The next in the line of Toyota’s rich race and rally-inspired hot hatches is coming to New Zealand early this year, with pricing for the Toyota GR Corolla now being announced.
Toyota unveiled the limited edition version of the popular model back in April 2022 complete with the 221kW turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder beating heart from its smaller GR Yaris relative.
Underneath its widened skin lies an all-wheel drive system, a manual transmission, and a torsen limited-slip differential, supplying drivers with plenty of traction or a dab of slip when desired.
A carbon-fibre roof, vented bonnet, matte-black 18-inch wheels, and Brin-Naub synthetic leather seats will each feature on the Kiwi bound model.
Toyota New Zealand General Manager, Steve Prangnell, says the GR Corolla captures the spirit and legacy of Corolla’s racing heritage.
“While undoubtedly the Corolla is mainly known by Kiwi drivers as the supremely reliable and dependable hatch, sedan, and compact wagon, the Corolla has a heritage of competing and winning in both track and rally events.”
“By letting the Toyota Gazoo Racing engineers loose on the GR Corolla, we have produced that rare combination of a high-performance car that can be driven with confidence and enjoyment in a variety of situations and a daily driver with five seats, five doors and the complete Toyota Safety Sense package,” he says.
To get your hands on one, Toyota New Zealand is holding a ballot for the first 150 cars in early February, with a further three ballots to offer 50 cars each.
Pricing for the GR Corolla has been set at $74,990 driveaway with a full tank of fuel, Toyota Car Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, and a three year or 100,000km warranty.