Overview: 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Forget everything you know about the regular Corolla because the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is a totally different beast. It shares its name and basic parts with Toyota’s well-known everyday car, but it’s been transformed into a fiery little rocket. It’s got a powerful 300-hp engine, a fancy all-wheel drive to keep it glued to the road, and a suspension made for racing. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse that can hang with big names like the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R.
The only way to drive the GR Corolla is to shift the gears yourself with a six-speed manual transmission, and that’s a big part of the fun. It’s all about connecting you to the car and the road.
The GRÂ Corolla is a rare gem in Toyota’s crown, not just another car rolling off the line. It might cost a pretty penny and take some effort to find one, but if you’re after excitement on four wheels, this car is worth every bit of the chase.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Pros:
- Powerhouse Performance:Â With a 300-hp turbocharged engine, the GR Corolla is a pocket rocket that promises an exhilarating ride.
- Track-Ready Tech:Â The all-wheel-drive system with different power distribution modes makes it versatile for both daily drives and spirited track action.
- Exclusive Club:Â Owning a GR Corolla isn’t just about the car; it’s an entry into an exclusive world of Toyota performance enthusiasts.
- Tech-Loaded:Â Standard safety tech and infotainment options keep you secure and connected on the go.
- Toyota Trust:Â The warranty and complimentary maintenance offer peace of mind and show Toyota’s confidence in their vehicle.
Cons:
- Tough to Get:Â Limited production might make it easier to buy one after waiting or paying a premium.
- Not Fuel-Friendly:Â It’s not the car for those looking to save on gas.
- Tight Quarters:Â While it’s practical, the space inside could be better in the segment.
- Priced at a Premium:Â It’s one of the more expensive options in the hot hatch market.
What’s New in the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla?
For the 2024 model, the GR Corolla keeps its exciting Circuit Edition, now sparkling in a new Blue Flame color with sleek 18-inch wheels. This trim also jazzes up the interior with blue touches and cool black details on the outside.
Picking Your GR Corolla
The Core model is a great choice, and treating yourself to the Performance package is a smart move. It gives you better control on twisty roads with special differentials for both front and rear wheels. Sadly, the extra-special Morizo Edition won’t be returning.
2024 Toyota GR Corolla: Price and Options
Starting at $37,595, the GR Corolla’s price can climb to $46,235 based on which version you pick:
- Core: Your entry into the GR world at $37,595.
- Premium: More features and fun at $41,415.
- Circuit Edition: Top-tier thrills at $46,235.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance: The Heartbeat of the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Turbocharged Powerhouse
The GR Corolla is no ordinary Corolla—it’s got a turbocharged three-cylinder engine that’s a little rocket, making 300 horsepower. That’s much punch for such a small engine! It’s the same one found in the cool GR Yaris that’s sold overseas. This car only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, so you’re in full control, and it’s got an awesome all-wheel-drive system that lets you pick how much power goes to the front or back wheels.
Choose Your Adventure
Whether you’re cruising around town or looking to slide around corners, the GR Corolla’s all-wheel-drive system has a setting for it. There’s a balanced mode for everyday driving, a drift-ready mode for fun times, and a grip-maximizing mode for hitting the racetrack.
Sporty Makeover
Unlike regular Corollas, which are more about getting from A to B, the GR Corolla is all about the drive. It’s got a revamped suspension and powertrain that turns it into a true sports car. The Circuit Edition even has special diffs on the front and back that make sure the power is right where you need it when you’re taking on the curves.
Stick Shift Joy
Driving the GR Corolla is pure joy with its six-speed manual—sure, it could be friendlier for fancy footwork, but it’s still a blast to shift. And if you’re not a pro at gear shifting, don’t worry—there’s a built-in feature that helps you out.
Fast and Feisty
We put the GR Corolla through its paces, and it leaped to 60 mph in just under five seconds. It’s neck and neck with rivals like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R, making it a top choice for anyone who loves speed.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG: The GR Corolla’s Efficiency
Not Just for Speed
The GR Corolla is a speedy little car, but it’s about more than just going fast. It has a tiny but mighty 1.6-liter engine that’s good with gas. So, you can have lots of fun driving without too many trips to the fuel station.
Balancing Act
Sure, this hot hatch loves to zoom around, and it’s made for that, but it also keeps an eye on fuel savings. Even though it’s more thirsty than the regular Corolla, which is super good on gas, the GR Corolla still gives you decent miles per gallon.
The Numbers
When it comes to fuel economy, the GR Corolla gets 21 miles for every gallon you drive in the city and 28 miles for every gallon on the highway. That’s pretty, especially considering how much fun you’re having behind the wheel!
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo: The GR Corolla’s Inner Charm
Sporty Inside Out
Inside the GR Corolla, it feels a lot like the regular Corolla hatchback but dressed up for the race track. It’s got a sturdy build with nice soft spots where you rest your arms, plus some cool extras that make it feel special. You’ll find seats that hug you tight in the turns, pretty lights inside that set the mood, an easy-to-move driver’s seat, a simple push to start the engine, and shiny pedals that look like metal.
Warm and Toasty Extras
If you go for the fancier Circuit Edition, you get to enjoy extras like a system that keeps the cabin’s temperature just right, seats that warm up, and a steering wheel that heats your hands on cold days. This edition also has a stylish mix of suede and fake leather instead of the cloth in the standard model.
Light and Fast
The Morizo Edition is all about going fast, so it skips out on things like back seats and some other parts to lose some weight. It’s like going on a diet to run faster. But up front, you get to sit in cool red and black seats, and there’s a nice suede feel where you grab the shifter, brake handle, and steering wheel.
Packing for the Track
While the GRÂ Corolla is speedy, it’s also practical enough to handle daily duties. There’s room in the back for your stuff, even if you go with the weight-saving Morizo Edition; remember that one’s not for carpooling or big shopping trips!
infotainment and Connectivity: Staying Connected in the GR Corolla
Entertainment on Wheels
The GR Corolla has an 8-inch screen that lets you connect your phone and use your apps right there on the dash. You can talk to Alexa, get online with Wi-Fi in the car, and even charge your phone without any cords!
Tech That Talks to You
If you like music, the Core model has an option to get a fancy eight-speaker system, a charging pad for your phone, and a map system so you won’t get lost. The Circuit Edition has all these cool features as standard, so you don’t have to pick and choose.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Keeping You Safe
A Helping Hand While Driving
The GR Corolla is loaded with tech that helps you stay safe. It watches out for people walking or biking, makes sure you don’t drift out of your lane and turns the high beams on and off automatically. It’s like having a co-pilot that’s always looking out for you.
Always Ready to Assist
Every GR Corolla has a bunch of safety features that come standard, so you don’t have to pay extra for peace of mind. It’s like a safety net that’s always there to catch you.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: Toyota’s Promise
Keeping You Covered
Toyota’s got your back with warranties that cover your car for years. And if something needs fixing in the first two years, they’ll take care of it without charging you. It’s like having a safety cushion for your car.
Free Check-ups
They also throw in free check-ups for two years to make sure your GR Corolla stays in tip-top shape. And as a bonus, they give you a free pass to learn how to drive really fast on a racetrack with pros. It’s like a free ticket to Adventure Land for your car!
FAQs
Q: What makes the GR Corolla different from the standard Corolla?
A: The GR Corolla comes with a high-performance engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and an all-wheel-drive system that’s not found in the regular Corolla.
Q: Is the GR Corolla good for daily driving?
A: Yes, it has the tech and comfort features for daily use, though its firm suspension might be more suited to sporty driving.
Q: Can I customize the GR Corolla when ordering?
A: Customization options are limited since it comes fully equipped, but you can choose from different colors and add the Performance package for enhanced driving dynamics.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is a standout for driving enthusiasts who crave a high-energy performance hatchback. It offers an impressive mix of power, precision, and premium features, making it a worthy contender in the sport compact segment. Its limited availability and higher fuel consumption are downsides, but for many, the sheer joy of driving a GR Corolla will outweigh these factors. If you’re after a car that turns daily commutes into exhilarating experiences and don’t mind its exclusivity and thirst for fuel, the GR Corolla could be your thrilling automotive match.
