It’s been a while since Toyota enthusiasts could sink their teeth into a hot-performing Corolla and experience the excitement that the famous RSi models once gave.
With the revival of Toyota’s sporting spirit through its GR (Gazoo Racing) division, the latest Corolla hatchback has been endowed with potent performance and track-taming ability.
The limited-edition GR Corolla has arrived in SA in two derivatives that compete against rivals such as the VW Golf R (R912,800), Honda Civic Type R (R979,000) and Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy (R949,999).
The GR Corolla 1.6T Core is priced at R841,000. The R902,400 GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit comes with a limited-slip differential, carbon fibre roof, head-up display, bonnet air vents, gloss black radiator grille and suede GR Sport seats.
Both models are powered by a 1.6l three-cylinder turbocharged engine with outputs of 221kW and 370Nm. A six-speed manual transmission sends the power to the road via all-wheel drive, and completing the sporting package is an automatic “heel-and-toe” system that blips the throttle on downshifts.
Toyota SA hosted the media launch at Zwartkops earlier this week, and a few laps of the track in the GR Circuit model highlighted the car’s athletic prowess.
The GR Corolla is about 180kg heavier but is also more powerful than the smaller 198kW/360Nm GR Yaris, which sells for R840,200.
The all-wheel drive system is the same one found in the GR Yaris, and was developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship. It has three driver-selectable modes that shift the front-to-rear torque split to suit conditions: 60/40 for regular driving, 30/70 for winding roads and 50/50 for the track.
Firmer suspension and a 10mm drop in ride height further separates the GR from bread-and-butter Corollas, as does its wider track. The rigidity of the chassis has been increased to enhance cornering stability and grip.
There’s no chance of mistaking this hot hatch for a regular Corolla, with its pumped-out wheel arches, triple exhausts, prominent rear diffuser, blacked-out grille and “GR-Four” lettering on the side sills. Both models ride on 18-inch wheels wearing 235/40R18 Yokohama Advan tyres, and red brake calipers provide a styling flourish.
The athletic pageantry isn’t just for show, and the GR Corolla’s aerodynamic aids include air curtains that channel air into the wheel arches and out via ducts behind the fenders. Like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla features a large front underspoiler to control airflow under the vehicle and reduce drag. Aero spats under the lower bumper and rear wheels aid aerodynamics by directing air away from the tyres to reduce drag.
All this go-fast tech translates into a lively and pleasurable track experience. The GR Corolla is fast, stable and just plain fun around a track.
It’s hard to believe a small three-pot engine can deliver such a sassy performance. It is satisfyingly punchy, as attested to by the claimed 5.3 second 0-100km/h sprint (0.2 seconds quicker than the GR Yaris) and 230km/h top speed. There’s a solid helping of mid-range torque too.
The car feels very planted and has neutral handling that will please driving purists with its ability to get through tight turns without premature understeer. At the same time it is a forgiving car that doesn’t become tail-happy when pushed to the limits, and you can get away with driving it quite harshly.
The manual short-throw shifter, a feature catering to old-school enthusiasts, feels slick and precise and there were no missed shifts during my track excursion. The steering has a good feel, and the brakes, which are also uprated over a standard Corolla’s, didn’t fade after being pummelled for a few laps.
The bucket seats provide good lateral support and their suede material prevents you from sliding around.
Acoustically the car makes the grade too, and the three-cylinder engine has a hoarse note that adds to the car’s sporting vibe.
A brief outing on public roads revealed the car to have a comfortable drive without feeling excessively firm, and together with its spacious interior it makes a practical family hatch.
The GR Corolla is a fine example of hot-hatch prowess and continues Toyota’s return to the sporting genre following the GR86, GR Supra and GR Yaris.
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