the GR Corolla?

Toyota created a fun and active car in this version of their standard nameplate. Although it has a lot going for it, we love to consider both sides of the coin to ensure you know what to expect. Car and Driver tells us the pros and cons are:

Pros

• Spunky three-cylinder powertrain
• Steadfast handling
• Adaptive AWD

Cons

• Limited production numbers
• Pedal placement isn’t ideal
• Engine power peak comes high in the rev range

This Toyota provides satisfaction to driving enthusiasts

In a world with more EVs than ever before, the new Toyota GR Corolla takes us back and gives driving enthusiasts a desired feeling from behind the wheel. This hot hatch has a standard six-speed manual transmission and AWD, making it easy to keep this car stuck to the ground and have some fun rowing the gears. This combination enables drivers to handle some terrain, like that found on rally racing circuits, where drivers can have a lot of fun.

Based on the hatchback

The GR Corolla is based on the standard Corolla hatchback with a cabin filled with similar elements, including soft-touch materials, impressive features, a racier trim, and sport seats. Some of the standard interior items found in this Toyota sports car are:

• • A six-way power driver’s seat
  • Push-button starting
  • Aluminum pedal covers
  • Automatic climate controls
  • heated seats and steering wheel
  • Suede and faux-leather upholstery (Circuit Edition)

Moving up to the Morizo Edition brings a racing feeling to this car, with the rear seats and rear speakers removed to save weight.

A reinforced GR chassis for better performance

Stability during high-speed turns is an important part of any performance car. The new Toyota GR Corolla has a reinforced chassis with added welds and adhesives to make it more rigid, stable, and durable. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut setup to work with the double-wishbone multi-link setup.

This Toyota hot hatch also has upgraded brakes with four-piston calipers in the front and 2-piston calipers on the rear wheels. The brakes have vented rotors front and back for quicker cooling and better stopping power.

Toyota created several models of the GR Corolla

Often, when an automaker releases a new top-end sports car, they offer one package placed above the rest of the lineup. The new Toyota GR Corolla has two trims and a special edition model with three options. The trims are Core and Circuit Edition, with the Core trim heading to dealerships this year and the Circuit Edition to follow. The Morizo Edition takes things to a higher level of excitement while being equipped for fun and active driving.

Is the new Toyota GR Corolla right for you? If you’ve been looking for a fun and exciting hot hatch to drive, this could be the perfect car. If you think so, you’ll want to grab one soon; this is a limited-edition sports car that won’t be around for long.