Helping shed its boring-as-missionary image, the GR Corolla packs a wallop courtesy of a turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder (G16E-GTS) engine. Shared with the impeccable GR Yaris, it’s been uprated here to an even 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque thanks to a strict 100-octane diet. An unconventional exhaust layout—with three outlets—reduces backpressure, while also helping generate a far more sonorous note than the GR Yaris.

Accompanying this rally-bred powertrain is a choice between a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Direct Automatic Transmission. The former has been optimized for improved operability and “satisfying feel,” while the latter offers quick shifts thanks to the software’s anticipatory characteristics. Toyota is especially proud of the two-pedal version saying it allows novice drivers to shift gears as quicky and efficiently as professional race drivers.

Sending all that power to the pavement is the responsibility of the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. This lightweight all-wheel drive system uses a multi-plate clutch to shuffle power between the front and rear wheels switch between 60/40, 50/50, or 30/70 power distribution. It even has a Limited Slip Differential. At all four corners are sticky 235/40R18 tires and peeking behind them are ventilated disc brakes all around with 4-pot calipers at the front and 2-pot calipers at the back.

Inside, the GR Corolla gains a full TFT meter cluster measuring 12.3 inches and a pull-type mechanical handbrake. The handbrake is ingenious in that when engaged, it disengages the rear wheels by decoupling the rear clutch pack. This allows for controlled drifting or rotating. Other standard features are suede and synthetic leather trimmed sport seats with 6 ways of adjustment for the driver and 4 ways for the passenger are standard, a push start/stop for the engine, a wireless device charger, dual zone climate control, and a 7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tunes are pumped out courtesy of a 6-speaker sound system.

All GR Corollas, manual or automatic, come with the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system which bundles pre-collision braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind spot indicators, a back-up camera, and clearance sensors all around are standard.

Assembled at the GR Factory in Motomachi, Japan, the GR Corolla is priced at P 3,811,000 for the manual and P 3,955,000 for the automatic. 

There are two standard colors on offer: Super White and Black and two premium colors Precious Metal and Emotional Red for an additional P 20,000.