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The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla prices are out, and here is why this all-new hot hatchback is worth every penny.
The GR Corolla marks Toyota's entry into the hot-hatch segment in the United States. It gets a race-tuned all-wheel drive system by the brand's Gazoo Racing division and a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 300 horsepower. Compared to the standard Corolla hatchback, this one has aggressive aerodynamics, a wider track, and a heavily race-inspired interior. It is available in three models: Core, Circuit Edition, and Morizo Edition. Prices start from $36,995 for the base Core, while the Circuit and Morizo Editions are priced at $43,995 and $50,995, respectively. With this price point and these credentials, the 2023 GR Corolla plans to take on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type-R.
Every GR Corolla comes with Toyota's new GR Four all-wheel drive system, the carmaker's first sports-tuned all-wheel drive system in the last two decades. Its conceived in partnership with Toyota's Gazoo Racing rally team with inputs from its WRC drivers. It has a lightweight construction and offers multiple driving modes to suit immediate road conditions such as dirt, rain, and snow. This system also allows for variable power distribution between the front and rear axles. A total of three options are available: 60/40, 30/70, and 50/50. While the first is ideal for everyday driving conditions, the middle is best suited for a bit of hooliganism. The last setting is perfect for track-focused driving.
The front and rear limited slip differentials, available as standard on the GR Corolla Circuit Edition, further add to this all-wheel-drive system. Unfortunately, the Core models do not get this feature as standard. But, it is available as an option as part of the performance package.
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The GR Corolla comes with the same 1.6-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine available in the GR Yaris, a hot-hatchback that Toyota sells in Europe and other overseas markets. However, this engine is re-tuned for this hot hatchback to produce higher power figures. As a result, it churns out 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque here. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard in the GR Corolla and has a rev-matching function. To improve the engine performance further, Toyota has given this car a three-piece muffler with a design that reduces exhaust backpressure.
The GR Corolla uses the same platform as the Corolla hatchback. However, several modifications improve its structural rigidity for better driving performance. The suspension is also tweaked to offer better handling, and the new 18-inch wheels get Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for added grip. In addition to these mechanical updates, the GR Corolla also uses lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum to keep its weight low.
The GR Corolla's Morizo Edition gets an even more extreme package thanks to a re-tuned engine that produces 295 lb-ft of torque but the same horsepower and comes with suspension upgrades. It even gets Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for better grip.
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The cabin of the GR Corolla is the same as the Corolla hatchback. So, you get the same amount of practicality and build quality. However, this hot hatchback brings a new 12.3-inch driver's information display. In addition, the Circuit Edition gets a few more standard features compared to the Core model. For instance, it comes with a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, 4-way adjustable passenger's seat, leather, and suede upholstery, along with red trim inserts on the door handles, center console, steering wheel, and side air vents. It also gets automatic climate control, one-touch auto up-down windows, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. There is also tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, which gets controls for the infotainment screen. This model also receives a JBL sound system with an amplifier.
On the other hand, the Core models come with push-button start/stop, aluminum pedals, USB charging ports, and cabin lighting. The 8-inch touchscreen is standard across the GR Corolla's model range. In addition, it has various connectivity options, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and comes with a standard six-speaker audio system.
The GR Corolla Morizo Edition, on the other hand, dumps some of the practicality for better lap times. It gets all the multimedia and tech from the other models of this hot-hatchback but drops the rear seats, rear speakers, and even the rear wipers and its motors for the weight advantage. However, it does get a unique red and black upholstery for its front seats, and faux-suede detail on the door handles, steering wheel, and side air vents.
Despite having track-focus credentials, the 2023 GR Corolla also has an advanced safety package in the form of Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0. This is a suit of driver assistance technologies and safety features. For example, it has a pre-collision system with automatic braking that can detect pedestrians. In addition, this suit also consists of radar-guided cruise control with lane keep assist and automatic high beams. Furthermore, it also offers blind-spot monitoring along with rear cross-traffic alerts.
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