Toyota GR Corolla GTS road test review 2023

Toyota GR Corolla was launched in late February this year. We drove the GR Corolla GTS. The GR Corolla is aimed at rally or track driving. But, what is it like to drive every day.

Well, we took it for a run up the freeway and through the Hunter Valley in NSW for a day out. Apart from firm suspension it was a lot of fun.

And he exhaust note has a rewarding crisp burble.

People commented on it everywhere we went. Even the police at the roadside breath testing were interested in it. I found myself chatting to three of them about what it was like to drive.

Inside its well-equipped and comfortable, however I would ask for an additional adjustable lumbar support for my ageing back.

The GR Sport is all about the engine and it’s a gem. A 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine tuned to produce a boosted 221kW of power, close ratio six speed manual transmission and GR-FOUR all wheel drive system

It will happily potter around town and cruise the freeway without fuss. But switch the drive mode to Sport and your set for some fun driver engagement.

The GR Corolla GTS is priced from $62,300 plus the usual costs.

A full drive review can be found HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE GR COROLLA RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Toyota GR Corolla GTS thoughts

• The GR Corolla has a split personality
• It looks cool. We were constantly stopped and asked about it and the number of comments about how cool it looked was surprising
• Its a lot of fun to drive
• As well as easy to potter around town
• The sports seats hold you firmly in place
• The crisp raspy exhaust adds to the overall sporty ambience.
• Suspension can be a little firm on our goat track back roads.
• with a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds its quick enough.
• The real beauty is in how it simply grips the road like a limpet. It will go around the tightest corners almost perfectly flat.
• Responsiveness from throttle, steering and brake inputs is impressive
• A slick short shift 6 speed manual transmission focusses drivers attention
• However underneath its still a Corolla.
• I’m probably not the target market, but the lack of additional lumbar support for the driver was uncomfortable.
• The 8.0 inch central touch screen is a little behind the market these days
• Its missing a central storage bin, which means no left elbow rest and a lack of storage places for glasses etc.
• The boot is small

What is good?

Purposeful and stylish looks Engine performance and responsiveness Balanced ride/handling – FUN FUN FUN

What is not so good?

No leather seats. No electric seat adjustments No full size spare

Also look at.

Sports hatchbacks are few and far between these days.

Buyers could look at the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, Hyundai i30N, Honda Type R, Renault Megane RS, Audi S3.

Toyota GR Corolla final thoughts

Toyota GR Corolla is cool.

Its quick and fun to drive, providing levels of driver engagement that often costs many thousands of dollars more.

This is Toyota at its best. The best GR model available.

Toyota Corolla
Model	GR Corolla GTS
Model Price	$62,300 MLP*
Engine	1.6L 3 Cyl Turbo Petrol Euro 5C
Drivetrain	GR-FOUR AWD 6Sp i-MT
Battery Capacity / type	N/A
Power	221kW @ 6,500rpm
Torque	370Nm @ 3,000 – 5,500rpm
Fuel ADR	8.4L/100km
Fuel on Test	N/A
Fuel capacity	50L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency	595km ADR
Fast Charge / Home (240V)	N/A
Safety	5 Star ANCAP (Tested Nov 2019)
CO2 Emissions	191g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed	5.29 sec / 230km/h
Servicing	12 Mth / 15,000km – Capped Price service pack
Warranty	5yr/ unlimited km
Roadside Assist	5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Overall Rating	90/100
Behind the Wheel	9
Comfort	8
Equipment	8
Performance	9
Ride and Handling	10
Practicality	9
Fit for Purpose	10
Style / appeal	9
Technology / connectivity	9
Value for Money	9

Dimensions
Overall Length	4407mm
Wheelbase	2640mm
Width	1851mm
Height	1479mm
Wheels	18 x 8.5J ENKEI cast alloy
Tyres	Yokohama ADVAN V601 235/40ZR18 tyres
Max ground clearance	Up to 120mm
Wading Depth	N/A
Approach	N/A
Rampover	N/A
Departure angle	N/A
Turning Circle KTK	11.52m
Boot Capacity Min	N/A
Boot capacity Max	213L
Battery Weight	N/A
Kerb Weight	1470kg
Payload (kg)	445kg
GVM (kg)	1915kg
GCM	N/A
Towing Capacity	N/A
Tow Ball rating	N/A

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