Toyota has finally whipped the covers off its long-awaited GR Corolla, which combines the GR Yaris’ thumping powertrain with a five-door body and model-specific Torsen limited-slip diffs (as part of the GR-Four AWD system). Good news, it’s coming to SA and we have pricing!

Ostensibly a rival to the Volkswagen Golf 8 R, the Toyota GR Corolla is powered by a strengthened version of the homologation-special GR Yaris‘ engine with cog-swapping duties handled by a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching functionality. Toyota says the GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, which displaces just 1.6 litres, develops 224 kW at 6 500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque between 3 000 and 5 500 rpm.

*Update: Thanks to Twitter user @stevefromafrica, who has been on the money with past GR Toyota product info, we have some clarity on pricing. We understand the GR Corolla will be offered in a two-model lineup: 1.6T Core and 1.6T Circuit. Pricing will start at R816 500 for the former, with the top-spec model retailing for R876 100. As a reminder, the GR Yaris has 198 kW and 360 Nm, and sells for R815 700.

That little birdie has been whispering in my ear again. This time it’s about the official pricing of the GR Corolla.

R876k is what it’ll cost you for the Big Boy-spec. pic.twitter.com/KtIvp1XVKj

— Steven Darge (@stevefromafrica) May 12, 2023

The GR Corolla is the nameplate’s first sporting model in nearly two decades and the latest of several GRmodels from the Aichi-based brand. It follows in the tracks of the GR Supra, GR Yaris and the GR 86.

Featuring several variant-specific performance attributes including widened front and rear fenders (to accommodate the car’s widened track), the GR Corolla sports a unique front bumper design, which channels more air to the model’s powertrain and braking system, a diffuser-adorned rear bumper and an electronic multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system capable of quickly shuffling drive between the front and rear axles.

Toyota says its engineers have separated the system’s “4WD” mode (which controls driving force distribution) and “Drive” mode (which controls accelerator response, steering and other systems), enabling selection according to driver preference and the driving environment. The selectable drive system can provide 60:40, 50:50 and 30:70 front-to-rear torque split settings, depending on the driver’s preference.

Furthermore, the GR Corolla rides on pillow-ball bushings and enhanced springs, shock absorbers and wheel alignment further contribute to maximum cornering control, while body rigidity has been increased to “achieve driving performance that responds instantly to driver operation”, Toyota says.

The model rides on a MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension arrangement and 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235-40-series Yokohama Advan Apex V601 or Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber (depending on market).

The GR Corolla features additional bracing in the rear wheel wells, beneath the central tunnel, and ahead of the 50-litre fuel tank to further bolster stability. The model tips the scale at 1 475 kg, just 55 kg more than a regular Corolla hatch.

Braking performance is likewise upgraded with 14-inch front- and 11-inch rear discsclamped by opposed-piston four-pot and two pot clamps respectively. The braking system is tuned to provide what Toyota says is stable braking and control, enabling confident and enjoyable driving, even on the racetrack.

The GR Corolla is further fitted with a mechanical park brake (handbrake turns, anyone?) and includes a long list of standard safety inclusions courtesy of Toyota’s latest Safety Sense technologies.

Given the tremendous success the GR Yaris achieved in Mzansi, it stands to reason there will be much interest in the GR Corolla in the local market. Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed the GR Corolla will be launched in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2023, with pricing, detailed specification and model line-up for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to launch.