By: Krish Persaud
July 16, 2024
The GR Corolla lineage is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to merging reliability with high performance, tracing its roots back to Toyota’s rich motorsport heritage. The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, a product of Toyota Gazoo Racing, exemplifies this legacy. With a focus on precision and performance, this ‘hot hatch’ has evolved to become a formidable player in the performance car market. Toyota Canada graciously provided us with the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit for a week, and we were blown away by what it can do.
Under the hood, the GR Corolla throws down with its turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine, delivering a whopping 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm. Paired with a very slick six-speed manual transmission, this combination provides a thrilling driving experience that gets your heart racing. The acceleration is swift and smooth, effortlessly propelling you to speed with a satisfying surge of power.
The 2024 GR Corolla Circuit boasts enhanced features such as 18” forged BBS wheels and Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires (235/40R18), ensuring exceptional grip and control through every corner. Its striking design includes a carbon fiber roof, hood bulge, brake cooling ducts, lower rocker panel decal, rear spoiler, and a prominent GR logo on the intercooler. Inside, a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier delivers an exhilarating sound experience, matching the thrill of its dynamic performance.
One of the coolest features of the GR Corolla is its GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system. It’s not just about speed; it’s about feeling connected to the road. In Normal Mode, the car provides stability with 60% of the power to the front wheels and 40% to the rear. Sport Mode sends more power to the rear wheels with a 30:70 split, perfect for spirited drives on twisty roads. Track Mode splits the power evenly at 50:50 for maximum grip and stability when you’re pushing its limits. The GR Corolla also features limited-slip differentials to help you handle corners better, giving you more control whether you’re cruising or looking to drift a bit.
The steering feel of the GR Corolla is precise and responsive, enhancing the driving experience with every turn. Whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through mountain roads, the steering provides confidence-inspiring feedback, making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it.
On the outside, the GR Corolla looks sporty with sleek lines, a bold grille, and aerodynamic features that turn heads. Inside, sport seats keep you comfortable during spirited drives, though they might feel a bit firm. The cabin is decked out with high-quality materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system, including an 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety is a top priority too, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 providing advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert to keep you safe on the road. The GR Corolla not only offers exceptional performance and safety but also impressive fuel economy, catering to the needs of today’s environmentally conscious drivers.
According to Toyota Canada, the GR Corolla boasts a fuel consumption rating of 11.1 L/100km in the city, 8.3 L/100km on the highway, and a combined rating of 9.8 L/100km. During our 475 km test week, we averaged 9.3 L/100km with a mix of spirited and conservative driving. With its blend of power and fuel efficiency, the GR Corolla strikes a balance that appeals to buyers who care about both performance and eco-friendliness. It’s worth noting that the GR Corolla has a 50-litre fuel tank and runs best on premium fuel for optimal performance.
Starting at $46,490, the GR Corolla is competitively priced in its class. Whether you opt for the Core model or the $56,590 Circuit Edition, which has limited availability, the GR Corolla offers excellent performance, style, and practicality at a price that won’t break the bank.
In a market filled with competitors like the Volkswagen Golf R, Honda Civic Type R, and JCW Mini, the GR Corolla stands out with its powerful engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and sporty design. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a car that’s exciting to drive every day. The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition redefines what a performance hatchback should be, seamlessly blending power, style, and everyday functionality. Experience the sheer joy of driving a hatchback that effortlessly combines the best of all worlds. Get ready to redefine your driving experience with the thrilling GR Corolla.
