Tag Archives: Toyota GR Corolla

NEWS

UMW Toyota launches 2025 Toyota GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Corolla GR Sport

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In conjunction with the closing ceremony of the seventh season of Toyota Gazoo Racing, UMW Toyota Motor has launched three high-performance models for the Malaysian market: the 2025 GR Yaris, 2025 GR Corolla and the Corolla GR Sport.

According to UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K, “Driving is not just about moving from one destination to another, but an emotional experience that connects the soul with the road, bringing joy to every journey.”

“With the launch of the GR and GR Sport models, Toyota continues its legacy by elevating the driving experience to extraordinary levels. Developed with a spirit of performance, these models are designed to inspire and excite every Malaysian.”

 

2025 Toyota GR Yaris facelift

The hot hatch, born from Toyota’s involvement in WRC racing, is still powered by a 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder turbo engine that generates 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

For the Malaysian market, it is still offered in a six-speed manual version, along with the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.

Engine performance is enhanced with the addition of a sub-radiator and an intercooler spray system for optimal operation under extreme pressure.

It has been reported that the GR Yaris with an eight-speed automatic transmission (DAT) is expected to follow later.

Changes to the exterior include a completely new front bumper structure with the Functional Matrix Grille Ver. 2, designed to maximize airflow and cooling, followed by new rear lamp units, an exhaust system, and a diffuser.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout has been completely revamped, incorporating elements from rally racing and the Super Taikyu Series.

In comparison to the previous GR Yaris, the control panel and display screen have been positioned at a 15-degree angle, allowing the driver easier access to the desired functions.

Additionally, the driving position has been improved, now with the driver sitting 25 mm lower and the rearview mirror raised.

There is also a full 12.3-inch TFT digital cluster display.

The GR Yaris 2025 facelift is priced at RM315,600.

 

2025 Toyota GR Corolla facelift

Like the GR Yaris hot hatch, the GR Corolla facelift is also powered by the G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine, producing 300 PS and 400 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.

The driving aspects of the GR Corolla have been enhanced with upgraded suspension systems, providing benefits in grip levels, agility, and stability.

Aerodynamically, the GR Corolla features a completely new bumper design for improved airflow, while the wheel arches have been widened for a bolder appearance.

The hot hatch image, inspired by rally sports, is complemented by an updated interior featuring performance-oriented seats, gun-metallic finishes, a 9-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen.

There are several attractive color options available, including Platinum White Pearl Mica, Precious Black, Precious Metal, and Emotional Red 2.

The Toyota GR Corolla 2025 is priced starting from RM367,000.

 

2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport

Another model launched is the Corolla GR Sport 2025, which is a more practical yet sporty option.

This C-segment sedan is still powered by a 1.8-liter engine producing 139 PS and 172 Nm, but it comes with a Sport Sequential CVT transmission that offers 10 virtual speeds.

In terms of appearance, the Corolla GR Sport features a two-tone color scheme, a unique GR Sport grille with a hexagonal pattern, aerodynamic accents on the bumper, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.

Inside the cabin, the Corolla GR Sport showcases suede and premium leather-trimmed seats, a GR steering wheel, and a 10-inch central screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This sedan is available in several two-tone color options, including Platinum White Pearl Mica, Red Mica Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.

The Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2025 is priced starting from RM149,800.

NEWS

Toyota believes majority of buyers will choose manual GR Corolla over automatic

For those who missed the boat, Toyota has previously updated the offering of the hot hatch 2025 GR Corolla model by adding the option of an 8-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the manual transmission model.

The trend of transitioning to automatic models, which we commonly witnessed before, seems to have difficulty in infecting the GR Corolla enthusiasts.

According to CarBuzz report, Toyota expects that 80 percent of buyers will choose the manual GR Corolla model, while the rest will opt for the Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) equipped model.

This proves that the GR Corolla buyers are a group of enthusiasts who still yearn for a driving experience as pure as possible.

There are some differences between the existing auto transmission in the GR Corolla compared to the GR Supra and GR86 models.

According to Toyota, the GR Corolla gearbox will use input from the brake pedal and throttle to calculate the optimum time for gear changes.

The auto version of GR Corolla also now comes with a launch control function that is not available in the manual model.

NEWS

This school will teach you how to drive fast on snow using the GR Corolla

Starting in 2025, a driving school in Colorado will be using a lineup of Toyota Gazoo Racing sports cars, namely the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla for winter driver education program.

This high-performance driving program will offer courses lasting one or two days, where each student will be given driving instructions on a track covered in ice and snow in Steamboat Springs.

The GR lineup will be provided in both manual and automatic versions to allow drivers from various backgrounds to experience handling these high-adrenaline machines for themselves. However, for the regular driving program, the school will still maintain the use of Toyota all-wheel-drive vehicles such as the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and 4Runner.

Opened since 1983, the Bridgestone Winter Driving School has been responsible for providing driving instructions to nearly 100,000 drivers to be more confident driving in low-grip road conditions.


For us, a great program like this should be extended to Malaysians, especially sports car and electric vehicle (EV) owners, so they can learn to handle high-powered cars in various weather conditions.

Although Malaysia does not have a snow season, these skills can be applied to driving on slippery roads, especially considering the recent high rainfall in our country.

The fact is, many people can afford fast cars, but only a few have the awareness to upgrade their own skills.

NEWS

Varis parts can make your GR Corolla look more aggressive

If you have the option to get a powerful and family-friendly hot hatch, the GR Corolla may very well be a suitable candidate.

Easy-to-control power, paired with a delightful clutch match, balanced suspension tuning, and most importantly an already aggressive appearance.

However, for a few owners who desire a more aggressive appearance for their GR Corolla, there is a solution offered by the leading tuner, Varis.

 

 

Starting from the front, Varis has developed a carbon fiber splitter priced at $1,695(RM7,984) for a fiercer look, followed by set of front turbulators priced at $645 (RM3,038) aimed at reducing drag and increasing downforce.

The side can be enhanced by the presence of a pair of carbon fiber side skirts priced at $2,295 (RM10,811), followed by the installation of carbon fiber rear diffuser at $845 (RM3,980), exhaust heat shield at $335 (RM1,578), and rear exhaust pipe protector priced at $695 (RM3,274).

Want a more aggressive look? Simply order a adjustable carbon fiber rear wing priced at $1,895 (RM8,926) and carbon fiber engine hood priced at $2,995 (RM14,108), but both components will take about 8 months to reach the customer’s hands.

As of now, Varis does not offer any mechanical modifications, meaning owners can still enjoy the standard 300 hp and 400 Nm torque from the G16E-GTS engine that powers all wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.