The GR Corolla isn’t just another hot hatch, it’s a hand-built project from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, the same team behind the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and Toyota’s WRC program. It packs a 3-cylinder turbo engine, a rally-style AWD system, and a manual gearbox in a lightweight hatchback shell. This is Toyota going wild again, and we love it.
Engine & Performance
1.6L G16E-GTS Turbocharged
3-Cylinder
• Power: 300 hp
• Torque: 370 Nm (295 lb-ft)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Drive: GR-Four AWD system
• 0–100 km/h: 5.0–5.3 sec
• Top Speed: 230 km/h (limited)
Fuel Consumption
Averaging 9.8 L/100km real-world figures often range from 8.4 L/100km (highway/eco) to over 11 L/100km (city/sport)
That is 10.2 km/l to 8.9 km/l, requiring premium fuel and a 50L tank.
Power & Torque Figures
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 3-cyl turbo (G16E-GTS) |
| Power | 300 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 370 Nm (295 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| AWD System | GR-Four with 60:40 / 50:50 / 30:70 modes |
| Curb Weight | ~1,475 kg |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.0–5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h |
| Brakes | 356 mm front / 297 mm rear |
| Wheels | 18-inch forged alloys |
| Fuel Economy | ~8.4–9.0 L/100km (varies) |
Driving Experience
The GR Corolla feels like a rally car made for daily roads. The AWD torque split modes completely change personality:
• 60:40 → Daily driving
• 50:50 → Balanced, predictable cornering
• 30:70 → Rear-biased fun mode
The G16E turbo engine delivers punchy boost through midrange, while the lightweight 3-cylinder layout gives it a surprisingly aggressive tone. The steering is sharp, the clutch is light but precise, and the car rotates beautifully through corners.
Interior & Tech
Toyota didn’t turn this into a luxury hatchback.
The GR Corolla interior is functional, sporty, and focused on driving.
Highlights:
• GR-specific sports seats
• Manual gearbox with short throws
• 12.3-inch digital cluster with boost gauge
• GR steering wheel
• Aluminum pedals
• Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Optional suede/Alcantara trims
Key GR-Four AWD Features
• Front + rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
• Adjustable torque distribution
• Rally-inspired chassis tuning
• Lightweight aluminum components
• Reinforced body with additional welding points
Why the GR Corolla Is Special
This isn’t a mass-produced hot hatch. The G16E engine is hand-built. The AWD system is from rally tech. And the triple exhaust gives it a sound no 3-cylinder has any right to have. It’s rare, raw, and one of the last true enthusiast cars in a world going electric.
The GR Corolla is a unicorn: small, powerful, lightweight, AWD, and manual. Whether you’re here for specs, tuning potential, or pure driving joy this hatchback delivers all of it.
