The highly anticipated Toyota GR Corolla is finally making its way to South African showrooms, and it has generated excitement among automotive enthusiasts. Toyota has recently disclosed the pricing details for this hot hatch, and to everyone’s surprise, it comes in at a lower price point than its competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R.
Just as a reminder, under the bonnet of the Toyota GR Corolla resides a formidable 1,6-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that packs a punch. It delivers an impressive 221 kW of power at 6,500 r/min and 370 N.m of torque from 3 000 revs. Power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. While Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the exact 0-100 km/h sprint time, rumours suggest that this hot hatch can achieve the feat in a brisk 5 seconds. The top speed has been confirmed at 230 km/h, showcasing the GR Corolla’s performance capabilities.
Related: Toyota’s unreleased GR Corolla tackles Simola Hillclimb in Modified Class
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), highlighted Toyota’s commitment to building fun-to-drive cars, and the GR Corolla is a testament to that philosophy. Combining the motorsport DNA of the GR brand with turbocharged power, agile and dynamic handling, and a visually appealing design, this hot hatch is set to cater to the desires of driving enthusiasts.
Differentiating the Core and Circuit variants, there are noticeable distinctions. The Circuit version boasts Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles, a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, and a gloss black grille. Inside, the Circuit variant replaces the Core’s cloth seat upholstery with synthetic leather and suede combination. Additionally, it gains a Heads-Up Display and seat-back pockets, which further enhance its overall appeal. Both variants of the GR Corolla come equipped with dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, Adaptive Cruise Control, a brake-synchronized Pre-Crash System, Lane Keeping System, and a six-speaker, 7,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a host of advanced features for convenience and safety.
Toyota GR Corolla pricing
- GR Corolla 1.6T Core – R816 500
- GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit – R876 100
These figures make the GR Corolla an enticing option for potential buyers, considering that the new Golf 8R is priced at R912 800 and the Honda Civic Type R at R979 000. The Core model is also only R800 more expensive than the GR Yaris Rally making it highly lucrative. Performance figures, once revealed, will further determine how the GR Corolla stacks up against its competitors.
Related: 2023 Volkswagen Golf 8 R pricing
Overall, the Toyota GR Corolla’s pricing and performance specifications have piqued the interest of automotive enthusiasts in South Africa. With its said combination of power, handling, and attractive features, it presents a compelling option in the hot hatch segment. As the GR Corolla makes its way to showrooms, excitement builds to see how it will fare against its rivals and leave a lasting impression on driving enthusiasts across the country.
Also Read: Honda Type R touches down in SA with an eyewatering pricetag
