2023 GR Corolla. It’s a little intimidating, and it puts the hatchback’s style and performance in our Top 10 Best Cars of 2023 list. Toyota previously released a GR-tuned version of the Yaris sub-model, which shares its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine with the GR Corolla. The little trio is boosted with 300 hp here, and it’s only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive. Toyota has been on a campaign in recent years to add excitement to its inventory with faster offerings.
What’s new in 2023?
The GR Corolla will join the Toyota range this year, competing with popular sport compacts such as the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Veloster N, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Jetta GLI. With its pricing and horsepower, the GR Corolla is expected to compete with top-tier hot hatches, the VW Golf R, and the Honda Civic Type R.
performance, engine, and transmission
The GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine borrowed from the GR Yaris, a hatchback sold in various regions of the world other than the United States. It’s tuned to put out 300 horsepower for the GR Corolla, with 185.4 horsepower per litre and 43 horsepower higher than the GR Yaris. The single gearbox option is a six-speed manual, and all versions have Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel drive system.
The GR-Four system allows the driver to choose from several power distribution modes, ranging from 60/40 front to rear for everyday driving to a maximum of 30/70 for drifting movements; The 50/50 split option is engineered to provide optimal racing traction. Even the sporty SE and XSE versions of the Corolla don’t deliver spirited remote handling or performance. Still, tweaks to the GR suspension and powerplant make it a viable contender in the small sports car segment.
Front and rear limited slip differentials are standard on Circuit Edition models; It is optional on the base model. Morizo is a track-focused vehicle with lighter wheels, a retuned engine with 295 lb-ft of torque (the regular model has 273 lb-ft), precision-calibrated suspension, and a super-tacky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup. Solid and rewarding, the GR Corolla drives with the perfect blend of confidence and elegance. Although the pedal location may not be ideal for the feet, the six-speed manual is easy to paddle.
Fuel Economy and MPG in the real world
Although the current Corolla is one of the most fuel-efficient alternatives in its class and boasts recent driving behaviour, the high-performance GR model focuses solely on performance. Its small 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine still delivers decent fuel efficiency, but the EPA numbers of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway are well below those in the Corolla—hatchback standard. Visit the EPA’s website for additional information on the GR Corolla’s fuel efficiency.
Interior, comfort, and cargo
The interior of the GR Corolla is mainly identical to the traditional Corolla hatchback, which means excellent build quality, soft-touch materials, and plenty of equipment, but with slicker decor and sportier seats. Standard features include ambient interior lighting, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a push-button start, and aluminium pedal covers.
The Circuit Edition came standard with automatic climate control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and suede and synthetic leather upholstery in place of the original model’s cloth. Morezo’s version promises more excitement at the expense of practicality; Toyota omitted the rear seat, rear speakers, and even the hatchback-mounted window wiper to reduce weight. Lower weight means faster cycle times. The front seats feature a unique red and black upholstery design, while the gearshift knob, parking brake lever, and steering wheel rim are adorned in sporty suede.
Contact and infotainment
An 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa functionality, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot will be standard. The Technology package adds an eight-speaker JBL radio system, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, and an in-house navigation system for base versions; These features are standard on the Circle version.
Features for Driver Help and Safety
Toyota presently includes most of its driver-assistance technology as standard on most of its models, including the GR Corolla. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights are among the attractive tech features in the portfolio. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information on the GR Corolla’s crash-test results. The following are important safety features:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The GR Corolla, like other Toyotas, will come with a basic warranty package supplemented by a two-year free planned maintenance plan. The Civic Si does not have such a plan, but the Veloster N provides additional value in the form of extended warranty durations and an extra year of free maintenance. All GR Corollas have a one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association and access to a free high-performance driving class.
- The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles.
