Toyota GR Corolla review finds outstanding family hot hatch fun

Official drive-away prices start from about $68,800 for the Toyota Corolla GR GTS, with some demo models available with less than 2000km on the clock available in the mid-$70k range.

Corollas have been a part of Australian automotive folklore.

With more than 1.5 million sold since the late 1960s, there’s a fair chance one has been in everyone’s extended family.

But there has never been a Toyota Corolla like the GR GTS.

It’s a fire-breathing, rally-bred weapon.

Following the gravel-splayed tracks of the Yaris Rallye, the Corolla version is motivated by a three-cylinder turbocharged engine which packs serious punch – and noise.

Only 700 units were made available in Australia and prospective buyers were interviewed by dealers to ensure those with racy intentions led the queue.

Official drive-away prices start from about $68,800, with some demo models still available with less than 2000km on the clock available in the mid-$70k range.

It’s a Corolla but not like you know it … meet the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla GTS.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Muscly and sleek, our test car looked particularly impressive in red. Wow, it turned a lot of heads.

GRANT: It’s the fastest of colours. Pumped up wheel arches, aggressive mesh grille, bodykit, triple exhaust and 18-inch alloys with low-profile rubber, the Gazoo Racing (which explains the GR moniker) Corolla looks like an athletic beast.

KEL: I remember driving the GR Yaris a couple of years ago, this was far more family-friendly with five doors as opposed to three.

GRANT: Toyota has used the same engine found in the Yaris with some tweaks to deliver 21 more kilowatts of power. Compared with its smaller stablemate the Corolla has a usable back seat and boot – although like the standard offering neither are generous.

KEL: Some of the sporting-focused cars we’ve driven in the past lack luxuries, but I was happy to see heated front seats and steering wheel, smartphone mirroring applications, as well as digital driver instruments.

GRANT: Many of the fixtures and fittings are a direct lift from the run-of-the-mill Corolla. Apart from the bucket seats and sports pedals the overall ambience is relatively plain.

KEL: While I appreciate the athletic looks and performance, the asking price of just less than $70,000 remains a big investment for a small car.

GRANT: For many enthusiasts it’s a good deal and being available in manual-only ensures it’s for passionate steerers. It undercuts the Honda Civic Type R ($72,600) and the Volkswagen Golf R ($74,882), two of the primary rivals. The GR Corolla also remains rare, with Toyota yet to have its future allocation revealed – that will be decided late this year.

Kel and Grant Edwards test drove the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: From the moment you hit the start button it sounds like something special. While I’m a fan of understated ability, I looked forward to getting behind the wheel on every occasion.

GRANT: With “GR-FOUR” embossed on the side skirts, red brake calipers behind the black alloys, air ducts in the bonnet, the little additions work beautifully with the sheet metal which has the Corolla looking like a buffed ball of muscle.

KEL: The side bolsters on the bucket seats were relatively easy to get over. For those wearing skirts it can be tricky getting in and out of some sports models.

GRANT: Seat positioning in the Corolla is better than the Yaris as the driver can sit lower for a better view.

Interior features of the Toyota GR Corolla GTS include bucket front seats and sports pedals, along with digital driver instruments and smartphone mirroring apps.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Cabin design was frustrating from my perspective. There weren’t any nooks for keys or other bits and pieces in the console.

GRANT: The dual cup-holders are there but when in use slots are limited. There is also wireless phone charging, although my device flung off regularly when the driving got willing.

KEL: Our weekly grocery shop saw bags spill into the back seat.

GRANT: It’s among the shortfalls of the new generation Corolla, with just over 200 litres of boot space. The seats do drop 60-40, which enabled us to fit a small surfboard inside and on another occasion an adult-size bike with the front wheel removed.

Getting behind the wheel of Toyota’s GR Corolla GTS is fun personified.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Rapid and fun, I actually found the GR Corolla easy to drive despite its boy racer appeal.

GRANT: Changing gears is easy with lovely crisp throws between cogs. Marginally slower than the Yaris in the 0-100km/h sprint, the three-pot turbo does its best work high in the rev range and you have to work the gears to maintain the sweet spot when pushing hard.

KEL: Parking wasn’t too bad, I do expect the steering to be heavier in these hot hatches.

GRANT: Also armed with an ability to change the rear-wheel bias, the default is 60:40 but when the going gets twisty it’s best to select 30:70. When it comes to the track, push the button and it evenly splits the distribution and is designed for the best grip on slippery surfaces.

KEL: It felt grippy and the ride was only harsh over ruts or speed bump.

GRANT: The performance is outstanding. Anyone who loves a manual will find it truly engaging and a joy to steer.

Easily spotted, the Toyota GR Corolla GTS features a triple exhaust and a bodykit.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Compared to the GR Yaris, this was a much better fit for the family due to the improved accessibility. I found this easier to drive than some of the other sporty hot hatches so if we were in the market I would have it up there for consideration.

GRANT: While it doesn’t have the sophistication of a Volkswagen Golf R or the pure composure of a Honda Civic Type R, the GR Corolla pulls at the true driver’s heartstrings. If there was one in our driveway I’d ensure to regularly stretch its legs on gravel where the rally prowess would best shine.