Small Hatch, Big Attitude: GR Corolla Goes Full Send

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is a firecracker of a hatchback—compact in size but massive in personality. Developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, this all-wheel-drive performance machine takes the humble Corolla nameplate and injects it with rally-bred aggression, precision, and a whole lot of turbocharged attitude. It’s a car that feels like it was built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and it doesn’t shy away from showing off its motorsport DNA.

At the heart of the GR Corolla is a turbocharged 1.6-litre inline-three engine that punches well above its weight class. Producing 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, it’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching or a newly available eight-speed automatic. Power is sent to all four wheels through Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, which allows drivers to adjust torque distribution between the front and rear axles—ranging from a balanced 50:50 split to a rear-biased 30:70 setup. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0–100 km/h time of around 5.0 seconds, and the car’s light weight and short wheelbase make it feel agile and eager in corners.

The suspension tuning is razor-sharp, with a setup that feels dialed in for apex-hunting. Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear help put power down cleanly, and the steering is quick and communicative. The GR Corolla’s chassis is stiff and responsive, giving the driver confidence to push hard through twisty roads or on track. That said, the pedal placement isn’t perfect, especially for heel-and-toe downshifting, and may frustrate purists who love manual finesse.

Inside, the GR Corolla is functional and focused. Sport seats with suede trim hold you firmly in place, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps performance data front and centre. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims include an 8-speaker JBL audio system. Materials are a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces, and while the cabin doesn’t feel luxurious, it’s clearly built with durability and weight savings in mind. The rear seats are usable for short trips, and cargo space is a respectable 504 litres with the seats up.

Fuel economy is rated at 11.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.8 L/100 km combined. It’s not exactly frugal, but for a car with this level of performance and grip, the numbers are reasonable. Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking—all standard across the lineup. Pricing starts at approximately $48,515 for the Core model, with higher trims like the Premium and Premium Plus climbing into the mid-$50,000 range depending on options.

In the end, the 2025 GR Corolla is a thrilling surprise—a high-performance hatchback that feels raw, responsive, and unapologetically fun. It’s not perfect: the interior is utilitarian, and the pedal layout could use refinement. But none of that dulls the excitement. This is a car that lights up the senses, grips the road like a rally machine, and proves that even a Corolla can be a thrill to drive.

Ian Harwood

2020 Toyota Corolla – Automotive Review

Regarded as the best selling car of all time, the 2020 Toyota Corolla gets its most dramatic transformation in recent years.

The Toyota Corolla has always been an easy choice for compact vehicles. It’s the highest selling vehicle of all-time. The reliability, affordability, and efficiency easily have people knowing what they are investing in when purchasing a Corolla. This new 2020 segment has left nothing to suggest that will ever change; even after undergoing the most dramatic transformation in recent memory.

The transformation began with a bit of cosmetic work to the shape and under belly of the new Corolla. New underpinnings to the body as part of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) helps deliver that smooth drivability. Notably the new 2020 Corolla will offer a new engine option and Hybrid-engine capability. This giving users the optimum fuel efficiency whilst reducing carbon emissions. Ever evolving the Corolla will always deliver to get you from place to place, efficiently and reliably.

The exterior as I mentioned got the sharp feature treatment as opposed to last year. The outside features provide a competitive design finally that seemed to be lacking within the Corollas of years past. Boasted as longer, lower, and wider; the Corolla measures out to be 182.3 inches which is in fact .7 inches shorter then it’s predecessor. The width is increased by .2 inches to 70.1, and lower stance by more than an inch and a half. The Nightshade Edition has that marvel villain name to go along with its dark side. Flairs of black features include 18” black alloy wheels, mirror caps, door handles, front and rear spoilers, skirt, and badging. Complete with availability as a sedan or hatchback to fit your need, the Corolla has more glamour than ever before.

The interior remains rather unchanged from the previous year. Inside, the Corolla hatchback and sedan share a streamlined dashboard and soft-touch materials. Every model has passive entry and push-button start, but certain Corollas can be upgraded with ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Those who regularly have back-seat passengers should consider the sedan over the hatchback since it has considerably more legroom behind the front seats.

Every Corolla has a touchscreen infotainment system with a mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay capability however Android Auto is shockingly absent. The rather large 7-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, but its numerous buttons, rotary volume, and tuning knobs help keep the driver’s eyes on the road during use. Top options include wireless charging and an upgraded JBL audio system.

Prices starting at

L sedan: $18 990
LE sedan: $21 790
SE: $22 290
Hybrid: $24 790
XLE sedan: $26 990
XSE sedan/hatchback: $28 490

With a plethora of selection, each model has noteworthy safety features and options to suit your needs best. Leaving the choice for the best suited Corolla totally up to your own presences. While the hatchback has tighter rear capacity and less cargo space; the hatchback look feels sportier and drives as such. The luxury XSE has all the glitz and glamor but, with the extra cost. The phenomenal fuel efficiency of the Hybrid LE sedan is tough to ignore as well.

Besides the sportier options like the SE and XSE, the 2020 Corolla is equipped with a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Front wheel drive power is delivered through the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which provides smooth operation. However, with any sudden pressure to the gas pedal you will find the Corolla bellowing a loud hum throughout the cabin. The for-mentioned sport options boast a 169-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder to pair with the CVT or optional six-speed manual. While the hatchbacks do have the larger engine, the hybrid powertrain is strictly limited to the sedan. Which ever your mood and style, Toyota has it covered with its multiple models, personally my eyes are drawn to the hatchback XSE.

Fuel efficiency in the 2020 Toyota Corolla is varied throughout the engine selections. The Hybrid will net you a combined 4.5L/100km. The L and LE model will give you about 7.1L/100km, XLE sitting around 7.3L/100km, SE being a little less at 6.7L/100km, and the XSE possessing 7L/100km.

Safety features included in the Toyota Corolla continues to be its namesake. For years the Corolla has been synonymous for reliability and safety. The 2020 Corolla sedan has earned a five-star crash-test rating. Driver-assistance features include pre-collision pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.

The all-new 2020 ToyotaCorolla attempts to enhance its reputation with flashier styling inside and out, more desirable features, and an improved driving experience. While it’s left to the eyes of the beholder; Toyota – more specifically the Corolla will continue to always see success amongst those who simply want a safe, well equipped and competitively priced car; one with a name synonymous with reliability.