The hot hatch segment has just gotten a lot more interesting.
The GR Corolla Circuit Edition finished in Heavy Metal paintwork.
G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine now pushes out 224 kW.
The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system has selectable bias settings based on driver preference.
After a long wait filled with teases and snippets of the hot hatch, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is finally here. Equipped with the same 1.6-litre three-cylinder from the GR Yaris but now tuned up to a whopping 224 kW and no, this isn’t an April fools joke.
The hot hatch segment has just gotten a lot more interesting.
It follows a very similar recipe to that of its smaller GR Yaris counterpart, with lightweight bodywork and the impressive G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine. This time around, it is equipped with 224 kW and 370 N.m which powers all-four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It also comes with rev-matching and the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system has selectable 60-40, 50-50, and 30-70 front-rear torque split settings.
The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system has selectable bias settings based on driver preference.
No performance figures have been offered but this is expected to be quicker than the GR Yaris which can achieve 100 kmh in 5.5 seconds with a limited top speed of 230 kmh. The power output in the smaller two door hatch are considerably less at 192 kW of power and 360 N.m of torque although it does only weight 1,280 kg versus 1,474 for the new GR Corolla.
G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine now pushes out 224 kW.
A modified version of the GA-C platform has been used on the GR Corolla which has been strengthened with additional welding points and extensive use of structural adhesive. The front door panels and bonnet are manufactured from lightweight aluminium and the underfloor is flat to reduce drag. It even looks the business with widened fenders and canards to channel air down the flanks of the hot hatch.
The Japanese hot hatch has been revealed in two flavors, either the base Core model that will arrive sometime this year or the exclusive Circuit Edition that’s coming in 2023.
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core is only available in three colours, namely: white, black, and Supersonic Red while the Circuit Edition comes in white, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal. It also offers performance enhancements including a forged carbon-fibre roof and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The GR Corolla Circuit Edition finished in Heavy Metal paintwork.
No pricing has been provided for the hot hatch and based on how well the GR Yaris has fared locally since its launch, we should expect to receive the peppy 2023 Toyota GR Corolla but this is pure speculation on our part.
Keyword: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla finally debuts with AWD and 224 kW