Evaluate: Toyota GR Corolla – The fanatic choice for a one-car storage

“You may’t have your cake and eat it too” is a typical expression that mainly means you’ll be able to’t have all of it. Within the context of automobiles, you’d should make a trade-off between getting a household automobile and a sports activities automobile.

Loads of automobiles have tried to show it mistaken and largely succeeded. We’re speaking concerning the Subaru WRX STIs, Mitsubishi Lancer Evos, and even the German execs.

Right now nevertheless, they’ve all however disappeared. The German execs have change into extra akin to luxo-barges that occur to be actually quick, and we all know what occurred to the Evo.

Additionally learn: Yours for only RM 355k: Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia – 300 PS/370 Nm, 6MT

Subaru, then again, stated that the corporate won’t produce an STI model of the current-generation WRX. However Toyota, the model so many have considered or nonetheless are viewing as an organization that makes boring automobiles, introduced out the Toyota GR Corolla.

Additionally learn: Think the Toyota GR Corolla is too similar to an Impreza WRX? It’s because President Toyoda has a Subaru

It shares many similarities with the limited-production GR Yaris, which for this author, was the most effective driver’s automobile in 2022. It will get the identical G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an old-school 6-speed handbook, and the identical GR-4 AWD system with Torsen limited-slip differential on each axles.

The engine makes extra energy within the GR Corolla however it’s nearly 200 kg heavier, coming in at 1,475 kg (GR Yaris weighs 1,280 kg). Plus, the GR Corolla is bigger in nearly each dimension besides top. In observe, the GR Corolla does really feel like a matured GR Yaris.

Let’s begin with acceleration. The GR Corolla is fast, clocking 6.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h throughout our drag race session on our observe day occasion.

We achieved an similar time with the GR Yaris in our instrumented test. Notice that these had been performed on totally different areas, with totally different drivers, and totally different tools.

Additionally learn: Review: Toyota GR Yaris – Drive this, and the Golf R or A35 becomes a distant memory

However, it does give an concept of the GR Corolla’s tempo, which isn’t too far off the GR Yaris. Behind the wheel nevertheless, the GR Corolla’s acceleration feels much less explosive within the mid-range. It’s nonetheless a boost-y mill the place it actually begins to tug above 3,000 rpm or so after which it goes like a prepare.

In contrast to the GR Yaris, there’s no synthesized engine noise within the GR Corolla’s cabin however the exhaust is noticeably extra audible than the GR Yaris. In the event you ask me, I favor the GR Corolla’s extra natural approach of attaining auditory pleasure.

As for the driving controls, the burden of the steering, pedals, and clutch really feel – to the most effective of my reminiscence – paradoxically lighter than the GR Yaris. In that regard, the GR Corolla feels nearer to the FK8 Civic Type R in its management weights. Although a back-to-back take a look at is required to verify this.

The steering really feel itself and gearshift motion are broadly much like the GR Yaris – linear steering response and mechanical shift really feel with zero rubbery-ness. However I might nonetheless give the most effective shifter to the FK8 Sort R, it’s not the heftiest however the throws and accuracy are simply chic.

Anyway, with these nuances out of the way in which, what’s left is the way it handles on the observe. In a phrase – secure. The GR Corolla places stability and predictability above the remaining.

Push it round a nook, it defaults right into a slight understeer and as you ease off the steering enter only a contact, it enters a extra impartial behaviour. From there, it’s only a matter of how early you will get on the throttle and slingshot your self out of the nook.

That being stated, the GR Corolla was left in Observe mode with a 50/50 break up front-to-rear energy distribution. Maybe Sport mode with its rear-biased distribution would elicit a extra playful character.

Brakes are simply as confidence inspiring as within the GR Yaris with a robust chew early within the journey and a reassuringly agency pedal.

As for the inside, it feels similar to the common Corolla by way of materials and construct high quality. By extension, the GR Corolla would even be missing in storage areas and inside area.

However the GR Corolla addresses just about the entire GR Yaris’ drawbacks – poor ahead visibility from obstruction of the rear-view mirror, plasticky inside, and a barely perched driving place. None of these are a problem within the GR Corolla.

Admittedly, the GR Corolla doesn’t really feel as particular because the GR Yaris. The GR Corolla isn’t as sprightly and agile, however flipside is that the GR Corolla is a sensible five-door hatchback, one which has a mechanical handbrake at the present time.

As somebody who goes to the native ‘gymkhana’ and autocross occasions, having a mechanical handbrake is a godsend. Plus, it may well do RWD issues (i.e., donuts) to an extent. For that cause alone, I can’t consider higher choice to be within the one-car storage.

Additionally learn: To continue his teacher’s dream, Akio Toyoda is racing in Thailand to show 5 solutions are better than 1

This can be a automobile that may do all of it; observe days, gymkhanas, rallying, college runs, grocery runs, and many others. Who says you’ll be able to’t have your cake and eat it too?

The GR Corolla turned out to be Akio Toyoda’s final present to lovers earlier than taking over chairman position. As soon as once more, thanks, Toyoda-san.

Additionally learn: Akio Toyoda swaps CEO duties for Chairman post, Lexus LC’s father Koji Sato is the new boss of Toyota