Toyota has announced its updated Corolla for the European market and it will include, for the first time, a GR Sport variant.
In overseas markets, the Toyota Corolla will be available in hatchback, sedan and wagon body styles and will use Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid system.
The GR Sport variant largely consists of cosmetic changes including a unique 18-inch alloy wheel design, different rear bumper and under guard, GR embossed sports seats and GR push-button starter.
The Toyota Corolla now has a GR Sport badge for the first time
Toyota’s GR Sport variants should not be confused with the brand’s full-blown GR performance products, such as the GR Supra or GR Yaris.
Toyota Australia currently builds the C-HR, the Yaris Cross and the Land Cruiser 300 Series in GR Sport spec, all of which will be joined by a Hilux GR Sport later in 2023.
Chasing Cars has reached out to Toyota Australia regarding whether a Corolla GR Sport variant could be bound for our shores and will update this story if we receive word.
Europe gets a cool Corolla wagon that we don’t get in Australia
What powers the facelifted Corolla GR Sport?
The updated Toyota Corolla for 2023 will be available with either a 1.8- or 2.0-litre hybrid engine. Fitted with the 2.0-litre hybrid system, power has risen to 144kW, allowing the Corolla to sprint to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
This is a considerable increase from the current Australian-spec Corolla ZR Hybrid’s 103kW system output from its 1.8-litre hybrid engine.
The 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain is a big step up in power from the 103kW 1.8-litre unit
Toyota says that the hybrid battery has seen a 14 percent reduction in weight but power output increased by 14 percent.
Could this GR Sport variant replace the current Toyota ZR Hybrid?
Although currently unconfirmed, the chances are pretty high that Toyota will roll out more GR Sport branded cars locally, including for their Corolla and potentially Corolla Cross in the near future.
We really wished that Australia got the Corolla wagon!
It’s become more common in recent years for automotive brands to leverage the reputation of their high performance badges by trickling them down into more affordable models.
Mercedes-Benz has done so in the past with its AMG-line cars, BMW with its M Sport badging and Audi with its S-Line products.
