Toyota’s fire-breathing GR Corolla blasts into Australian showrooms next month priced from $62,300.
Toyota Australia has secured 700 examples of the GR Corolla GTS for sale in the first year, to be joined in coming months by the limited-run Morizo Edition — of which just 25 will be available.
The rally-bred GR features a turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel drive, wider front and rear track, completely overhauled suspension as well as a fresh design to set it apart.
It’s the same high-output 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in GR Yaris, but tuned to produce an extra 21kW of power, delivering an output of 221kW at 6500 rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wider 3000-5550 rpm.
The boost comes from enhancements such as the triple-exit exhaust which reduces back pressure, reinforced pistons and exhaust valves and increased capacity for the direct-injection fuel pump and engine oil cooler.
All GR Corollas come equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with intelligent rev-matching, engineered to provide maximum driver enjoyment.
The $77,800 Morizo Edition pushes the envelope further again, extracting around 30Nm of extra torque, with different gear ratios to make better use of the extra torque.
Underpinning this formidable powertrain is a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, supported by Torsen limited-slip diffs on both the front and rear axles for optimal torque distribution.
Optimised suspension geometry, extensive chassis reinforcements, weight reduction and dedicated ventilated disc brakes all contribute to a thrilling driving experience.
The Morizo Edition offers even further weight reduction and structural reinforcement, with the removal of the back seat.
Exterior enhancements for both variants include unique front and rear bumpers to accommodate the wider track, additional air ducts to enhance aerodynamics and cooling, a special triple-exit exhaust system, raised hood and unique 18-inch alloys with high-performance Yokohama tyres.
Morizo adds 18-inch BBS forged, dark silver alloys with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, as well as a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer roof that helps lower overall weight and the centre of gravity.
The functional design of the exterior is mirrored inside, with changes to the interior that reflect the GR Corolla’s status as a hot hatch.
All versions gain a dedicated gear shifter and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake and a leather-wrapped steering wheel adapted from the GR Yaris.
Together with the removal of the 60:40 split-fold rear seats to save weight, the Morizo Edition is differentiated inside with unique bucket front seats with contrast red stitching, red seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shifter and parking brake, a red centre marker for the steering wheel and alumite red trim on the shift knob.
GTS grades are available in four colours: Glacier White, Ebony, Liquid Mercury metallic and Feverish Red mica metallic.
Morizo will be offered with the choice of Frosted White pearl, Tarmac Black metallic and the exclusive Matte Steel.
Premium paint adds $575, Matte paint available only with the Morizo Edition is $2500 extra.
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