This newly-refreshed GR Corolla hyper hatch brings with it some chassis tweaks and even more power.
Aside from launching the facelifted GR Yaris, Toyota had also thought to bring in its similarly recently-refreshed big brother over here as well. So say konnichiwa to the newly-updated GR Corolla, which comes packing a few performance tweaks that should make this hyper hatch be even more hoon-able than ever before!
Now among the bigger tweaks that Toyota made to this newly-refreshed GR Corolla having squeezed a bit more torque from the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre turbo triple that lies under its hood, from an already potent 370 Nm to now a whopping 400 Nm. Peak power for this remains absolutely nutty power plant remains unchanged however, but 300 PS should still be plenty for those wishing to hoon their hyper hatch.
And for those who wish to hoon their GR Corolla for sustained periods of time too, it would be nice to know that Toyota has since also increased the fan and coupling power from 330 W to 500 W for improved cooling performance. This hyper hatch has further gained a sub-radiator as well, which is installed on a parallel circuit with the existing radiator.
Other smaller but no-less-noteworthy enhancements that has been made during the update includes adding extra bolts to the GR Corolla’s chassis, to help increase body rigidity and enhanced handling performance. The trailing arm mounting point, which is the rotation centre of the rear axle, has also been raised. This reduces rear squat during acceleration so the posture of the car does not change much and allows for more stable cornering.
Interestingly here however on the topic of changes, we Malaysians don’t get one of the most major “upgrades” with this facelifted GR Corolla, and that is the option of an 8-speed automatic transmission. So that means that only gearbox option available here (for now at least) is to be the carry-over 6-speed stick shift (which should be the default choice most buyers of this hyper hatch anyway…)
Moving on to what has changed on the outside of this facelited GR Corolla meanwhile, this already mean-looking hyper hatch gains an even more aggressive face from a revised front bumper with larger corner air inlets for improved cooling. There are also new brake ducts and an air curtain that directs air around the front wheels, which Toyota says reduces turbulence in the wheel wells and increasing handling stability.
As for its interior on the other hand, the GR Corolla pretty much retains the same sporty cockpit as before. Only the real anoraks will realise that this facelifted model has gained darker cabin trim pieces from the previously silver items, and no one but Toyota will likely ever notice that the switch operation in this hyper hatch has been enhanced with this update.
The GR Corolla is currently available locally from RM 367,000, which marks a RM 12,000 increase from its pre-facelift predecessor. Toyota’s GR models in Malaysia are marketed exclusively through GR Garages at selected authorized Toyota dealerships, which provide full aftersales support as well as sell GR accessories and merchandise.
