2023 Toyota GR Corolla: BIG black fun

Despite the fact that their financial stability depends heavily on utility vehicles and the success of their electrification plans, some brands still want to meet the needs of driving enthusiasts. Toyota is one of them.

It must be said that the history of this Japanese manufacturer is somewhat paradoxical. Its reputation for reliability has always gone hand in hand with its rich motorsport heritage.

Today, it is through vehicles bearing the Gazoo Racing (GR) logo that Toyota continues this tradition. Although the name does not have the same stature as AMG at Mercedes-Benz or M at BMW, the GR Supra and GR 86 have so far shown the North American market what they have in The belly.

To this range is now added the GR Corolla, a compact inspired by the famous but smaller GR Yaris which is already devouring European roads, but bigger. Because we are in America, after all!

A Corolla on steroids

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that develops 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission (which makes it a unicorn in 2023!)

Its range is available in three models. And as you might have guessed, the pricing structure is spicier than the regular Corolla lineup. The base model Core is equipped with standard front and rear limited-slip differentials exclusively for the Canadian market. Its starting price is $45,490. The model that follows is the Circuit Edition, which adds a carbon fiber roof among other additions. This one starts at $53,990.

The third model is, to say the least, exclusive. The Morizo ​​edition will see its production limited to 200 units, of which only 10 will make it to Canada at a price of $59,990. Owners of the Morizo ​​variant get a recalibrated trip computer that injects an additional 22 lb-ft of torque, a better-staged 6-speed manual transmission and unique upholstery. She is also lighter than her sisters in arms.

Four-legged agility

Inside, the GR Corolla’s seats offer particularly hugging support with a near-perfect driving position, if it weren’t for the pedals that could be closer. The steering wheel is easy to handle and works hand in hand with steering that offers excellent feedback.

You’ll notice that the interior is devoid of any high-end trim elements – except for the stitching and GR logos, it’s Corolla in good standing. But considering rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R have all moved to plastic-coated, screen-dominated interiors, that’s still within unfortunate industry standards.

Speaking of the screen, Toyota’s simplistic infotainment system has matured over time, especially in terms of navigation. But its interface is not without hitches in several respects. The all-digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is very useful, displaying relevant information like turbocharger pressure and G-forces, while presenting a very appreciable analog style.

On the road, the GR Corolla is a real firecracker. Its structure has 349 more welds than the normal Corolla in order to reinforce its rigidity. Together with the MacPherson double-wishbone suspension at the front and the multi-link suspension at the rear, this hot hatch is ready for war.

Although its exhaust system isn’t particularly loud and refrains from backfiring, the GR Corolla delivers plenty of low-end torque past the 3,000 rpm line. Yes, there is a small delay, but producing 25.2 psi peak pressure at the turbocharger with a three-cylinder does not come without its challenges.

The 6-speed manual gearbox is superbly rewarding to handle. And whether on paved or unpaved roads, the GR Corolla delivers a rally-worthy experience with high-speed predictability. Braking is also effective thanks to the 4-piston calipers combined with ventilated discs at the front and the 2-piston calipers with ventilated discs at the rear.

The icing on the cake is definitely the ability of the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system to adjust the torque split from 60/40 front/rear in normal driving to 30/70 for a spicier experience or 50/50 for driving. on the track, all via the rotation of a selector on the center console.

Sacred Morizo, go!

Morizo ​​is the nickname of Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota. Although Toyoda is the manufacturer’s kingpin, he also gets his hands dirty by actively racing race cars and models that come out of the factory with the aim of pushing them to their limits. The Morizo ​​Edition gets a bit more vitamins, then, with 295 lb-ft of torque (up from 273 lb-ft) thanks to a revised setting that draws 26.3 psi from the existing turbocharger.

It has no rear seats. Consequently, the rear doors have been stripped and are devoid of switches and electric motors. You won’t see a wiper on the rear window or heated seats up front. All of this, and more, sheds the Morizo ​​45 pounds over the Circuit model.

These sacrifices do not come without consequence. The GR Corolla Morizo ​​is less snug and doesn’t seem to have the same isolation priorities and offers a bumpier ride. But its character, both feisty and precise, more than compensates for its lack of comfort. In all lightness and agility, it clearly shows us that 22 lb-ft of torque makes a good difference at low revs, thus adding to its competitive spirit.

Veloster N, Golf R, Civic Type R, GR Corolla…

The Toyota GR Corolla comes to compete directly with the Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf R and the Hyundai Elantra N (the Veloster N is discontinued for 2023). It’s the club of small manual cars with thermal engines that target the magnets on the steering wheel. But this club also carries the air of last chance. And while the long-term reliability of the hard-working 3-cylinder engine may be questioned, there’s no doubt that the GR Corolla is made for this diverse and demanding clientele. And if you think the price is high for a Corolla, think again, and see what the prices are for a 300 horsepower car with all-wheel drive.

This GR Corolla will undoubtedly be very popular. Those who want to get a copy should show up quickly!

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