Introduction
The tale of the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is one of our favorites, especially in a world when everyday, reasonably priced sports cars are becoming less common. In order to compete in the 2021 World Rally Championships, Toyota created a new powertrain that had an adjustable, variable-split AWD system and a turbocharged engine.
Specifically for WRC racing, they took the tiny Yaris hatchback and gave it a new coat of paint, turning it into a stubby, wide-track, two-door hot hatch with all the subtlety of a bull terrier. Subsequently, the WRC unveiled the 2022 Rally1 hybrid powertrain regulations, leaving Toyota with a powertrain but no rally program to utilize it in
However, Toyota has now installed the drivetrain in a Corolla hatchback, increased engine output to 300 horsepower, and introduced the vehicle in the market as the Toyota GR Corolla hatchback.
Toyota GR engine and performance
Reviewing the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will reveal that it is not a speed demon in a straight line; in fact, it will be defeated in a sprint by a number of competitors. To get the most out of the vehicle, it’s important to engage with the driver, stay in the center of the torque curve, select the appropriate gear, and make use of the AWD settings.
The GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine was taken from the Japanese carmaker’s GR Yaris hatchback, It was adjusted to produce 300 horsepower for the GR Corolla, which is an astonishing 185.4 horsepower per liter and 43 horsepower more than the GR Yaris. The only available transmission is a six-speed manual, and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system is standard on all versions.
The driver can select from a variety of power-distribution settings with the GR-Four system, ranging from a 60/40 front-to-rear split for daily driving to a maximum of 30/70 to accommodate extreme drifting; a 50/50 split option is meant to maximize grip for racing.
Front and rear limited slip differentials are standard on the Circuit Edition trim; they are an option on the Core base model. The GR Corolla Circuit Edition took 4.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph and 11.4 seconds to reach 100 mph. With lighter forged wheels, a retuned engine producing 295 pound-feet of torque (compared to the ordinary model’s 273 lb-feet), a specially calibrated suspension, and extremely sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, the limited-edition Morizo is a track-focused variant. With 4.4 seconds to 60 mph on test track
Stylish exterior
It’s 2.4 inches wider than a typical Corolla hatchback. More than that, the cosmetic modifications have an incredibly ludicrous sharpness to them. Not only are the rear overfenders angularly carved, but even the functional gaps between the insignia and headlights are impressive. The grey speckles on this one are as if it were trying to look as stealthy as possible .
In addition, the Circuit Edition gets a black spoiler added to the hatch. However, interested parties can order that to be placed by the dealer on the standard GR Corolla
Interior and comfort
The GR Yaris and the sporty model share the same three-spoke steering wheel, which has a more upscale feel with thumb bolsters that are actually less aggressive than those of the regular Corolla.
Similarly, the sports seats are terrific high-back pieces with superb back support and bolsters that manage to be both expansive and confining at the same time. The one-and-done, stripped-down Morizo Edition shift knob is unique to the Circuit Edition trim of this manual-only hot hatch, while the mechanical handbrake on all GR Corollas replaces the electronic one found on the ordinary Corolla.
The Aluminum pedal covers, push-button start, a six-way driver’s seat, and ambient interior lighting are all standard features. The Circuit Edition comes standard with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control. The base model’s cloth upholstery is replaced with suede and faux-leather.
Standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa functionality, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-speaker JBL radio system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-dash navigation are added to Core versions as part of the Technology package; the Circuit Edition already comes with all of these features.
The temperature control system of the Corolla is likewise advantageous to the GR. It isn’t particularly remarkable, but it manages internal temperatures adequately and offers decent ventilation, even when you drive aggressively for extended periods of time.
Noise
Conversely, there is more noise inside than most consumers would be able to put up with. There’s always noise from tires, traffic, and the wind. However, you are aware that this is normal if you are shopping for a hot hatch. Positively, the growling exhaust tone and unique turbo whoosh of the three-cylinder are expressive without being bothersome.
Which Toyota GR Corolla model should I get in 2023?
The GR Corolla’s Core trim is the greatest deal in the range, with prices starting at $35,900. This is a really good value. Given that all of the Toyota GR Corolla’s specifications aside from the limited-edition Morizo are the same. It’s not ideal and needs to be slightly customized to add the features we think are necessary; to obtain the limited-slip diffs, you should at least get the $1,180 Performance package. Even with the most costly $2,450 package, which includes all other options, the price drops to less than $40,000 and more than $4,500 less than the Circuit Edition trim.
