In a word, yes, but maybe that’s not all for the worse. Backtracking to the GR Yaris for a bit, let’s remember that for its transformation from a front-drive sub-compact hatch to an all-wheel drive homologated rally car for the road, Toyota actually turned to the Corolla for some of its platform components. This, in turn, means that the GR Corolla behaves somewhat like the GR Yaris. Despite growing some 80 mm in wheelbase, it behaves likes a short wheelbase car through slower turns with its sharp, almost snappy rotations.

It’s only at higher speeds where the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla start to split hairs. Of the two, the GR Yaris is still the eager beaver. The lower weight, skinnier tires, and narrower track all contribute to a better sense of agility. Because of this, it’s the GR Yaris that’s more rewarding to drive on a curvy mountain pass. It is, however, also the one that’s bound to test the limits of your driving skills first.

On the other hand, the GR Corolla trades some of that skittish behavior for added stability. Mind you, it remains a playful partner, but it’s not something that’ll quickly bite back if you pat it the wrong way. It also means that this makes for a better touring companion. With its firm ride and bassy exhaust (it doesn’t have any trick adjustable dampers or anything), it’s far from being the cushiest car out there, but it’s more “tito friendly” in that it’s not as tiring to drive to and from a racetrack for the mid-40-somethings as a GR Yaris.

Like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla uses the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. It has switchable modes that vary the torque distribution depending on whether Normal, Track, or Gravel is selected. The differences, at least between the Normal and Track, are noticeable even changing the way the steering feels and reacts to inputs.

Both the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla share the very same engine: the 1.6-liter G16E-GTS. It’s the world’s most powerful production 3-cylinder engine, that, in the bigger five-door makes 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. In Trump Cards context, it reads like the winner with its 20 more horsepower and 10 more Nm of torque. In the real world, however, it feels similar; slower even considering that there’s 180 kilograms of more weight to push around. Nitpickers will also quickly point out that once you train your ears to filter out the rumbly exhaust, you’ll notice that the engine note sounds like a sewing machine; once you hear it, you can’t unhear it. Still, it’s hard not to be impressed by the GR Corolla’s pace. It pulls excellently with an accompanying psssssht from the wastegate each time the throttle’s released. Caveat, it does require a strict diet of 100 octane, although fuel economy can range from 6.13 km/L (average speed of 17 km/h) to 14.08 km/L (average speed of 58 km/h)—not bad all things considering.

Locally, the GR Corolla can be indent ordered either with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. The latter makes it a more habitable daily driver in the sense that the left foot won’t be doing much. It also opens up more convenience in the form of adaptive cruise control as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package. It’s a very responsive gearbox, reacting quickly in commanding a downshift to keep the engine singing happily. However, it could use more refinement. At lower speeds, gear engagements can get too aggressive. At highway speeds, it tends to hunt between seventh or eighth gear just to keep things from chugging.

As a driving machine, there’s little to fault with the GR Corolla. The seats are well-bolstered and despite having just six ways of adjustment for the driver, supportive and ergonomic. The steering wheel and pedals too are all properly aligned while also providing a clear view of the digital gauge cluster. The gauge cluster itself is highly customizable for as long as you’re willing to take some time to dig through the menu. If you prefer to keep things simple, there’s a heads-up display too. Visibility is stellar in all directions too.

That said, on this occasion, the GR Corolla can’t shake its humbler origins. With the exception of the GR-fied driving controls, it feels like you’re sitting inside a base Corolla with the same drabby, pouting dashboard staring right back at you. And then, there’s the infotainment system. It’s horrendous with its slow responses and low-res graphics (down to its rear camera). Sure, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, but the cable placement, which is on the head unit itself, is just terrible. There’s wireless support, but it’s just as laggy. Also, the standard speaker system sounds like it’s playing tunes from the bottom of a well.

It may be a hot hatch, but the GR Corolla doesn’t forget the “Corolla” part of its name. Despite the bulky frame of the front bucket seats, it’s still possible to seat three adults at the back with everyone getting their own adjustable headrest and three-point seatbelts. Plus, there’s a flip down armrest and even cup holders molded onto the rear doors. On the other hand, there’s not much space for smaller items unless you switch off the wireless charger, sacrifice the cup holders, or both. And instead of having a lidded armrest bin, there’s just a tray. Thankfully it’s rubber lined to keep things like sun glasses from flying around. Oh, and despite not having a spare tire, the cargo hold is small because of the large center bulge. But at least the rear seats can be dropped in a 60/40 split making space for larger luggage.

Aesthetically, the GR Corolla is still function over form with plenty of ducting either for aero or cooling performance. But with the exception of the odd, but purposeful three-exhaust layout, I’d go out on a limb and say that it’s a better-looking car and more grown up than the GR Yaris.

With very similar on-road dynamics (unless you push them to their limit) and better looks (subjectively, at least), how much more are you willing to pay for practicality? Is P 445,000 a bit too much to swallow? Personally, I think so. Priced at P 3.955-million, you can’t help but think that Toyota priced it with a “take it or leave it” mindset. Not unless it’s your ultimate wish to shut the wife up; happy wife, happy life after all, the price difference between this and the GR Yaris is just too much. It could go towards a nice set of wheels, more go-faster parts, or even a better audio system. That said, the existence of the GR Corolla should still be celebrated. It’s fun, capable, and amazing out of the gate if a bit pricey.