2022 Toyota Corolla GR revealed

The Japanese giant has totally transformed the world’s most popular car into a performance beast, and it’ll be here very soon.

2022 Toyota Corolla GR.

Toyota has taken the covers off its latest performance hero.

Due in showrooms later this year the new Toyota Corolla GR turns up the heat with a riotous 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making a beefy 220kW and 370Nm.

Purists will appreciate the six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive set-up.

Toyota uses the same engine in its fire-breathing Yaris GR, but has extracted extra power for the Corolla GR thanks to a valve-equipped triple-exhaust muffler that improves airflow.

Corolla GR has 220kW/370Nm.

The Corolla GR is down slightly on power to its main rival the new 235/400Nm Volkswagen Golf R that is due in Australia in coming months.

The Japanese brand hasn’t provided 0-100km/h times, but expect sub-five seconds thanks to all-wheel drive grip and a relatively low weight of 1475kg.

There are front and rear locking differentials.

Toyota’s four-wheel drive tech is “rally-inspired” and is paired with proper performance gear such as front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials and a short-stroke gear lever.

The Corolla GR features wild looks with plenty of aerodynamic elements such as big front air intakes, a bulging bonnet with air vents and a sizeable rear spoiler.

Toyota claims the wicked hot hatch will have excellent cornering ability thanks to uprated shocks, suspension and bushings to give it maximum body control through bends.

Beefed up brakes will give it top-notch stopping power, too.

Toyota has boosted performance all-round.

Toyota has included multiple driving modes to suit different conditions.

Unlike its smaller Yaris sibling the Corolla will be able to comfortably accommodate five passengers.

There are plenty of mod-cons included such as Toyota’s full array of active safety tech.

The Corolla GR joins the Yaris GR, Supra GR and soon to arrive 86 GR in a rapidly expanding performance car line-up.

Full Australian pricing and specification will be available closer to launch date