GR Corolla arrives and challenges the hot hatch market

GR Corolla joins the GR86, GR Supra and GR Yaris in the high-performance TOYOTA GAZOO Racing family. The highly-specified GTS grade is priced from $62,300 plus on-road costs.      2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS on the track The latest chapter in the exciting story of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is ready to be told, with the fire-breathing GR Corolla arriving in Australian showrooms in March.

  • GR Corolla sports car arrives in Australia from $62,300 plus on-road costs
  •  221kW turbo engine, AWD drivetrain deliver outstanding performance and driver engagement
  •  Hardcore two-seat Morizo Edition to join GTS variant later in 2023

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS on the track

Toyota Australia has secured 700 units of the GR Corolla GTS for sale in the first year, which will be joined in coming months by the limited-run Morizo Edition, of which just 25 will be available, amping up the performance even further with a range of exclusive features.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the arrival of the all-new GR Corolla represented a landmark occasion for the nameplate.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS (Glacier White)

“For decades Corolla has been one of Australia’s most-loved models, selling over 1.5 million units after having first arrived in 1967,” Mr Hanley said.

“Motorsport has long been a part of Corolla’s DNA, so to have a fully-fledged hot hatch version of our venerable small car is a huge thrill.”

Based on the popular Corolla hatch, the GR Corolla is underpinned by the acclaimed TNGA-C platform, significantly enhanced for high-performance driving dynamics.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS engine

GR Corolla quick details

GR Corolla features a turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel drive, wider track front and rear, completely overhauled suspension, and design features and styling enhancements that clearly set it apart from the rest of the Corolla family.

The GR Corolla is powered by the same high-output 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris, that has been tuned to produce a boosted 221kW of power at 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wider rev band, from 3000-5550rpm.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS (Glacier White)

The improved output has been achieved thanks to enhancements such as the triple-exit exhaust which reduces back pressure, reinforced pistons and exhaust valves, and increased capacity for the direct-injection fuel pump and engine oil cooler.

All GR Corollas come equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with intelligent rev-matching technology, engineered to provide maximum driver enjoyment.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS (Feverish Red)

Morizo Editions

Morizo Editions push the envelope further, extracting approximately an extra 30Nm of torque from the turbocharged engine, while tightening the transmission’s gear ratios makes better use of the extra torque.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS transmission

Exceptional handling and cornering performance is assured with the GR Corolla employing the sophisticated GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, supported with Torsen® limited-slip differentials on both the front and rear axles for optimal torque distribution.

Optimised suspension geometry, extensive chassis reinforcements, weight reduction and dedicated ventilated disc brakes all contribute to a thrilling driving experience, with the Morizo Edition offering even further weight reduction and structural reinforcement.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS wheels and tyres

Exterior enhancements for both variants include unique front and rear bumpers to accommodate the wider track, additional air ducts to enhance aerodynamics and cooling, a special triple-exit exhaust system, raised hood and unique 18-inch alloy wheels shod with high-performance Yokohama tyres.

Morizo Editions gain their own 18-inch BBS forged, dark silver alloys with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, as well as a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof that helps lower overall weight and the car’s centre of gravity.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS front interior

Interior design

The functional design of the exterior is mirrored inside, with changes to the interior that reflect the GR Corolla’s status as the ultimate hot hatch.

All versions gain a dedicated gear shifter and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake and a leather-wrapped steering wheel adapted from the GR Yaris.

Connectivity is improved with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display housing the latest Toyota multimedia system including Toyota Connected Services, paired with a fully digital 12.3-inch multi-information display and colour head-up display to provide the driver with a full suite of readouts.

The touchscreen is compatible with wired Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, features DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation, and offers improved usability and dynamic voice recognition.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS interior

More features

Heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker JBL® premium sound system provide welcome creature comforts on GTS versions.

Front seats provide excellent support for occupants, with suede and synthetic leather upholstery and contrast silver stitching.

Together with the removal of the 60:40 split-fold rear seats to save weight, the Morizo Edition is differentiated inside with unique bucket front seats with contrast red stitching, red seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shifter and parking brake, a red centre marker for the steering wheel and alumite red trim on the shift knob.

While providing heart-pounding performance, the GR Corolla also features a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies to ensure maximum occupant protection.

New features such as intersection turn assist are available thanks to the improved camera and radar sensors, which improve object and 3D motion detection while extending the range of the cameras and radars.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS (Glacier White)

GTS grades are available with four different exterior colour choices, consisting of Glacier White, Ebony, Liquid Mercury metallic and Feverish Red mica metallic.

The Morizo Edition will be offered with the choice of Frosted White pearl, Tarmac Black metallic and the exclusive Matte Steel.

 The GR Corolla is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to 5-year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first three years/60,000km and each 6-month/10,000km service costing $300.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS exhaust

GR Corolla pricing

  • GTS: $62,300
  • Morizo Edition: $77,800

Options:

  • Premium paint: $575
  • Matte paint (Morizo Edition only): $2500

Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included.

About Rob Fraser 2492 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.