The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular and reliable cars in the world, but it has never been known for its exciting performance. That is, until now. Meet the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, a hot hatch that will make your heart race and your palms sweat. The GR Corolla is the latest creation from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the performance division that has also given us the Toyota GR Supra sports car and the Toyota GR 86 coupe. The GR Corolla is not just a regular Corolla with some cosmetic tweaks. It’s a completely different beast that borrows heavily from the rally-inspired GR Yaris, a car that’s not sold in the US but has won many accolades from enthusiasts around the world.
The GR Corolla is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that pumps out an astonishing 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than twice as much power as the standard Corolla hatchback, and it makes the GR Corolla one of the most powerful cars in its segment. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system.
The GR-FOUR system allows the driver to choose among different power-distribution modes, ranging from a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to enable drifting fun; a 50/50 split option is designed to provide maximum traction for racing. The system also features front and rear limited-slip differentials that help improve grip and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.
The GR Corolla also benefits from a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the ride height and improves handling, as well as a stiffer body structure that enhances rigidity and responsiveness. The car rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, and it comes with large brakes with red calipers for better stopping power. The car also features a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and functional vents that improve aerodynamics and cooling.
What’s New for 2024?
The GR Corolla was launched as a 2023 model, but Toyota has made some updates for 2024 to keep it fresh and competitive. The most notable change is the addition of a new trim level called Premium, which adds some luxury and convenience features to the base Core model. The Premium trim comes with:
- Suede-trimmed seats with GR logo
- JBL premium sound system with eight speakers
- Qi wireless charging
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Brake cooling ducts
The Premium trim also includes the Performance package, which was previously optional on the Core model. This package adds front and rear limited-slip differentials, red brake calipers, and brake cooling ducts.
Another change for 2024 is the return of the Circuit Edition, which was supposed to be a one-year-only model but proved to be very popular among enthusiasts. The Circuit Edition is the most hardcore version of the GR Corolla, and it comes with some exclusive features that make it lighter and faster. These include:
- Carbon-fiber roof
- Forged BBS wheels
- Rear sport wing
- No rear seat
- No spare tire
The Circuit Edition also gets a new color option for 2024: Blue Flame, which matches the blue interior accents and black lower-body decals.
How Does It Compare to Its Rivals?
The Toyota GR Corolla competes in a very niche segment of hot hatchbacks, where it faces some formidable rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf R, and the Hyundai Elantra N. These cars offer similar levels of performance, practicality, and fun, but they also have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Honda Civic Type R is widely regarded as one of the best-handling cars in its class, thanks to its sophisticated suspension system, adaptive dampers, and torque-vectoring technology. It also has a more powerful engine than the GR Corolla, with 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, the Civic Type R is also heavier than the GR Corolla, and it only comes with front-wheel drive, which limits its traction and stability in some situations.
The Volkswagen Golf R is another strong contender in this segment, offering a refined and versatile package that can switch from a comfortable cruiser to a track-ready racer with the push of a button. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and it comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts faster than the GR Corolla’s manual gearbox. It also has an all-wheel-drive system that can send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle, as well as a drift mode that allows for sideways fun. However, the Golf R is also more expensive than the GR Corolla, and it lacks some of the character and charm of its Japanese rival.
The Hyundai Elantra N is the newest entrant in this segment, and it aims to challenge the established players with its aggressive styling, impressive features, and affordable price. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, and it comes with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also has a front-wheel-drive system that features an electronic limited-slip differential, launch control, and variable exhaust sound. The Elantra N also offers some unique features, such as N Grin Shift, which boosts the engine output by 10 horsepower for 20 seconds, and N Power Shift, which maximizes the torque delivery during hard acceleration.
When Will It Be Available, and How Much Will It Cost?
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is expected to arrive at dealerships later this year, but it will be produced in limited numbers, so interested buyers should act fast. The pricing for the 2024 model has not been announced yet, but the 2023 model started at $37,000 for the Core trim, $40,000 for the Circuit Edition, and $43,000 for the Morizo Edition (which has been discontinued for 2024). The Premium trim is likely to cost around $40,000 as well.
The GR Corolla is not a cheap car, but it offers a lot of value for the money, especially compared to some of its rivals. It also offers a unique combination of performance, practicality, and personality that makes it stand out from the crowd. For those who are looking for a hot hatch that can deliver exhilarating driving dynamics, a potent turbocharged engine, and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is worth the wait.
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