Toyota GR Corolla

Inside, the Toyota GR Corolla features a minimalist cabin design that has that premium sporty feel. There is an abundance of soft touch materials finished in monotone colors (predominantly black). Its synthetic leather with suede sport seats provide supportive cushioning, most especially for people in the front. It is also spacious in the front row. However, its second row space and comfort could still be improved in the future as it limits three tall and large passengers from sitting comfortably. Its second row seats also feel a little bit on the tougher side when cruising on the track at high speeds. But, overall, the GR Corolla’s cabin offers good ergonomics for everyone on board. 

Aside from these, this hot hatch’s cockpit is also very driver-friendly. It comes with a 12.3-inch TFT meter cluster and multi info display, an electronic power steering wheel with multiple switches, and a head-up display. For entertainment and information accessibility, this car also has a 7-inch infotainment display equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, microphone, and AM/FM. Its infotainment display is linked to a 6-speaker sound system. To defend its practicality and functionality, it is also given a wireless charger, two Type C outlets, one Type A outlet, four cupholders (front: 2, rear: 2), and four bottleholders (front: 2, rear: 2).

The Toyota GR Corolla looks like an aggressive and sportier Corolla Altis. Its design language emphasizes its high-performance character on the road, carrying the Gazoo Racing identity wherever it goes. At the front, it sports T-shaped Bi-LED headlights with manual leveling. For more visibility and illumination at night, it also gets LED DRLs with a line guide. It flaunts a GR badge on its blacked-out grille with a honeycomb-like pattern. On its hood, is a pair of functional cooling ducts to ensure that the engine is ventilated properly.

Meanwhile, on the sides, it has black mirrors, window trims, and 18-inch aluminum wheels to enhance its sporty silhouette. Its hindlook also exudes aggressiveness and performance courtesy of its T-shaped LED taillights and a rear spoiler. And, to enhance the driver’s view, it also comes with a piano black power-adjustable outside rearview mirror with a turn signal and heater.

The Toyota GR Corolla line measures 4,408 mm in length, 1,851 mm in width, and 1,479 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm and a minimum ground clearance of 120 mm.

In terms of suspension, the Toyota GR Corolla utilizes MacPherson struts with coil springs at the front, while a Double Wishbone suspension with coil springs at the rear. Thanks to this suspension setup, this hot hatch boasts impressive handling even when hitting turns or cornering at high speeds. This is a car that you will definitely enjoy driving even when you are not on a racing track. It also has great road dynamics courtesy of its five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Gravel, and Track. That said, this has decent absorption of bumps, responsive and precise steering, as well as good road grip, all of which contribute to a comfortable and stable cruising experience for you and your family.

The Toyota GR Corolla is powered by a 1.6L, 3-cylinder, in-line, DOHC 4-valve G16E-GTS engine that produces a maximum power output of 300 PS and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. This hot hatch offers two transmission options. The higher trim runs on an 8-speed automatic transmission system, while the lower trim runs on 6-speed manual transmission. Both variants utilize Toyota’s GR-Four 4WD system. 

This hot hatch’s engine delivers a punchy, linear power delivery, allowing you and your passengers to enjoy an exhilarating ride. It not only runs with power, but also precision. You will definitely have no problems using this both inside the city and out on the open road. Its fuel economy is not the best in its class but still delivers decent consumption numbers. Hence, the GR Corolla is also a feasible daily city commuter. 

The Toyota GR Corolla is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and cruise control (adaptive for MT variant, while dynamic radar for AT variant). It also comes with several modern safety and security features such as a blind spot monitor and a Toyota Vehicle Security System. Its braking setup consists of ventilated discs with 4-cylinder fixed calipers at the front, while ventilated discs with 2-cylinder fixed calipers at the rear. Its braking setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system and a vehicle stability control. 

Admittedly, the Toyota GR Corolla wouldn’t appeal to everyone because of its expensive price points. But, for those who are looking for a hot hatch that offers a very good balance of high performance and family practicality, the GR Corolla is definitely one of the strongest choices in the local market at the present time.