Amy Plemons is the Executive Producer of CarPro and an experienced car reviewer.
Fasten your seatbelt and prepare yourself. For you're in for one fun ride in the first-ever Corolla hot hatch! The new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla follows in the track-ready steps of the GR86 and GR Supra - GR standing for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global racing division. My test vehicle is the Core model, the base of three trims which also include the Circuit and Morizo editions.
Exterior
From first glance you can tell that the GR Corolla is no mere commuter car. Its GR status is immediately known with special badging on the functional matte black front grille and above the gloss black front fender vents. My test vehicle's special Supersonic Red hue contrasts with 18-inch gloss black wheels and available red painted brake calipers to give it a decidedly sporty look. Lighting wise, it's great to see an LED trifecta for the head lamps, daytime running lights and tail lights.
Design elements include wide front fender and rear fender flares and embossed GR-FOUR (all-wheel drive) logos on the side rocker panels.
The tail end really gets your attention thanks to the rear spoiler. triple stainless steel tip exhaust, diffuser and functional vents on the rear bumper.
(A Circuit trim amps things up further with a hood bulge and functional air ducts along with a carbon-fiber roof. )
Performance
The big story with the GR Corolla is, of course, the performance. 300-horses of it from a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. Do not let the 3-cylinders deter you. This thing moves! (Toyota cites a 0-60 time of 4.99 seconds.) Torque is a impressive 273 pound-feet. It's only available with a terrific short-shift 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission with rev-matching and frankly I can't imagine driving it with anything else. It delivers superb performance.
The GR Corolla lineup is equipped standard with a rally-inspired GR-Four selectable all-wheel drive. You can customize the system for 60/40, 50/50 or 70/30 torque distribution depending on your driving situation.
This model is also equipped with the optional Performance package and thus adds Front/Rear Torsen Limited Slip Differentials.
High performance brakes are of course another must in a hot hatch situation such as this and the GR Corolla delivers there, too.
Interior
A sporty, racing-inspired interior features GR badging, along with some glossy black elements and aluminum pedals. Comfortable cloth front sport seats with aggressive side bolsters feature GR badging on the headrests. The front seats are optionally heated as well, but not power adjustable.
The GR-badged leather-trimmed steering wheel is a highlight, as is the leather-wrapped gear shift and hand held parking brake, both of which have detailed stitching.
There is a plenty of head and leg-room up front. You'll lose some headroom in the back due to stadium style seating and also be beware of a high floorboard should there be a middle seat passenger. There's a drop down center console with cupholders. The second row has a 60/40 split but no passthrough area to ample cargo space in the back.
Technology
Toyota's given the GR Corolla some terrific technology. A standard 12.3-inch driver display features a start-up GR animation. You'll find digital performance gauges and a lot of other info there.
An 8-inch multimedia screen is nicely sized for the GR Corolla. Better yet, it's home to Toyota's new multimedia system which is a massive improvement over the old one. It's intuitive and compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation comes standard on the upper trim model.
A 6-speaker sound is standard but I'd recommend my test vehicle's upgraded tech package with an 8-speaker JBL system that sounds terrific, and also includes must-have for me wireless charging.
You'll get two USB charging ports.
Ride and Drive
The GR Corolla delivers exactly what you expect from a hot hatch when it comes to its ride and drive. It's engaging, delivers sporty handling and will leave you smiling ear to ear. Not to mention, it delivers an exhaust note that's music to your ears.
The GR Corolla's acceleration is terrific. Sport mode is the obvious choice. The steering feel is superb, precise, on the heavy side and responsive. There is nothing numb about it. I'd got so far as to say I felt like I was driving a two-door sports coupe.
A GR circuit-tuned suspension feels great and is designed to take on corners with ease.
Quite simply you're not going to be disappointed behind the wheel.
Safety
I'm happy to see that Toyota equips the GR Corolla with it's latest TSS 3.0 driver assistance technology. It includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist and more.
Other standard safety features also include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Options What You'll Pay
Options on this test vehicle include the Cold Weather package ($500), the special color ($425), the Performance Package ($1,180), the Technology Package ($770), Carpet Cargo Mats ($110) and Carpet Floor Mats ($179).
Price as equipped is $40,159, which makes this an affordable choice for performance seekers.
Verdict
The GR Corolla is hugely fun to drive and more than worthy entry into the hot hatch segment. Kudos to Toyota designers and engineers for doing such an excellent job with it, even if they did take their time about it.
- What I liked most: It's performance-oriented driving dynamics and 6-speed IMT.
- What I would change: Can't think of a thing.
- MSRP: Base: $35,900; as equipped $40,159.
- Fuel Economy: 21 city/28 highway/24 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,649 miles.
- Weight: 3,262 lbs. (Core Grade w/Dual LSD)
- Spare Tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 173.6 in./72.8 in./58.9 in.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Supersonic Red ($425).
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2023 Corolla Gr Corolla: Super, super, fun. A hot hatch to love with its performance-driven GR pedigree.
- Warranty: 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain and unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, 10 year/150,000 mile hybrid battery warranty. Toyota Care, and 2 years roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Toyota, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota.
