Toyota has launched its latest offering in Malaysia, the GR Corolla, a hot hatch with a unique look. This five-door C-segment hatchback packs a punch and is priced at RM355,000 (equivalent to 80,180 USD). Under the hood, there is a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine that produces 300 PS and 370 Nm of torque made between 3,000 and 5,550 rpm.

The engine is the same G16E-GTS three-pot that is found in the smaller GR Yaris, which is already the most powerful three-cylinder in production. The GR Corolla's engine, however, makes 39 PS and 10 Nm more than the European-spec GR Yaris.

Similar to the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching function and the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's driver can choose from three drive modes and three AWD modes. The front and rear axles are equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential that controls drive to the 18-inch black Enkei multi-spoke wheels wrapped with 235/40 Yokohama Advan Apex tyres.

The GR Corolla is based on the Corolla five-door hatchback, which is more sporty than the sedan in its stock form. However, the GR Corolla is designed to look like a beast with its widened fender flares (track widened by 60 mm in front and 85 mm at the back), a bare carbon fibre roof, functional bonnet vents and a super wide mouth of a grille. The back of the hatchback features a big spoiler and a unique triple exhaust layout with two round pipes on the sides and one central oval tip. There are four colours – Precious Metal (grey), Super White, Emotional Red and Black.

Inside, the GR Corolla features seats and a steering wheel that are similar to those found in the GR Yaris. However, the Corolla presents information via a 12.3-inch screen supplemented by a head-up display. The digital meter has a GR start-up animation, and there are also GR logos on the steering and seats.

The vehicle is equipped with a 9.0-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, and keyless entry and start, which are all standard. Seven airbags and the full Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assist tech, which uses a monocular camera and radar, are included. Local kit fitted by UMWT includes a telematics system (car tracker), dashcam and solar/security film.

Source: Paultan