Toyota GR Corolla is a WRX killer

Toyota channelled the likes of Porsche with a wild two-seat version of its economy hatchback. The result is truly extraordinary to drive.

This is not your average Toyota Corolla

Think of the “GR” Corolla as Toyota’s answer to the much-missed Subaru WRX STI. It has wild-looking bodywork, a high-performance turbo engine with 221kW and 370Nm, a clever four-wheel-drive system with driver-adjustable front-to-rear bias, and performance goodies such a sports seats, oversized brakes and a close-ratio manual transmission.

The Toyota GR Corolla Morizo is a wild machine.

The Morizo Edition goes even further with increased torque, forged BBS wheels with supercar-spec Michelin Cup tyres, and a frenzied dedication to weight reduction.

It has back doors but no back seats, no rear speakers or electric window motors, no rear windscreen wiper or parcel shelf – changes that reduce mass by less than 50 kilos and practicality by more than 50 per cent.

There are sports seats in the front, and no seats in the back.

What does Morizo mean?

Toyota president Akio Toyoda started “Gazoo Racing” as the manufacturer’s unofficially sanctioned racing team for endurance events in 2007. Wanting to avoid public and media scrutiny, he raced as “Morizo”, using an alias to fly under the radar. The GR Corolla Morizo pays tribute to the company’s racing heritage and its motorsport-made patron.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda is a motorsport-mad enthusiast.

Itcould cost $80,000 or more

Toyota has not released prices for the hot Corolla in Australia. We drove it in America, where the standard GR Corolla core costs $US35,900 plus $1180 for limited-slip front and rear differentials that are absolutely essential for performance driving. The Morizo is $US49,900 plus on-road costs in America, suggesting it will not be cheap. Toyota says customers can forget about a similar deal to the generous $39,900 drive-away ask of the original GR Yaris – that was a one-off special to help establish the Gazoo Racing brand.

The Morizo is lower, stiffer, and faster than regular GR Corolla models.

The Morizo is sensational to drive

Lighter and sharper than the standard GR Corolla, the Morizo proved to be a serious driver’s tool at a launch event on track in Utah. There’s less slack in suspension that is both firmer and lower than the standard car, resulting in more immediate responses to every input. The Morizo ramps up precision with a particularly sharp front end that rewards accurate driving.

Increased torque and less weight result in improved acceleration exaggerated by additional volume from a three-tipped exhaust unmuffled by back seats.

Toyota’s GR Corolla comes in three flavours: Core (red), Circuit Pack (grey) and Morizo (white) – at least in the United States.

High-performance tyres offer astounding grip at high speed, and the enormous brakes simply won’t give up. It’s more focused but less playful than the standard model, eminently serious compared with the GR Yaris’ rascal attitude. A lower seating position and much improved visibility than the smaller car make the Corolla a worthy upgrade.

The Corolla Morizo is at home on track.

Getting hold of one won’t be easy

Toyota Australia has not locked in prices or exact specifications for the GR Corolla – or its Morizo spinoff. Only 500 examples of the car will arrive in its first year, or around two per dealer. Demand will outstrip supply, which is why the brand’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, said Toyota will “manage that 500 very carefully” – without divulging specifics.

“We will certainly ask dealers to qualify each customer,” he said.

“We want these cars to get to enthusiasts.”

Toyota has locked in the GR Corolla for an Australian arrival in 2023.