Owning a weekend car is a luxury few can afford, and it’s not always about the money; space and time constraints often play a significant role. Traditionally, the fortunate have opted for a practical car for weekday commutes and a sportier model for weekend thrills. However, performance cars are often uncomfortable, impractical, and cumbersome in traffic. If you’re seeking a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance, you might have to expand your budget and consider a hot hatch or sporty SUV.
Enter the Toyota GR Corolla, a car that promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience without the six-figure price tag. Toyota’s latest offering in the fun car segment is designed to be as comfortable for daily use as it is thrilling for weekend adventures, thanks to the introduction of an automatic gearbox option.
The Evolution of the GR Corolla
While the GR Corolla retains the basic structure of a standard Toyota Corolla hatch, it is fundamentally different underneath. Unlike models such as the Hyundai i30 N, which merely enhance existing features, the GR Corolla undergoes a complete transformation. It shifts from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, marking a significant departure from its predecessors.
The “GT-FOUR” badge on the GR Corolla is a nod to the final years of the Celica, a model that Toyota adapted for the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Celica GT-Four was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally homologation special, developed for public sale to meet WRC requirements. Although WRC rules eventually changed, leading to the discontinuation of the GT-Four, Toyota’s revival of the badge with the GR Yaris and now the GR Corolla has reignited excitement among car enthusiasts.
Performance Meets Practicality
Could the GR Corolla genuinely serve as a daily driver? To explore this, I compared it with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid. The GR Corolla maintains the familiar feel of a Corolla, but with enhancements like boost gauges and sports badging on the dashboard. The exterior, while similar, is accentuated by a striking body kit.
The Corolla Cross I tested had a combined power output of 146kW, whereas the GR Corolla boasts 226kW. While numbers alone don’t capture the full story, the GR Corolla’s power delivery is notably different. The Corolla Cross’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid offers a smooth ride, but the GR Corolla’s 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo provides a more dynamic experience. The new eight-speed automatic transmission tames this power, making the drive enjoyable and manageable.
Comfort and Space Considerations
Despite its sporty appeal, the GR Corolla does sacrifice some driving comfort, particularly in suspension and interior design. The firm, low driving position and bolstered seats are great for spirited driving but can become uncomfortable over time. The suspension, while excellent for handling, may not be as forgiving for passengers.
Boot space is another consideration. The GR Corolla’s 213L boot pales in comparison to the 333L of a standard Corolla hatch and the 380L of the AWD Cross. If interior space is a priority, these figures are crucial.
Can the GR Corolla Be Your Only Car?
The critical question remains: can you live with a GR Corolla as your only car? For a two-person household or those with adult children, it might be feasible. However, for parents seeking to balance practicality with performance, the GR Corolla may fall short. The limited boot space, coupled with the challenge of fitting a pram or a week’s worth of groceries, could be deal-breakers.
Transitioning from a regular Corolla to a GR model involves minor annoyances, such as navigating speed bumps carefully to avoid scraping the front lip and dealing with less forgiving tires. Yet, the GR Corolla remains an intriguing option, offering a unique blend of performance and everyday usability.
“Good fuel economy (9.5L/100km isn’t exactly the best), boot space (which it doesn’t have), comfort (which doesn’t come in abundance) are all misses for the GR Corolla.”
Despite these shortcomings, the GR Corolla stands out as a functional “fun car” from Toyota. It may not yet be the ideal family vehicle, but it brings a fresh perspective to the market. While it doesn’t quite achieve the status of an “everything” car, it comes remarkably close without breaking the bank.
As I reflect on my time with the GR Corolla, I find myself captivated by its potential. It may not compel me to sell my car collection just yet, but it’s a step in the right direction for those seeking a versatile, exciting vehicle.
