All-new Toyota GR Corolla Review - Is this the best Hot Hatch you can buy?

We feel that if you asked any petrolhead which car brand would be building the most exciting enthusiast-focused cars in 2023, very few would have guessed Toyota.
But the reality is that the storied Japanese firm is cranking out some of the best performance cars in the world right now, from the GR Yaris to the GR Supra to the GR 86, and all with manual gearboxes.
The latest addition to this exciting stable is the GR Corolla. Employing the same (but highly fettled) motor as the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla is a mean-looking machine, offering 221kW, all wheel drive and yes, a manual cog swapper.
We shut down the dramatic Bainskloof mountain pass outside Cape Town, South Africa for this shoot and we sincerely hope you enjoy watching this as much as we enjoyed making it.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the GR Corolla in the comments below.
Toyota GR Corolla Price in South Africa (September 2023)
1.6T GR-Four Core - R841,000
1.6T GR-Four Circuit - R902,400
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Engine
2:44 - 0-100kph
3:00 - Toyota’s GR range
4:09 - Getting a feel for the car
5:00 - Driving position
6:00 - Clutch and steering feel
6:40 - Driving modes
7:20 - Power and torque
8:15 - Car sound
10:38 - Rev matching
12:30 - Interior
14:02 - The boot/trunk
15:00 - Attacking the pass
17:35 - Conclusion
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[@Neevarshan_Naicker]

This is probably one of the best videos you guys ever made. It literally felt like I was watching a movie and the ending conclusion scene felt like the fast and the furious with Brian and Dominic. Can't wait for that Supra Review!

[@katlegomohlala5545]

I hope they keep it up

[@tshegofatsokgoroba6753]

To think the corolla name had the ability to put children to sleep a few generations ago to this, it's quite impressive.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Ae86??

[@captainplanet43]

I wish ford still made the focus rs for north America.

[@daylinriffel125]

Toyota will continue to refine and develop this drivetrain over years to come so it will only get better and better over a couple of generations of GR Corollas its a future classic for sure 👌

[@DavetheCarGuy]

Turbo flutter at 15:41 YES PLEASE

[@dhirennaidoo1]

Love this road. Despite it being in a rental 1 litre polo, I had the time of my life. Scenic, terrifying and never straight for too long. Aerial shots are world class. Well done!👌

[@zallas_99]

What's the name of this road?

[@dhirennaidoo1]

​@@zallas_99 Bainskloof pass. It's in the Western Cape, one end of it is near Ceres, the other end I think ends up in Wellington.

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

I have driven the pants off a GR Yaris, and loved it! I have a 2022 Corolla hatch Hybrid, which actually handles ok, and drives nice. Would love to drive a GR Corolla though! Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@user-ci9jf9vk8d]

Best movie of 2023. Better twists and turns than most movies of 2023. Well done to the production team and the actors. By the way , the car was nice to.

[@sydneym3328]

The review we've been waiting for since the announcements around the GR Corolla ❤

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

I think this is the perfect stealth hatch if you dont look at the exhaust tips compared to the Yaris GR. Also a mad treat meeting you at drift city!

[@CiroDeSiena]

So great to meet you, thanks for saying hi!

[@mandlamokoena7479]

The best car show ever there is and there was in this country. It competes with any in the planet. I love it.

[@duanevictor6053]

Phenomenal Japanese engineering.

[@leratomotsumi7090]

I remember this mountain pass when Ciro drove the Gti Clubsport years ago.

[@blacgaz6419]

One of the reasons why I'd choose the Corrolla GR over Golf 8R is because the Toyota Corolla GR has a sportier driving experience and more interior space. It also has aggressive performance and often comes with a powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, providing an exciting driving experience. Additionally, it typically offers a more spacious interior, making it more practical for daily use and passenger comfort. However, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

It's larger than the golf R

[@kingkunte5479]

You sir are a mind reader as a family man I would choose the GR any day

[@bokiNYC]

This comment sounds like if it was generated by ChatGPT 😂

[@boemomolefe8303]

Incredible review from the cinematography, logistics, editing and of course Ciro 👌🏼

[@josemeza5086]

One of the best review I having seen..The best hot hatchback .. It’s a fun car to drive..😃 👍👍 thank you Toyota..

[@prashanthkrishanduth8521]

What a place that is to drive. Drove Bainskloof in April, magnificent and resplendent but so much fun with that constant reminder that there's a cliff to keep you focused😅

[@renzelkhamacho1379]

The Cape Town scenery is something else. Wonder of the world for real.

[@SackamanjaroX]

I love that yall are getting your hands on em so we get a new round of reviews. I already have one but I can't stop watching these lmfao

[@mengx94]

Same

[@matbishopsa]

Great video guys! What a privilege to have Bainskloof to yourself - it's a scary pass, people (and lorries) cut corners or stop where they shouldn't.

[@TheBeatChef01]

We all knew this day was coming👌....no way Toyota would be left out in the Hot hatch movement 🎉🎉🎉

[@hlokomani]

Ciro. This is your greatest video ever bud. Big up to the team as well

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much!

[@Tulan-hz6ho]

His best ever for me was the trolley review. I've not seen anyone does that. I'm hoping one day he reviews a wheel barrow.

[@Ms666Brandon]

Your best video yet - amazing production quality

[@bhyat]

Very cool video. I absolutely loved driving this car. Toyota is in an absolute Golden Age at the moment.

[@classiccarhuntersa4465]

One of the best videos you guys ever did. Well done!

[@lanceareadbhar]

I was so excited when I heard about this car. It looks great. Loved the review.

[@deniedbwayi2477]

that wrist view is probably the ingenious thing i hv ever seen great car great video guys

[@motheolebelo]

Toyota have really come to the party of Hot hatches with these epicly put together 1.6 3 Cylinder HOT HATCHES. This Toyota GR Corolla Hatch is a winner.😊 awesome reviews and YES i would daily this.

[@rohanreddy3427]

Now that was one of the most fun car videos I've seen in yonks! Well done guys. I recall driving the GR Yaris around the track at Zwartkops Raceway, and I was literally grinning like a kid in candy store for days. I can only imagine how much fun this GR Corolla is.

[@kyyyy21]

lol imagine your work is on the other side of that mountain then they close it for the day , loved this review and the car !

[@nande8187]

Best Video of all time. No other channel had and will ever make something like this❤❤

[@kachetty1]

What a review! Well done Ciro for the spirited driving and managing to give an excellent review at the same time... thats not easy. Well organised and produced. As good as anything on KZbin!

[@andrieslouw4794]

I think this might be the best video's this channel has ever produced.

[@Mzwandile_Makhowane]

Maannn...so much want right now! Reminds me of time I started to like Cars. I remember the Toyota Corolla twin cam 16v, then followed up by the RSI and RXI. Thereafter, my enthusiasm for Toyota waned, overall. Now, not sure if its due to your fabulous car journo traits or that Toyota have truly found its feet, when it comes to delivering exiting cars. I have a feeling that its both. Just pure awesomeness! Thanks.

[@aloysiushorniman4386]

Absolute amazing video guys...awesome car ! Well done

[@danielsteyn7464]

Great review, great video. Fantastic location. Well done. Toyota should consider a sedan version of this GR Corolla. Don't get me wrong, I really do like this hatch and the GR Yaris but the Corolla sedan is a smart looking car, adding the GR bits would be great.

[@kevinhamlett1400]

I already done lots off mods on my friends Gr corolla. MagnaFlow exhaust, cold air intake from Eventuri, Shifter bushings, tune from ECUtec. He gets tons of dust on rims and calipers from the brakes. All the mods we did helped it a lot on performance and sound. We are doing intercooler and downpipe and done until it needs a clutch then install a sequential transmission.

[@Shameeth]

The production quality of this video is stunning! Keep it up guys. The GR Corolla is a fantastic car. Toyota is back on top.

[@Carscoza]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed it

[@sakeuskambonde1597]

Your reviews are always on point…

[@sabeemercoza1394]

awesome vid and review . i did bainskloof during lockdown in the e60 and omw was that a good drive 😍

[@breynify]

Epic epic video! Love the video, the views, and the banter. Given that the Yaris GR and a Corolla GR are priced quite similarly, and one is fine with the storage, which one would you go for?

[@Fritz_P]

Always such great reviews by Ciro! And by his co-presenter! Thanks!

[@heinrichwilliams2056]

Such a brilliant review and video! Well done guys

[@Carscoza]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@svgs7310]

Loved this, thanks gents… looking forward to that track battle 😋

[@adriaanduminy2910]

Epic film Ciro. Also, the cinematography - Stefan & co - is second to none. World class stuff! Also, as a Honda man myself, please compare it to an FL5. Having driven one, I can't imagine the GR possibly being better!

[@StefanKotzeMedia]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it!

[@sazi7294]

Was waiting for this review for awhile 👍

[@TMK264]

GR Corolla and GR Yaris - The Automotive equivalent of “The Revenge of the Nerds!” … Chef’s Kiss!

[@wgvdw9325]

The REAL best mountain pass of SA!

[@ndhlovufamily9101]

Maybe your best video yet… and you’ve made a bunch of great ones. Really well done.

[@Carscoza]

Wow, thank you!

[@wah_Mkhathini]

Dankoo chiro and ash. The best review ever.🤞

[@sibusisombhele3880]

at this price, if it must be Japanese I am taking a Honda with a 2 litre that has an ironing board at the rear... this still looks amazing.. how does it compare to the GR Yaris

[@bothoseretse9605]

Ash is a really good driver man.....even when he talks he summarises quickly everything you would want to know😉😊

[@victorl.siyaya9513]

Loved this! The production was out of this world!

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much!

[@thatokhumalo2559]

Love this!! Perfection

[@vtec1100]

I think this review is tops guys ;) 😉 love it

[@Shweet7248]

What a great review

[@nyikoluckyhendrickz]

Do more videos like this guys........🤩😎

[@thatorankapole1461]

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!? Kudos toyota. We love it.

[@farhaanwilliams2012]

Love the video! Would be great to do a comparison with the Subaru Impreza STI hatch…

[@Lindi_D]

What a great review🔥🔥but am I the only one who's heart almost jumped out while they were making those turns at that speed.😢😢😢OMG the amounts of screams I made....it really felt like I was inside that car fearing for my life🤣🤣🤣but love you guys too much

[@arthurasia9300]

Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 And the aerial shots👌🤭👌

[@Carscoza]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it

[@raulbustamante8337]

Amazing video, keep this up

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much!

[@vichellejohnson7240]

It’s giving Throttle House vibes😂🔥

[@kagisomatlapeng82]

True

[@ice180]

Road surface looks a lot better than it did in late 2021 when I last drove there for some "fun". My car had so many rattles after driving on that pass that I have just been avoiding it. That Corolla GR is properly planted around those corners

[@labourlawact7826]

6:34 makes one think of those need for speed mountain races. Very exciting indeed😁👍🏻

[@kevincloete7936]

Thankfully not many people can afford this car as South Africa's roads would be even less safe than what they already are. Cool car....

[@TumeloRatala]

Watching this video was amazing.

[@Carscoza]

So great to hear!

[@iamkay]

11:37 'ahh Satisfaction'❤, indeed Ciro, indeed.

[@dinojunior9069]

Masterpiece 🔥

[@badboyblue9675]

Awesome review

[@jeancoetzee2800]

If I had the finances, I'd definitely consider the GR Corolla but will initially be leaning more towards the Honda Civic Type R.

[@mrx7743]

Wow I really love the sound of that engine, it does it for me

[@donthato8953]

Appreciate the time stamps

[@Great_shout]

Ahhhh maaan,!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🤯🤯🤯💯💯💯💯You guys delivered on this review, WHAT!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Well done boys, we'll done

[@Carscoza]

Thank you so much! We're so glad you enjoyed it

[@christopherbassit2757]

Yes I’ve had mine for 7 months now

[@carsdiversitywillemclatega5062]

Guys, if anybody ask if Cirro is an amazing journalist, just sent them this vid's link!!😂

[@user-yi1vc9te5l]

Love how up say "This is a good road" 😂😂 love that car from day one ❤

[@keeganthomas4059]

I got so jelly watching this video!!

[@user-qt2nm3uh5o]

Awesome review guys, I am such a fan of manuals... I hope Toyota can continue to give us these gems. Just hope this does not make it on the most stolen vehicles in our country 😢😢

[@180toync]

JDM at it's best,, awesome machine,, just a few questions: 1. Why no bonnet vents as this is the circuit edition. 2. Why on SA cars Yokohama's and not Michelin's like overseas. 3. When will you guys drive it on track, some owners in America have diff overheating on track, would love to know if it will also be the case here in SA. Would love to own this future JDM legend!!!

[@xolisasukwinimangali6325]

Our own Ratis Ride's and Matt Watson 😊😊🙌🙌🙌🇿🇦🇿🇦 keep up the good work buddy

[@metsanemosehlane7891]

I got excited when I saw The Sti- ahh Ash.

[@johnpapila3372]

You drive like u r riding the motocycle. I can feel the love of motocycling in you

[@johankellerman3029]

The first time I went through bains kloof it was with my GT86. bloody hell do I wish I had the whole pass to myself!

[@oomstu]

I think I might have seen you chaps out with this car last week in Paarl. Me likey this 3 pot.

[@wave1401]

Awesome vid guys! Really enjoying it!

[@rambo6375]

Amazing video guys ❤cant wait to have one myself love that car

[@lesedimosistlhaga727]

I really enjoy watching you drive this car on the mountain pass. it's got me wondering if you're driving this specific car a nod to the anime series called Initial D, cause on the show they race on mountain passes going both up and downhill.

[@stuwardmpangane1813]

The video is amazing

[@Carscoza]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed it

[@eMKay-84]

Bainskloof Pass! Perfect road for this car!

[@immanuel1954]

The Corolla stock is now going up after this video

[@geraldtivatyi2116]

We have a beautiful country

[@fahmi78614]

Would like to see you guys compare that GR to a FL5 Type R in all categories and include that mountain twisty.

[@brotherd1675]

Where is Jacob Moshokoa? He did an excellent job on the Biac Beijing x55 you've got an great car reviewer in that guy.

[@Carscoza]

He's shooting two films as we speak!

[@adrianking2197]

Beauty and power . Western Cape is beautiful 😍 ❤. Big fan of the Gr

[@DefenderPuma]

Nice to see these kinds of cars coming from Toyota

[@Siblue]

Great video. Kinda pissed our US cars don’t have the same DRLs.

[@sydwellsithole4433]

We do love a fast hatch with some character!

[@user-gv9mb6ze5s]

I'd still take Megane RS Trophy 300 EDC ❤

[@kivhayashikumar1429]

Love this car 😍

[@badboyblue9675]

Stupendous road