Toyota GR Corolla to pack 220kW punch

The upcoming Toyota GR Corolla is set to generate more power, yet be more affordable, than its smaller Toyota GR Yaris sibling.

That’s the latest intel from Japanese auto website

Unlike the 200kW/370Nm GR Yaris, however, the piping-hot Corolla is tipped to bang out 300hp, or around 223kW.

The Japanese website also says it’ll get the same six-speed manual and all-wheel-drive layout as the fiery GR Yaris, yet will be more affordable.

The indicated price of the Toyota GR Corolla in Japan is predicted to be between ¥3.5 million and ¥4m which is about $42,000 to $48,000 in Australia.

Given the Toyota GR Yaris starts at almost ¥4m in Japan, there’s a chance the new turbocharged Corolla could be significantly cheaper than the hot Yaris, which is priced from $49,500 plus on-road costs in Australia.

It’s not yet clear whether Toyota’s forthcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N competitor will get the same body-widening upgrades as its smaller rally-bred sibling, but it will benefit from upgraded suspension, brakes and interior accoutrements.

But the idea the GR Corolla will get the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine is gaining momentum after comments from senior Toyota engineers, who suggested it would be illogical to develop an all-new engine and not deploy it in more vehicles.

Furthermore, both the Yaris and Corolla are underpinned by same the TNGA platform with many interchangeable components.

Toyota of America inadvertently confirmed the GR Corolla in early 2020, and while senior execs are remaining tight-lipped on the subject, it’s almost certain to be sold in Australia alongside the GR Supra and GR Yaris models.

“While nothing has been officially confirmed on GR Corolla at this time, I can tell you quite categorically, if one were to become available from our global line-up in right-hand drive we’d be most definitely very keen to bring it here,” Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss, Sean Hanley, told carsales.

At this stage, the Toyota GR Corolla is expected to be revealed in 2022, and is likely to be offered here solely as a five-door hatch.

There’s been talk of a wagon version of the GR Corolla for overseas markets and also the potential for a sedan, but Toyota has previously said it was difficult to make the business case stack up for a Corolla wagon in Australia.