TOYOTA’S AUSTRALIAN GAZOO RACING stable will further expand in the first quarter of 2023 when the GR Corolla hot hatch arrives, with approximately 500 units secured for Australia in the first year of production.
The GR Corolla will bring the number of GR models in Australia to four, sitting alongside the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR86.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the GR Corolla continued the brand’s commitment to offering customers exciting and engaging vehicles.
“With the GR Corolla nearly here, Toyota’s mantra of building fun-to-drive cars is clear to see,” Mr Hanley said.
“With the GR brand’s motorsport DNA, the new GR Corolla promises to deliver on just what driving enthusiasts’ desire – high performance turbocharged power, agile and dynamic handling, and stylish good looks,” he said.
The new GR variant will also complete the Corolla family, which will be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV and performance hot hatch form.
Pricing for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to the model’s launch, however dealers have begun taking expressions of interest.
The new performance car will bring sports DNA back to the Corolla nameplate, using the powerful and responsive engine borrowed from the GR Yaris.
Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla, the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine has been enhanced further with more power to suit the larger hatch, with a 10 percent increase in power to 220kW.
Mated exclusively to an intelligent six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship.
Customers will have the choice of four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Custom – allowing them to finely tailor the drive mode to the conditions, all with the support of a limited-slip differential for superb grip and roadholding ability.
The GR Corolla is easily distinguished as a member of the GAZOO Racing family thanks to its expansive lower grille opening shared by other GR products, while the rear triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler make the GR Corolla’s performance intentions clear.
Large 18-inch black alloy wheels shod in high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres provide visual and dynamic enhancements, as do the widened front and rear tracks.
Inside, the GR Corolla features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, all included as part of the infotainment system.
For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display, head-up display and a wireless smartphone charger.
Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob, power windows, smart entry and start, illuminated entry and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.
GR Corolla will arrive in Australia with a high level of active safety features as standard, including pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, intersection assist, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, active cruise control, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Toyota Connected Services will also provide owners with greater peace of mind, safety and convenience both when in, and away, from the vehicle.
Further details on the GR Corolla including pricing will be announced closer to the model’s launch in the first quarter of 2023.