The Toyota GR Yaris is the closest thing you can get from its WRC-winning rally machine counterpart because of its rally-honed performance and dynamics that are deemed unrivaled even in the midst of the new normal. No one dared to take on the GR Yaris and this is why this super hot hatch is a class on its own.
As a matter of fact, the GR Yaris wasn't the only super hot hatch that emerged from the skunk works of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In fact, there's another hot hatch that belonged to the same bloodline as this, only bigger...
So, care to guess what that other GR hot hatch is?
What about now? Any takers? Well, there's only one answer...
This is the first-ever Toyota GR Corolla, the other super hot hatch from Toyota Gazoo Racing and you can drive one in Gran Turismo 7 right away.
So, what's it all about the GR Corolla? Based on the E210 Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla features a wider exterior design, improved aerodynamics, and better rigidity. Using the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, it's been boosted to produce 304PS of power and 370Nm of torque while mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. As for fuel economy, it's good for 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.
Just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla comes with the GR-FOUR active torque split 4WD system with a Torsen LSD for better cornering and stability on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.
For those who demand more for the GR Corolla comes the hardcore MORIZO Edition, which was named after the alias of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who is also the company's master test driver. The MORIZO Edition removes rear seats for weight-saving measures and uses a unique close-ratio transmission and final gear setup, increased turbo boost, unique forged wheels, and monotube suspension dampers.
When it was launched in Japan in December 2022, the GR Corolla was limited to 500 units, 70 for the MORIZO Edition. Therefore, a lottery system was implemented for those who were willing to purchase.
Yes, the GR Corolla is by no means one of the highly-anticipated models of last year following a series of cryptic teasers scattered throughout typical Toyota car photos, if you know what I mean. All those cryptic clues led to the unmasking of the most practical five-door super hot hatch in the world. You better thank Toyota for this one.
With all the suspense killing me, it's time to find out how much of a super hot hatch the GR Corolla is when compared to its little brother, the GR Yaris.
I've selected Bathurst as the playpen for the two GR hot hatches and as always, the one with the fastest lap time is the winner of this comparison. I know that the GR Corolla is the most powerful of the two but the GR Yaris is smaller and lighter, making the sibling strife one-sided. Up to me to find out which of the two super hot hatches is the best. Let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
GR Yaris - 2m42.113s
GR Corolla - 2m40.546s
Talk about a nearly two-second gap between the two GR hot hatchbacks even though they have the same 1.6L turbocharged engines and the same GR-FOUR 4WD system, but in the end, it seems the most powerful hot hatchback from Toyota stands at the top.
Despite bearing a commoner's name, the GR Corolla managed to join the ranks of the list of Reiwa-era JDM sports cars spearheaded by the GR Supra thanks to its high-performance characteristics unheard for a Corolla. This car has proven worthy of bearing the GR badge and such anticipation really paid off with big dividends.
Case Closed.
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