While here in the US we are only limited to one, let’s look at why our option is the better choice.
Toyota, the largest automotive manufacturer in the world, is widely recognized as a brand of cheap, boring economy cars. The past few years, however, has garnered a shift in the narrative with the production of a series of enthusiast vehicles: the GR86 sports car, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla. The first two, while fantastic performance vehicles, are ridiculed for utilizing mainly Subaru and BMW hardware respectively. The latter two, however, are entirely Toyota’s doing.
The Toyota GR Yaris first showed its face in 2020 as a rally-inspired hot hatch, which enthusiasts drooled over and continue to today. It was developed as a homologation special, so Toyota could participate in the World Rally Championship. The biggest upset that GR Yaris had, however, was the news that it would not be available in the United States. This is where the GR Corolla comes in. As a sort of consolation prize, Toyota developed the GR Corolla as a nearly identical twin under the skin to the GR Yaris, but with some added goodies. Here is why the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is a beefed-up version of the GR Yaris.
The GR Corolla Makes The Most Of The GR Yaris’ Hardware
When Toyota announced the GR Yaris, enthusiasts here in the states were left in awe of the rally hot hatch and what it brought to the market. Standard for every GR Yaris was its power plant: a 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder (codenamed G16E-GTS) managing 268-HP and 273 lb-ft of torque (due to emissions regulations certain markets received a de-tuned 257-HP and 266 lb-ft of torque motor). Power runs through all four wheels via Toyota’s trick GR-FOUR AWD system that allows users to switch between front (60/40 front/rear), rear (30/70), or neutral (50/50) torque biases. 0-60 comes in at a reasonable 5.5 seconds. Being a 3-door configuration, the GR Yaris saves on weight, clocking just 2,822 lbs.
The GR Corolla is nearly identical to the GR Yaris in formula and hardware, but in the body of a Corolla Hatchback on steroids. Here the G16E-GTS 1.6L turbo 3-banger delivers a power bump to 300-HP and 273 lb-ft of torque (or 293 lb-ft if you opt for the Morizo edition) in all markets. The same GR-FOUR AWD system exists in the GR Corolla along with its trick torque vectoring system. This sprint to 60 MPH happens in 4.9 seconds, despite its 5-door hatchback body style forcing an increase in weight to 3,285 lbs.
The Real Reason Both The GR Yaris And GR Corolla Exist
This GR hot hatch duo can trace its roots back to the Celica GT-FOUR, a car that granted Toyota much success in the Group A World Rally Championship with two drivers championships and two constructors’ championships. After withdrawing from WRC in 1999, Toyota returned with their Yaris economy car turned rally monster and won yet another Constructors, Drivers, and Co-Driver’s championships.
Continued success in WRC led Toyota and its racing division, Gazoo Racing (GR), to develop a road car specifically homologated for competing for more championships. Enter the 2020 Toyota GR Yaris, a cheap economy car turned rally monster with a specifically designed 1.6L 3-cylinder motor and GR-FOUR AWD system. Unfortunately, since the regular Yaris was discontinued here in the states, the GR Yaris was never destined for our shores. That’s where the GR Corolla comes in.
Why We All Should Be Thankful The GR Corolla Exists
The hot hatch is a dying breed across the board. Enthusiasts in the states are limited to the few options via Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen and (arguably) Mazda. Toyota put aside their money-printing economy car formula for the development and production of the GR Corolla, just so enthusiasts can have something fun to drive. Not only does the GR Corolla offer practicality and everyday usability, it also excels at generating a joyful experience.
Same engine, same braking system (with optional big brake kits available on both), and same 6-speed manual, yet in almost every measurable performance category the GR Corolla wins outright. This winning performance is available in a more practical package with more doors, updated interior, and affordable price tag ($36,995 including destination) make the GR Corolla one of the most special vehicles ever made.
