Toyota GR Corolla is about to enter the ASEAN market; Thailand first, scheduled to launch in December 2022
For all-wheel drive hatchback fans who missed out Toyota GR Yaris because of outstanding demand As for the AWD hot hatch, it is reported that its big brother, GR corolla will enter the ASEAN market by the end of this year.
Specifically, the GR Corolla has been tipped to make its ASEAN debut in Thailand. Although the launch date is yet to be revealed, it could be held at the 2022 Thailand International Motor Show which will be held in December, writes Autoindustriya.
The appearance in ASEAN of the Toyota GR Corolla may also coincide with the 60th anniversary of the founding of Toyota Thailand and the Indonesian news agency. Autonetmagz reported that Toyota president Akio Toyoda will visit Thailand to launch the larger of the brand’s two AWD hatches.
Built in the same Motomachi factory as the three-door GR Yaris, the GR Corolla has been tipped to be offered in Thailand in quantities of 10 units, though it remains to be seen whether the tally is an annual allocation or for Initial launch rollout, reported Autoindustriya.
Thailand had previously received 71 Yaris GRs, compared to the original Malaysia 127 marked units although UMT Toyota’s official figure is “under 200”, this leaves room for more imports. By comparison, could Malaysia get a larger GR Corolla allocation, as is the case with the Yaris GR? Time will answer.
The GR Corolla shares most of the powertrain with the Yaris GR, including a 1.6-liter G16E-GTS 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 304 PS and 370 Nm of torque (272 PS/370). Nm for the Japanese-market Yaris GR), as well as the GR-Four AWD system that offers a choice of 60:40, 30:70 or 50:50 torque split between the front and rear axles.
The difference between the GR Corolla and the GR Yaris is that the old car’s five-door bodywork is adapted from The usual Corolla Hatchbackalbeit with added solder points and structural adhesives and braces for more rigidity, while the Yaris GR uses a more custom-made body.
Going further, the GR Corolla was sold in the United States in three variants; Core starts at $35,900 (RM161,550) and is followed by Circuit Edition listed for $42,900 (RM193,050). Hardcore fans can choose the limit Morizo versionretails at $49,900 (RM2,24,550).
Locally, the Toyota GR Yaris has arrived in Malaysia in a single variant (with the Performance Package as standard) at RM299,000 OTR without insurance by the end of 2020. If the Corolla GR is confirmed for the market our price, what do you think its price will be?
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
