GR—two letters that can transform any beige and boring Toyota into a real racing car, and that's exactly what the manufacturer offers with the GR Corolla. This little rocket on four wheels has everything to please, from the manual gearbox to the all-wheel drive and a small turbocharged engine. In short, it's a compact hatchback like they don't make anymore today, which makes it so desirable. This kind of car was very popular when I was a teenager. So, needless to say, I am very happy that the Japanese manufacturer has decided to enhance the segment with this little sports car.
The GR Corolla benefits from a few minor improvements for the year 2024, including the addition of a special Circuit Edition. This one enjoys numerous technical enhancements, making the car even sharper and more efficient on the track.
Range and Price
The GR Corolla range is divided into two versions. First, there's the basic GR Corolla, which is far from being a base model even though it serves as the entry-level model. This one has a starting price of $49,631, which is quite reasonable considering the performance it offers. Then there's the Circuit Edition version, which costs $59,731. The latter offers a more radical and aggressive finish with the addition of a more imposing rear wing, a hood scoop, and several other small improvements of the same kind. For one of the rare times in the industry, I believe that the price difference between the regular version and the Circuit Edition is totally justified.
Category and Competition
Although several compact cars have been phased out in recent years, those that have survived have managed to build a solid reputation thanks to diversification. In short, many small sports cars have hit the market during this period. As for the GR Corolla, it certainly has strong arguments to stand out from the competition, starting with its 3-cylinder engine, which offers a unique sound. Its performance is also sharper than its rivals, and it is the most interesting of the group aesthetically.
Rivals: Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf R
Design and Technologies
The GR Corolla is quite different from the regular Corolla aesthetically. It features air vents on the fenders and a more aggressive bumper. In short, it's easy to tell that this is a car offering serious performance. The Japanese manufacturer's sporty compact also boasts superb 18-inch wheels. The only slight disappointment in the car's design is the choice of colors, as there are only four options on the menu.
The car's interior is quite sober, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Toyota has focused on elegance and quality finish. This type of finish tends to age better. However, you will get some additional features if you opt for the Circuit Edition, including blue elements.
As for technologies, everything works very well with the GR Corolla. Its multimedia system is simple to use, and navigation is very smooth. Its digital dashboard offers a nice design and clear instrumentation.
Performance
What makes the Toyota GR Corolla so interesting is, of course, what's under the hood. It's a small 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. Despite this modest displacement, the Japanese manufacturer's small sports car delivers 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. All this power is transmitted to the four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, which works delightfully well.
The 2024 GR Corolla is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. It features 14-inch disc brakes at the front and 11.7-inch at the rear. For the calipers, there are 4 pistons at the front and 2 at the rear.
Weak Points
Good luck getting your hands on a new one, as demand is very high.
Strong Points
It offers breathtaking performance and is a very fun car to drive. It is also very exclusive and appreciated in the automotive community.
Signature Element
The GR Corolla is undoubtedly one of the small sports cars that offers the most value for your money.
Final Word
We long thought that Toyota had turned its back on sports cars, and now the Japanese manufacturer dominates several segments at once today. The GR Corolla is a car that has plenty to dream about and for good reason. If you are looking for a small, sporty, functional, and reliable car, you won't find better.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
