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The GR Corolla is a raging return to form for the Corolla nameplate, which hadn’t received a true hot-hatch makeover in some time.
It followed on from the smaller GR Yaris, which it is built alongside on a bespoke GR production line using the same inline three-cylinder turbocharged engine and adopting the performance-oriented GR-Four all-wheel drive system.
The line-up currently starts at $67,990 for the GR Corolla GTS and ranges through to $70,490 for the range-topping GR Corolla GTS.
While Toyota doesn't quote a 0-100km/h time for the standard Corolla hybrid, we'd estimate a little longer than 10 seconds to hit proper highway speed.
On the other hand, the performance-focused GR Corolla, as of its 2025 update, shoudl be able to hit 100km/h in just over 5 seconds when equipped with a manual transmission, or just under 5 seconds in auto guise.
Non-performance versions of the Toyota Corolla have a hybrid 1.8-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that makes 72kW and 142Nm, plus the hybrid help making for a total 103kW.
The GR Corolla hot hatch however has a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 221kW and 400Nm.
The Toyota Corolla's interior seems designed for convenience and ergonomics foremost, with relatively hard surfaces and small storage spaces being prioritised over design.
There are spaces to put small items and physical controls for most of the car's functions, making the cabin relatively easy to understand for most.
The Toyota Corolla's main tech feature is the 8-inch multimedia touchscreen that can be used with wireless Apple CarPlay or wired Android Auto, though there are also other features depending on variant like a wireless phone charger, a head-up display, leather seats and a premium JBL sound system.
The Toyota Corolla has a standard five-seat layout with two seats up front and a bench for three in the back. Like most small hatchbacks, the second row isn't very spacious and would feel cramped for an adult on a long trip.
The rear seats have a foldable armrest in the middle, and can fold flat thanks to a 40/60 split for more luggage room in the boot.
The Corolla's boot space depends on the variant. The entry Ascent Sport and mid-spec SX variants have a small 217 litres of boot space, while the top-spec ZR has 333 litres thanks to space saved by a lack of spare tyre.
The performance GR version has a 213 litre boot.
The Toyota Corolla has a 43-litre fuel tank and a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 4.0L/100km, which means theoretically the hybrid hatchback should be able to drive more than 1000km on a single tank of 91 RON fuel. However, realistically (especially in city traffic) it's unlikely most will achieve the 4.0L/100km figure, so plan to fill up well in advance of the 1000km mark.
The GR Corolla hot hatch however has a 50L fuel tank and needs to be filled with premium 98 RON petrol. With its claimed consumption of 8.4L/100km (manual) or 9.5L/100km, it could theoretically provide more than 500km of driving if conditions and your driving style are both perfect for efficiency.