By Ellfian Rahim
It’s no secret that consumer appetite for standard hot hatches has weaned. Yet Toyota, currently Japan’s top car brand, hasn’t lost faith. Its GR sub-brand continues to cater to enthusiasts with the latest GR Corolla.
This is the ‘track day special’ version of Toyota’s iconic, globally popular, fuel-efficient hatchback. Recently unveiled during the grand finale of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge at Sepang Circuit, the new GR Corolla brings subtle but significant updates – including the option of an automatic transmission.
And yes, some fans may wonder: do buyers of GR-badged cars really want a two-pedal setup when a manual is available? The answer appears to be yes. Many GR Corolla owners enjoy driving but often navigate traffic, where a good automatic proves faster and less taxing than a manual. It allows drivers to focus on steering feel, throttle response, and braking finesse without fatigue.
RACING PEDIGREE
Toyota’s new 8-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT) has motorsport DNA, delivering quick, decisive shifts under acceleration while remaining smooth and effortless for daily use. As the fourth model in Toyota’s Malaysian GR line-up – following the GR86, GR Yaris, and GR Supra – the automatic Corolla draws on experience from Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance series, the Japanese Rally Championship, and extensive testing at Fuji Speedway.
Under the guidance of Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, the transmission was subjected to prolonged high-load, high-temperature conditions, ensuring reliability and performance under pressure. The GR Corolla’s muscular stance and functional aerodynamics aid cooling, airflow, and high-speed stability, while its five-door hatchback design retains everyday practicality.
Beneath the bonnet sits the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, producing 300 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm from 3,000 to 5,550 rpm (on RON 97 fuel). Performance is serious hot hatch territory: 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h.
AGGRESSIVE YET PRACTICAL
The 8-speed GR-DAT also features Launch Control and an automatic transmission fluid cooler, both absent from the manual. Power is delivered through the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, offering Normal, Gravel, and Track modes that adjust torque distribution between 60:40 and 30:70 depending on conditions.
Hardcore chassis hardware includes Torsen limited-slip differentials, GR-tuned suspension, ventilated slotted disc brakes, 18-inch Enkei wheels, and 235/40R18 Yokohama Advan Apex tyres, all topped with a triple-exit exhaust.
Safety and technology aren’t neglected. Both manual and automatic variants feature Blind Spot Monitoring, a new 10-inch display screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, dual-zone climate control, USB-C ports, wireless charging, and front and rear DVRs. The cabin blends advanced tech with comfort, supporting spirited drives and daily usability.
For anyone tired of conventional SUVs and craving a factory-tuned, track-ready hot hatch, the new GR Corolla automatic offers just that with a price tag that’s just marginally above its manual sibling.
(Images: UMW Toyota)
