Toyota is keen for us all to follow its drip-feed of cryptic teasers for the eagerly anticipated GR Corolla, but launch timing for the all-new hot hatch has just been leaked.
A video that was published on and then removed from Driven District’s YouTube channel showed a leaked Toyota US dealer document detailing the local launch calendar for 2022.
Included, of course, was the GR Corolla, which was pencilled in for an October release in the US, pointing to an Australian arrival as soon as the fourth quarter of this year, although early 2023 seems likelier.
Either way, expect the GR Corolla’s official reveal to finally go down mid-year, when it will answer several pressing questions, with everyone’s eyes on what’s under the bonnet.
As reported, the smaller GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine is expected to be used by the GR Corolla, although the rumour mill indicates its power output will be raised from 200kW to 221kW.
And given the GR Corolla should, therefore, also borrow the GR Yaris’ trick GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, it’s shaping up as a proper rival to the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A35 and BMW M135i.
That said, the GR Corolla should stand out from the crowd with the availability of a six-speed manual gearbox, but an automatic transmission could also be offered to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
The GR Corolla’s arrival is likely to coincide with a yet-to-be-detailed facelift for the 12th-generation Corolla small hatchback. Stay tuned.
Keyword: Biggest clue yet to when the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will arrive! Hot new Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A 35 and BMW M135i rival nears launch