Toyota Corolla GR

In the realm of performance hatchbacks, few names stir the pot quite like Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division. Having firmly established its credentials with the sensational GR Yaris, the Japanese marque then unleashed its larger, arguably more practical sibling, the GR Corolla. While the GR Yaris has become a celebrated rally-bred icon, the GR Corolla, though not officially available in the UK, represents a compelling proposition for enthusiasts across the globe. This piece will delve into the intricacies of the GR Corolla, dissecting its specifications, and then drawing a detailed comparison with its smaller, equally potent stablemate, all presented in good old British English.

A Wider Stance, A Bigger Punch

When Toyota announced the GR Corolla, it was clear they weren’t simply scaling up the GR Yaris formula. This was a distinct machine, designed to tackle a different segment of the hot hatch market while retaining that pure, unadulterated GR spirit. Built on the GA-C platform, the GR Corolla boasts a wider, more aggressive stance than its standard Corolla counterpart, immediately signalling its performance intentions. Flared wheel arches, a prominent front bumper with functional air ducts, and a distinctive triple-exit exhaust system leave no doubt that this is a serious piece of kit.

Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla lies the familiar, yet significantly uprated, G16E-GTS 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While the GR Yaris made waves with its impressive output from this compact unit, the GR Corolla takes things a step further. In its standard guise, it churns out a formidable 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. This power hike is achieved through various enhancements, including a revised exhaust system with those three distinctive tailpipes, designed to reduce back pressure and optimise flow.

Power is, of course, nothing without control, and the GR Corolla inherits the highly acclaimed GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system from the GR Yaris. This intelligent system allows for variable torque distribution, with selectable modes including a 60:40 front-to-rear split for normal driving, a 50:50 split for gravel, and a more rear-biased 30:70 split for track use or spirited driving. This flexibility allows the driver to tailor the car’s behaviour to different conditions and preferences, from stable everyday commuting to exhilarating track antics.

The GR Corolla’s chassis has been extensively reinforced, with additional weld points and structural adhesive applied to enhance rigidity – a crucial factor in delivering precise handling. Suspension duties are handled by a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a double-wishbone multi-link system at the rear, both tuned specifically for the GR Corolla’s performance characteristics. Braking performance is equally impressive, with ventilated and slotted rotors, gripped by four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, ensuring confident stopping power.

Inside, the GR Corolla maintains a driver-focused cockpit. While sharing some elements with the regular Corolla, it features GR-specific touches such as figure-hugging sports seats, a GR-badged steering wheel, and aluminium pedals. The infotainment system is an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and higher trims offer a JBL premium audio system. Practicality is also a strong suit, with seating for up to five and a hatchback boot, making it a more versatile daily driver than its smaller sibling.

For those seeking an even more hardcore experience, the GR Corolla offers a “Morizo Edition” (named after Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda’s racing alias). This variant takes the performance up a notch by removing the rear seats to save weight, adding extra chassis bracing for increased stiffness, and often featuring a slight bump in torque. It’s a testament to Toyota’s commitment to catering to the most ardent driving enthusiasts.

The Pocket Rocket That Started It All

Before the GR Corolla arrived on the scene, the GR Yaris had already cemented its place in the hearts of petrolheads worldwide. Born directly from Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) aspirations, the GR Yaris is a homologation special, a true rally car for the road. Its compact dimensions, aggressive styling, and bespoke three-door body shell immediately set it apart from its humble Yaris supermini namesake.

At its core, the GR Yaris shares the same G16E-GTS 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the GR Corolla, albeit in a slightly less potent tune for most markets. Initially, it produced 257 bhp (192 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque, though later iterations and special editions saw this increase to 280 bhp (206 kW) and 288 lb-ft (390 Nm). Despite the lower figures compared to the GR Corolla, the GR Yaris’s lighter kerb weight ensures an explosive power-to-weight ratio.

The GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system is also a cornerstone of the GR Yaris’s performance, offering the same selectable torque distribution modes as its larger sibling. This system, combined with Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles (standard on higher trims), provides phenomenal grip and allows for incredible agility and control, particularly when driven hard.

The GR Yaris’s chassis is a marvel of engineering. While the front section is based on the standard Yaris’s GA-B platform, the rear incorporates elements of the larger Corolla’s GA-C platform to accommodate the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and double-wishbone rear suspension. This unique hybrid platform, combined with extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminium for the bonnet, boot lid, and door panels, contributes to the car’s impressive agility and responsiveness.

The driving experience in the GR Yaris is often described as raw and visceral. The short wheelbase, precise steering, and firm suspension setup make it feel incredibly direct and engaging. It’s a car that thrives on being pushed, communicating every nuance of the road surface to the driver. The six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) is a joy to operate, offering crisp, satisfying shifts. More recently, an eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission has also become available, promising even faster lap times.

Inside, the GR Yaris is more focused on function than luxury. While it features sports seats and GR-specific trim, the overall ambience is more utilitarian than the GR Corolla. Rear passenger space is limited, and the boot is considerably smaller, reflecting its primary purpose as a performance machine rather than a family hauler.

GR Corolla vs GR Yaris

Now, for the comparison that many enthusiasts ponder: which GR is superior? It’s not a straightforward answer, as both cars excel in different areas and cater to slightly different needs.

Performance: On paper, the GR Corolla, with its higher horsepower and torque figures, might seem like the outright winner. However, the GR Yaris’s lighter weight means its power-to-weight ratio is incredibly competitive, and in some scenarios, it can feel even more agile and responsive due to its smaller footprint. For outright acceleration, both are blistering, with 0-60 mph times hovering around the low 5-second mark, or even quicker for the GR Corolla with the new automatic gearbox. The GR Corolla’s increased torque, particularly in the mid-range, makes it feel effortlessly quick, while the GR Yaris’s manic character encourages you to wring out every last rev.

Handling and Driving Dynamics: This is where the differences become more apparent. The GR Yaris is the more focused, more aggressive machine. Its shorter wheelbase and lighter weight make it incredibly nimble and eager to change direction. It feels like a true rally car for the road, constantly urging you to push harder. The GR Corolla, while still incredibly capable and engaging, feels more mature and stable. Its wider track and slightly longer wheelbase contribute to a more planted feel, especially at higher speeds. It’s perhaps less “manic” than the GR Yaris, but no less capable of delivering a thrilling driving experience. For track days, both are exceptional, but the GR Yaris might offer a more immediate, raw sensation, while the GR Corolla provides a more composed and powerful attack.

Practicality: This is undeniably where the GR Corolla shines. As a five-door hatchback, it offers significantly more interior space, particularly for rear passengers, and a larger, more usable boot. This makes it a far more viable option for daily driving, family duties, or longer journeys. The GR Yaris, with its three-door layout and cramped rear seats, is very much a two-person car with limited cargo capacity. If practicality is a significant consideration, the GR Corolla is the clear winner.

Market Availability: For the British audience, this is a crucial point. The GR Yaris has been a massive success in the UK, readily available through Toyota dealerships. The GR Corolla, however, is not officially sold in the UK. This means that acquiring one would involve importing it, adding significant cost and complexity. This alone makes the GR Yaris the more accessible and practical choice for UK-based enthusiasts.

Price: Generally, the GR Yaris, being the smaller car, has a lower entry price. However, with the introduction of new variants and special editions, and the general increase in car prices, the gap can narrow. The GR Corolla, where available, typically commands a higher price point due to its larger size, increased power, and additional features.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the Toyota GR Corolla and the GR Yaris are exceptional examples of modern hot hatches, imbued with the passion and engineering prowess of Gazoo Racing. They share a common, potent heart in the G16E-GTS engine and the brilliant GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, but they offer distinct driving experiences.

The GR Yaris is the uncompromised, rally-bred pocket rocket – a truly special car for those who prioritise raw driving engagement and don’t need much in the way of practicality. It’s a car that demands to be driven hard and rewards with an intoxicating blend of agility and grip.

The GR Corolla, on the other hand, is the more mature, versatile, and ultimately more practical hot hatch. It offers similar levels of performance to its smaller sibling, but in a package that can genuinely be used every day. It’s a car that can tackle the school run with ease before transforming into a track weapon at the weekend.

For enthusiasts in the UK, the GR Yaris remains the accessible and highly desirable choice. Its legacy as a homologation special and its thrilling driving dynamics make it a truly unique proposition. While the GR Corolla’s absence from the UK market is a shame, it doesn’t diminish its appeal to those who can acquire it. Both cars stand as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building exciting, driver-focused machines, proving that the spirit of performance is alive and well in the modern era.