You can’t talk about hot hatches without mentioning the Honda Civic Type-R, the Volkswagen GTI and R and the Renault Megane RS250, and more recently the GR Yaris. Well, here’s another hot hatch to add to the list – the Toyota GR Corolla. Not of the Altis variety, this Corolla is the hottest Toyota hatchback you can buy today – hot in looks and in power.
Pop the hood to reveal the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the same used in the GR Yaris. But unlike the smaller car’s engine tune of 261PS and 360Nm, the five-door GR Corolla’s engine produces 300PS and 370Nm.
The GR Corolla can only be had with a six-speed manual transmission that transfers power to all four wheels. The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system is developed through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s experience earned from the World Rally Championship. There are three modes of drive modes and three AWD modes to select and suit the driver’s mood.
A Torsen limited-slip diff on the front and rear axles makes sure traction is always on hand. Added mechanical grip comes from the 235/40 R18 Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres fitted on 18-inch black ENKEI alloy wheels.
The ENKEIs are just a piece of what makes the GR Corolla so good-looking. The hatchback gains an aggressive profile with widened fender flares, functional bonnet vents, a carbon fibre roof and gloss-black accents. The larger and more striking grille is flanked by air ducts on the side. At the back, the rear triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler makes the car visually fast.
What is a hatchback without utility and comfort? The GR Corolla retains all the practicality and functionality of a hatchback themed in black with red accents around the cabin. Bucket-like sports seats are body-hugging and the cross-sectional-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheel inspires a spirited drive.
For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display supplemented by a Head-Up Display. The digital instrument display welcomes the driver with GR start-up animation and shows the AWD mode, turbo pressure, gear shift position and other information.
While the driver is having his or her fun, the passenger can also enjoy entertainment from the infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen display. Wireless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay brings many favourite apps from smartphones onto the screen where they can be accessed. Comfort and convenience features in the GR Corolla include dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger with USB charging ports together with smart entry and start.
The Toyota Safety Sense comes standard in the GR Corolla. Sense. Using a monocular camera and radar, these systems scan the road ahead to detect obstacles and hazards and can autonomously act if the driver does not respond in time to prevent a collision. Seven SRS airbags are also available to provide protection in the event of a severe accident.
For security, the GR Corolla has an optional Vehicle Telematics System which tracks its location. This will help in recovery if it is stolen. There is also the front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film feature as standard.
The GR Corolla is priced at RM355,000 on-the-road without insurance. Hey, no one said power comes cheap. If the hot hatch isn’t your thing and wants something more eye-catching, there’s always the GR Supra or the GR86 to consider.
