Toyota to offer auto option in GR Corolla

TOYOTA has outlined further details of its upgraded GR Corolla which is set to offer more torque and the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission when it arrives in Aussie dealerships later this year.

The updated five-door hot hatch will continue to be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing will be announced closer to the model’s local launch – the current iteration retailing from $64,190 plus on-road costs.

Toyota says the upgraded GR Corolla features a redesigned front bumper cover to improve cooling and re-tuned front suspension for improved dynamic handling performance.

The revised 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol powertrain continues to offer 221kW of power but adds 30Nm of torque to the deal, now generating 400Nm. Toyota’s acclaimed GR Four all-wheel drive system remains unaltered.

Visually, the current GR Corolla GTS is characterised by 18-inch Enkei alloys with Yokohama boots, a triple-exit exhaust, additional air intakes and model-specific bumpers (to accommodate a widened wheel track) and a choice of four paint colours: Glacier White, Ebony, Liquid Mercury and Feverish Red.

Moving inside we find familiar upholstery and equipment offerings, the revamped model understood to continue offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment array with Toyota Connected Services, proprietary satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a digitised instrument panel, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, aluminium pedals and an eight-speaker stereo from JBL.

“When we first launched the GR Corolla here in 2023, it was an immediate hit with driving enthusiasts combining the performance of a track-day car derived from our Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsport experience with the practicality of a five-door hatch,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“We have now further enhanced that unique combination with even greater performance and the addition of a new powertrain option that offers the ease and convenience of a race-bred automatic transmission.”

Mr Hanley said more information will be offered closer to the local launch of the Toyota GR Corolla.