There’s no denying that we are spoiled for choice when it comes to hot hatchbacks. The Honda Civic Type-R, Hyundai Veloster N, and VW Golf GTI are currently some of the most popular global models out there, but now there’s another one on the way. It seems Toyota Gazoo Racing is not done with launching hot versions of boring cars and a GR Corolla is on the way. However, it’s not going to arrive when initially expected.
By how much will it be delayed?
It seems COVID, once again, caused a highly-anticipated model to be delayed. However, according to Japan’s Best Car Web, the GR Corolla was scheduled to debut in 2021, but due to COVID playing havoc with the schedule, it is now expected around June 2022. This means that the hot version of the Corolla will be delayed by about 12 months.
Will it be available on the US market?
We know that the GR Corolla was first meant to debut in Japan and Europe, as a 2023 model and this might still happen. However, the US market might have to wait another year for it.
What can we expect from the GR Corolla?
The GR Corolla is also expected to be at least 20 mm (0.79 inches) wider than the standard Corolla. It will also be more road-focused than its rally-bred sibling, GR Yaris, which is actually a homologation car.
On the Japanese market (and possibly in Europe), there might also be a GR variant of the Corolla Touring. However, that will have a hybrid powertrain focused around a 2.0-liter engine. As for the sedan version, so far, there are no indications that it will receive the GR treatment.
How much will it cost?
According to sources, prices in Japan will start from 3.5 million yen ($32,395 at current exchange rates), which is actually less than the 3.96 million yen ($36,650) starting price of a GR Yaris. As for the highest-spec GR Corolla, in Japan, it would set you back 4.0 million yen ($37,021).
Conclusion
If the above-mentioned turns out to be true, the GR Corolla promises to give the likes of Civic Type-R, Veloster N, and Volkswagen GTI a lot of trouble. The design of the current Corolla is a far cry from the once bland and unremarkable looks of its previous iterations. And although the normal versions of the car are still very much boring commuter cars, the GR Corolla promises reliable performance, backed by Gazoo Racing’s motorsport expertise.
Moreover, it brings all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual to the table, which is a rare combination nowadays. We just hope it doesn’t become one of the great hot hatchbacks that never made it to the US.}