Toyota's dynamic sub-brand,
Gazoo Racing, continues to push the boundaries with its latest fiery addition - the
GR Corolla. Joining the esteemed ranks of the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Yaris, the
GR Corolla is a thrilling high-performance hatchback that has enthusiasts and customers buzzing with excitement.
According to Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the introduction of the
GR Corolla marks a significant milestone for both TSAM and the iconic
Corolla nameplate. With a legacy of being one of South Africa's most-loved models, the Corolla's evolution into a fully-fledged hot hatch version brings a sense of thrill and excitement for fans of both the
Corolla and motorsport.
The
GR Corolla builds on the popular
Corolla hatch platform, but it has been meticulously re-engineered for high-performance driving dynamics. Its stunning exterior design incorporates numerous changes, enhancing not only its appearance but also its aerodynamics and handling capabilities.
Extending the front and rear wheel arches outward by 20mm and 30mm respectively, the
GR Corolla boasts a wide and low stance for an aggressive presence on the road. The Functional Matrix grille, a signature of the
Gazoo Racing family, takes center stage, offering excellent cooling performance with an embossed 'G' mesh pattern to signify its membership in the GR performance lineup.
Under the hood, the GR Corolla packs a punch with a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder petrol engine. Developed using Toyota's motorsport expertise, this powertrain delivers an impressive output of 221kW at 6500rpm and 360Nm from 3000-5550rpm. Its lightweight and powerful design ensure thrilling performance on the road, providing an exhilarating driving experience.
To complement its performance, the
GR Corolla features a reworked suspension layout, enhancing stability and lowering its center of gravity. The electric power steering system offers responsiveness at higher speeds and lightens steering effort at low speeds, delivering precision and control to drivers.
Safety is paramount, and the
GR Corolla incorporates advanced
Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance technology. Emergency steering assist helps drivers evade obstacles, while high-speed active cruise control offers smooth overtaking and early preliminary deceleration when turning into slower lanes.
Inside the cabin, the
GR Corolla exudes a driver-focused design with a range of unique features. A new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, adapted from the GR Yaris, ensures better grip and ergonomics for dynamic driving. The driver can customize the 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, providing valuable information for track driving or a minimalist look, based on their preference.
With a limited number available, the
GR Corolla is a sought-after gem. It comes in two enticing models - the
GR Corolla 1.6T Core and the
GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit, priced at R841,000 and R902,400 respectively.
With its outstanding performance, advanced technology, and stunning design, the
Toyota GR Corolla is a testament to
Gazoo Racing's dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. Enthusiasts and customers alike are encouraged to register their interest with their nearest
Toyota dealer to secure their chance to experience this adrenaline-pumping hot hatch.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
