Ballot sales for hot hatch
The exclusively manual transmission GR Corolla hot hatch has been built with the DNA of Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR).
Turbocharged with 221kW of power and GR-Four all-wheel drive (AWD), the newest addition to the GR stable is expected to arrive in New Zealand early this year with a driveaway price of $74,990. It will be sold via a series of ballots for the first 150 units.
The new model sprang to life based on the strong desire of Toyota president Akio Toyoda to “bring back a Corolla that captivates our customers”.
Steve Prangnell, general manager of Toyota NZ, says the GR Corolla captures the spirit and legacy of the nameplate’s racing heritage.
“While undoubtedly the model is mainly known by Kiwis as a reliable and dependable hatch, sedan and compact wagon, the Corolla has a heritage of competing and winning in track and rally events.”
“By letting the TGR engineers loose on this GR, we’ve produced that rare combination of a high-performance car that can be driven with confidence and enjoyment in a variety of situations, as well as a daily driver with five seats, five doors and the complete Toyota Safety Sense package.”
Prototypes were put through their paces not only on racing circuits, but also on demanding dirt and snow-covered roads.
Driving was done beyond the breaking point for comprehensive honing by drivers, who each have unique perspectives. They included Morizo, also known as Akio Toyoda, racer Hiroaki Ishiura, All Japan Rally Championship winner Norihiko Katsuta and in-house evaluators.
The GR Corolla sports a 221kW and 370Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 21kW more power than the same engine in the GR Yaris. It’s paired with a five-speed “intelligent” manual transmission.
Showcasing its capabilities to put power to the ground, its GR-Four AWD system automatically distributes power from 50-50 split up to 30-70 front and rear for ultimate traction, rain or shine. And by enhancing the drive with normal, sport and track modes, this hot hatch is more than ready to rally.
While adopting the basic body framework of the Toyota Corolla to enable it to inherit the high-speed stability of a long wheelbase, the GR employs wider track up-front and at the rear to command a high level of cornering performance.
Prangnell says it’s exciting to see the TGR brand filtering into Toyota NZ’s product line-up with the marque having rolled out six vehicles with GR treatment over the past few years.
“The addition of the GR Corolla shows how we can continue to offer a wide range of vehicles for all customer needs as we move Toyota’s overall model portfolio towards electrification,” he adds.
Fitted with an aggressive front grille, flared fenders to accommodate a wide track, rear diffuser, and functional vents for enhancing aerodynamics and cooling, there’s no need for the GR Corolla to fight for attention.
Inside, a GR leather-trimmed steering wheel and unique gauge cluster remind the driver of the racing brand. The New Zealand model’s fit-out includes a carbon-fibre roof, vented hood, matte-black 18-inch wheels, and Brin-Naub and synthetic leather-trimmed seats.
Toyota says the GR Corolla’s circuit-tuned suspension and Yokohama Advan Apex tyres won’t let harsh road conditions rain on your parade. The car features a front and rear Torsen limited-slip differential for a better grip while upgraded performance brakes help dig into corners.
The GR Corolla has the latest iteration of the Toyota Safety Sense package with a pre-collision system, lane-tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control and automatic high beam.
The marque’s driveaway price of $74,990 includes all on-road costs – the warrant of fitness, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed-price servicing package, floor mats and a three-year or 100,000km warranty.
Knowing demand for the GR Corolla will outstrip supply, Toyota NZ has decided to create a fair allocation by holding a ballot for the first 150 units. Three ballots will be held this year with 50 cars available in each ballot. The first ballot will start in early February with more details to come closer to the time.
