By MATT CAMPBELL
TOYOTA Australia has introduced the GR Corolla hatchback might be priced from $62,300 earlier than on-road prices, the 221kW all-wheel drive sizzling hatch to be supplied in two distinct trim ranges from launch.
An entry-level five-seat model often known as the GR Corolla GTS is the primary mannequin to reach in Australia, powered by a gruntier model of the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine discovered within the smaller and cheaper GR Yaris mannequin. Toyota says it has secured 700 examples of the GR Corolla GTS in its first yr on sale.
The extra hardcore two-seat mannequin, often known as Morizo Version, will set consumers again $77,800 earlier than on-road prices. It is going to arrive later in 2023, however might be restricted to solely 25 models for Australia.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations, stated the brand new GR Corolla fashions will herald a brand new period for the Corolla nameplate on this nation.
“We predict it sits in a category of its personal. Subaru now not affords the WRX STI. The brand new Honda Civic Kind R is front-wheel drive, and (Volkswagen) Golf R is sort of a special automotive to our rally-bred GR Corolla,” he stated.
Mr Hanley admitted that the beginning value – at greater than 50 per cent increased than a base mannequin Corolla hatchback – is a tall ask for some, however he believes the model can justify it due to the efficiency on provide.
“Our pricing is according to the US and Japan,” he stated. “It’s not low-cost, however it’s nice worth for what it affords.
“This isn’t merely a hot-hatch, it’s an out and out efficiency automotive,” he stated.
The GR Corolla GTS runs the aforementioned three-cylinder engine, although Toyota claims the mill has been tuned to supply a “boosted” 221kW of energy (at 6500rpm) and 370Nm (from 3000-5550rpm). It’s offered completely with a six-speed handbook transmission, and makes use of Toyota’s GR-4 all-wheel drive system with Torsen restricted slip differentials entrance and rear.
Customary tools for the GTS contains an 8.0-inch touchscreen media system with Toyota Linked Companies, sat nav and smartphone mirroring know-how (wired Android Auto, wi-fi Apple CarPlay), in addition to a 12.3-inch driver information show and color head-up show, too. Keyless entry and push-button begin is commonplace, too.
The cabin is completed with heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, wi-fi telephone charging, dual-zone local weather management, an eight-speaker stereo system from JBL, and seats trimmed in suede and artificial leather-based with “distinction silver stitching”. Aluminium pedals and a leather-steering wheel from the GR Yaris full the cabin.
Exterior, the GR Corolla GTS is clad with 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with Yokohama tyres, a triple-exit exhaust, extra air intakes, distinctive entrance and rear bumpers to accommodate the automotive’s wider observe, and it’s obtainable in a alternative of Glacier White, Ebony (black), Liquid Mercury metallic, and Feverish Purple mica metallic.
The Morizo Version makes use of the identical 1.6L engine however ups the torque determine to 400Nm, whereas additionally scoring transmission ratios to “make higher use of the additional torque”.
The Morizo mannequin is between 35-45 kilograms lighter, too – dropping the rear bench seat whereas additionally seeing upgraded inside finishes together with model-specific bucket seats with purple stitching, purple seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, shifter and park brake, and some different purple highlights within the cabin.
The Toyota Corolla has been on sale in Australia since 1967, and over that point, the model has offered greater than 1.56 million examples.
Australia is the one market outdoors of Japan that gives each the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hatchback fashions.
