Toyota's Secret Weapon! 2020 Corolla GR SPORT Review

Christian Williams drives the new Toyota Corolla GR SPORT!
The Corolla is back, but is it any good, and why does Christian think it could be Toyota’s Secret weapon?!
Make sure you subscribe to our channel for more content like this 👉 / botbreviews
----------------
Massive thanks to BOTB for sponsoring this video! BOTB have two dream car winners every week in their Dream Car & Midweek Car competitions. Enter from 45p.
👉 bit.ly/Enter-BOTB-Competitions

[@BOTBreviews]

WIN a car with BOTB! Winner EVERY week with over 150 cars to pick from! 👉 bit.ly/BOTB-Win-A-Dream-Car

[@thembamaluleke8903]

Are you for real. I mean I'm in South Africa 🇿🇦 how can I try my luck?

[@BOTBreviews]

Head to the website! They’ve had a winner from SA before! BOTB.com

[@bengold121]

I'm waiting for the AWD Corolla GR

[@AutoBears]

Ben Gold you’ll be waiting a while as I’m hearing it’s for the US.

[@bengold121]

@@AutoBears I can wait. I heard its coming either next year or after. Its a collector car because usually Toyota makes AWD in certain units and then they'll stop making them. For example, the AWD turbo Celica 86-99 and the all new limited made AWD Yaris GS for Europe only that produce 261HP.

[@dagobertduck4557]

@@bengold121 is it officially confirm a AWD corolla GR?

[@MrAWD-ox3gk]

Same here

[@ben6592]

Get the Yaris AWD GR

[@tonyppe]

I am from England but I live in Australia now. We don't get the Corolla GR model here. I managed to spec mine out the same with the same colour scheme just as a coincidence. Although I notice that the GR Corolla doesn't have rear passenger air vents... The new corolla feels very BMW-like. My last 2 cars were a 2015 BMW M135i and a late Audi A3 sportback 2016 S-line (1.8T). The corolla even smells like the new BMW did. The Audi kept breaking down and the turbo failed about a month before I handed it back to Audi. You got to remember the Corolla is a cheap car but it feels premium. Those seats are also found in the Toyota Supra and OMG they are really comfortable. Fuel economy is amazing on the 1.8. 60mpg on normal driving is fantastic. 120hp doesnt sound like much but the hybrid system really helps out to deliver power. When doing 60mph you can put your foot down to overtake and there is instant torque there. No worry about lack of power because the hybrid system sort of makes up for it to some extent. Handling is also fantastic, you can really throw it into corners and it just sticks to the road with little to no body roll. I like pressing "EV mode" button when I'm almost home and you can arrive pretty much silently. Dislikes - my headlights are either ON or Auto so when going through tunnels or under bridges there's no way to keep the lights off. Also I havent yet got used to the heater, I need to turn it to Hi which is max to get any real heat out of it but in my experience Toyota heaters are just OK compared to something like Vauxhaull where you could probably cook meat on the heat that comes out of the air vents. I melted my shoe on a Vauxhaull corsa once although it was a nike shoe so make of that what you will.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

This is interesting to see what Toyota sells in places other than the USA. Thank you for posting this video and I like the styling of this English model. (:

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@AfjeerOf Yes they do and thankfully so. (:

[@716tg3]

Toyota needs to stop dragging their feet and make another turbo Celica already.we got a new Supra but no new gt-4 Celica... 😔

[@abandonedhope2606]

but i wonder. which engine would toyota pick . they've picked a boxer engine from subi for 86 .supra has a bmw engine and interior, ish. hmm. you are right. i want a celica, manual so no cvt.

[@problynah]

@@abandonedhope2606 2zzgze with supercharger. Ideally the car weighs 1.8k lbs. 6 speed manual only.

[@negativeindustrial]

You’re not kidding. My 1994 ST-205 is reliable AF but it is getting a bit old. So is my 30yo MR2T. I’m not buying another car from you until you make something worth buying, Toyota.

[@negativeindustrial]

Josh Denis If they made that (and they never will, trust me) the engine code would be 2ZZ-GZE. T = Turbo Z = Supercharger

[@alansmilealot]

Everyone worried about the engine choice, I more concerned about the chassis. I'm hoping the chassis is based on the Yaris due to the Corolla weight. 3000lbs is alot vs the last generation 2500lbs(give or take).

[@jdmguy44]

The standard Corolla looks the part. This version looks fantastic.

[@IgorG89]

Thank you for honest review. I am glad that I have ordered Focus )

[@theessexdon]

Great review Christian, new subscriber and I’ve been a bit blonde....BOTB? unless there’s another Christina out there!!!! Keep up the great work fella 🤘

[@BOTBreviews]

Thanks Mark! Yep, I’m the same guy from BOTB! 😊 -Christian

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

Its because u have to upgrade intake and injectors, including minor lash tuning with upgraded hydraulic buckets and ceramic valve springs. Pistons definitely need better bearings, a oil ports drilled all around pistons for each ring. Dual action External oil pump. Definitely need a racing transmission for my fist gen 1zz corolla with the 16valve EFI head valves. It reacts like the AE86

[@flippincards1495]

Had me excited the first minute until he said it's just a body upgrade.

[@flippincards1495]

@BMO comes in manual too. Not like the new Mazda 3 hatchback.

[@justlivin3998]

Jorge Heredia it doesn’t tho

[@bigmud5690]

There is an option to change the Speedometer, I've had my corolla for over half a year now and I just discovered the feature. You can only change it when you're in Park. Its in the Option on the Dashboard itself.

[@reflex1one]

How do u do it

[@tylerprobert6238]

Go into car settings on steering controls and select digital plus shows digital speed and looks a whole lot neater

[@melissasollars7372]

Is the motor real good and where do you put the water and oil in the car? Just wondering

[@ashleyward2735]

You can change to a digital read out for the speed it's in the settings on the screen itself. Just scroll across to change meter change and switch to digital

[@rhysmicklethwaite4771]

Digital speedo in settings gr has 3 settings to chose from digital analogue and another digital with blue rings on for other data glad you did your home work on the car

[@mpc007]

Over here in the Netherlands the 2.0 GR Sport is actually a decent deal, costing around 36 grand and real hot hatches like the Golf VIII GTI and Focus ST due to Co2 emissions coming in at a whopping 48-49k.

[@subvet3668]

I notice the cargo area seems deeper than the US version regular Corolla Hatch. I do like that steering wheel better as well.

[@luke2995]

I generally really love this cars look definitely going to get it in this trim

[@mariozielu]

There is an option for the digital speedo. It’s in my 2019 corolla, pretty sure they would have it in this one. Just have to dig into the settings.

[@BOTBreviews]

I didn’t dig enough it seems! I believe you can indeed show the speed on the dash 😊 thanks for watching the video Mario!

[@carswithnathan8057]

I have a 2019 Toyota C-HR Hybrid 1.8. It is good on a full battery but when you drain it you will find the drop in performance. Also you can't rev the car in neutral or park. I kinda assume that before this new GR Sport Corolla has the normal rev dial that it will do that but I would need to test it myself.

[@nathanschafer849]

Hi guys, I am considering buying this car but my only worry is that I would mostly drive highway (approx. 80% of the time). My current car is a 2014 Seat Leon which averages 6.0l/100km. I am a bit concerned that for my needs, the Corolla GR Sport might drink even more than this... Any insights about true fuel consumption on highway? Thanks in advance ;)

[@mikesanders5433]

Nice review! Always entertaining and informative. I’m currently awaiting delivery of my 2.0 GR Sport in bi-tone in Pearl Silver hopefully next week 😊

[@BOTBreviews]

Thanks Mike! The 2.0lt is the one to go for! Also, I’ve been told there IS a way to display the speed in the centre of the dials on the cluster so that’s good. Enjoy your new car! 😊 - Christian

[@mikesanders5433]

In The Headlights thanks man, I had been fortunate to test drive both the 1.8 and 2.0 and the 2.0 made much more sense for me. The extra performance is considerable in comparison, likewise from the larger batteries too (which can run up to 72mph!) for not a lot of trade off in mpg. It also is much more refined at quicker speeds too 😊 The smaller boot I can deal with given I don’t have a family to worry about just yet 😂

[@Glacielfire]

@@mikesanders5433 Have you recieved yours yet? I got mine just before lockdown. The one I had delivered had the light's you see in this video, however the one in the showroom had different day running lights!

[@mikesanders5433]

Glacielfire No pal unfortunately I missed out due to the lockdown happening two weeks before delivery ☹️. Dealer has been great though keeping me updated and new delivery date is pencilled in for early July, sod it I’ve waited 3 months a few more weeks isn’t going to hurt 😂 How are you finding the car?

[@Glacielfire]

@@mikesanders5433 It's a lovely drive mate. I only specced the 1.8 as the boot space was an issue for me. I did test drive the 2 litre too, and I agree with you, it was noticeably quicker. However, I've not had any overtaking issue's and it's fine pulling away. Tyre noise wee bit of an issue, but that probably has more to do with the road surfaces where I live. Currently on 61mpg on the screen, so it's delivering on the frugal promise! It was sat doing little in the driveway for a couple of months, but been getting out more last couple week's. Let us know how you get on when you take delivery fella!👍

[@zumezoom9593]

only 1.8 and 2.0 available? no option of 1.6 and turbo?

[@stuartchristie654]

Shame it wasn’t the 2litre version which is much quicker. Also the speed display can be changed to a digital display, it’s in the settings controlled by the menu on the dash

[@BOTBreviews]

Ahhhh thank you! I couldn’t find it anywhere! Yeah I’ve not driven the 2lt but it’s got to have a bit more grunt than this one. I love the way it handles though! Thanks for watching Stuart! -Christian

[@stuartchristie654]

I work for Toyota so have driven all the corolla variants. It’s a stunning looking car, the 2l has 60bhp more and it’s really noticeable. Also a geek fact, when you use B mode with more brake effect it actually doesn’t harvest the energy, it dumps it so not to overcharge the system. The B mode is actually for use if you were coasting down more of a hill. The hybrid training Center in Burnaston is amazing, to see the tech and how the hybrid system differs from other manufacturers versions. Really good quality video though, love the collaborations you have done with other KZbinrs

[@hmrim]

Oh man, that car looks and sounds so blend... better luck next time!

[@paulb8153]

Is it me or is the Hybrid badge at 1.48 not on straight???

[@uriulrich4918]

The one I drove had a big speed read out without the analog simulation.

[@xierxu]

proper seat adjustment.

[@jasonsaddington7821]

Can this run in ev mode only ???

[@senjustanley9965]

There is news of a GR Corolla coming to the states as a result of the GR yaris that we wont be getting. Its gonna have 250hp and the same awd system in the GR Yaris which is only coming to the UK. I drive a 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback SE Nightshade. Hopefully hoping to upgrade if this isnt true about this GR sport.

[@GoofDof]

Actually it regenerates power back to the battery on DRIVE. Gear B is for engine braking on downhill slopes, nothing to do with power generating.

[@danielvinuesa08]

Whats is the colour of the car?

[@dutch_rc]

Which color is this?

[@notchism]

Do they offer touring in the us of a?

[@onedirectgeographic8758]

there are of those models here in the usa?

[@antonthompson7838]

The Corolla looks really nice but let down with those fake exhausts, what is it with car manufacturers putting fake exhaust on? Volkswagen have done it with the base Golf too, form over function yet again just insert the bloody exhausts into the hole!

[@BOTBreviews]

There is actually a good reason why so many are using fake exhaust trims. The exhaust underneath can point downwards which helps with the static emissions test which is done at a set height and distance from the rear of the car. Another reason is that small rear impacts on cars with protruding exhaust tips causes damage to the exhaust which increases repair costs. I hate them too, but there are reasons behind the madness - Tim

[@tinhinnh]

whats so functional about a tip thru the hole besides looks?

[@podge5555]

I think they’re meant to be a styling feature rather than mimicking exhaust pipes

[@podge5555]

Apart from the Mazda 3, the Corolla is one of the best looking hatches on the market

[@billyhughes9776]

So it's basically a Prius with a Corolla body made to look slightly sportier. Got it.

[@robcollins5488]

You can change driver display to digital speedo.....

[@ridingdirty2412]

5:57 "The issue that I've got about knowing how fast you're going is by looking at the speedo.. Here and here. but not here"... Haa Good one.

[@valitocardoso4643]

Yo you can change the speed meter to digital. Its in the settings. I did it to mine 🙄 Wish you did some research! But I love your car reviews!

[@Clappers89]

They need to make a GR Prius

[@TheThejpmshow]

I’m seriously thinking of one of these to replace my 2011… Auris / Corolla

[@2010ngojo]

Should have just called it sport, and not gr sport.

[@INUMIMI28]

That being said it’s a trend nowadays, ST-Line, R-Design, N-Line, all that crap

[@yungblade7]

Should have just called it GR

[@2010ngojo]

@@yungblade7 Gr is and should be reserved for actually gr vehicles.

[@thompsonmatthew]

Confusing given Ascent Sport

[@pancronpancron445]

Is a piece of sport junk not a gr for God sake jezzz

[@killer0178]

Clearly complaining about the 1.8 engine without knowing how to drive this car. Using ECO mode and wanting to accelerate is just stupid, don't do it, those modes are software controlled, which means that no matter how hard you press the gas in ECO mode it just won't go faster. Put it in normal and the response is nice, put in sports and the car just goes crazy with the necessary force to overtake anything.

[@bodystomp5302]

Hopefully Toyota brings a Corolla to USA that's AWD w/around 250 lb-ft of torque.

[@suzijuels]

We have the exact model love it :)

[@Wise91000]

I have this, with the 1.8. I’m 19, wasn’t allowed the 2.0 😂. Performance isn’t bad but not great either. Such a fun car to drive though!

[@mattkenny666123]

The car does a digital display in the car so its just the speed. Should if got the 2.0 wakes the car up so much

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

I think Toyota did me favor. I need a updated transmission than the old s motor transmission. They intend to fall apart after some hp mods. Will not last over 6 months in race mode

[@Andy-wi7lv]

If I lived in the UK I would buy the GR Yaris. It sucks that the United States doesn't get that car!

[@alridd7038]

Ive the exact one on a 20 plate .same colour pearlescent white black roof .mines the 2 litre .shames many a car on acceleration to 60mph.add to that 48mpg.show me the competition that does that

[@IDFanth]

Me: Oooo that looks quite nice. Christian: it has the same powertrain as a Prius *switches off video

[@BOTBreviews]

Haha not sure why the Prius has bad press, there’s a reason why 99% of Uber drivers have them!

[@IDFanth]

@@BOTBreviews hmmm if that's the case why did Christian buy a Golf GTE and not a Prius, The defense rests your honour

[@CognizantPotato]

I wish we had a hybrid Corolla hatchback in the U.S.

[@venatorclass07]

I love the look of this car. I'm torn between the new Honda civic or the new corolla

[@uriulrich4918]

Get the Corolla then. Or at least take it for a spin. I loved it.

[@NICKZ1420]

There is a digital meter in settings!

[@BOTBreviews]

I’ve now been told this yes. Just didn’t have time to find it unfortunately!

[@bmanboogie]

How come the engine was not shown

[@stefant5958]

Why doesn't Toyota put the 2.5L hybrid in the Gr models as standard? Makes about 200hp and much more torque than the 1.8L and 2.0L

[@lethalweeaboo2239]

Why does toyota make some of the best racing engines but their sport models are a trim package?

[@Thane1607]

You can change the dash to a digital speedo

[@MiguelRPD]

Wow wtf id buy the GR Touring !

[@therealciagent8866]

69 Fx lol is this Jenny69 pretending to be a Fox?! 😂

[@nezim13]

50 plus mpg and not a diesel !

[@liberfarb]

Its not worth it if the salon is so old fashioned 😒

[@descent8275]

you can set your dash to different setups! this analog thing is disgusting. go to the last page on the dash and look at the last two options. hold down "OK" for around two seconds and you get into the advanced settings without issues. make sure you are Parked. another thing: the GR in Germany comes with a 2.0 ltr engine with 184hp, no 1.8 ltr. option. GET THE 2.0ltr!!!! its sooooooooo much more fun! totaly worth it!!!! the 1.8 has the 12v battery up front under the hood. , the 2.0 has it in the back, wich robs quite some space since it raises your boot-floor. you can get some of the space back if you remove the inlays below the floor, lots of unused space! Sadly no Subwoofer with the JBL sound system. BUT the Door-Woofers play quite nice to the low 30...40ish hz. just don't expect it to blow your ears off. it kinda chopps the lower frequencies off on higher volumes. yet it sounds super nice! the active suspension is sooooo good. If you do slaloms you can feel how the rear steers with your car. I have no issues with the buttons, never felt like anything coming off. Also did you try the cruise control with steering assist? doesn't work so good at the country roads but on the highway its "super effective" Its driving itself. just some light "yeah I am awake" steering inputs needed all 10 to 15 seconds and when the computer isn't sure about the lanes. Oh the B mode. Its not there to regenerate more Energy. its there to give you a engine brake mode for loooooong steep downhills. but you are just fine with using just the brake pedal. the car regenerates as much energy as it can stuff into the NI/MH pack. once it's full the engine switches on and automaticly goes into the "B" mode. all that without using your brakepads. I own a GR Hatch since February. also I work as a mechanic for a Toyota dealer. And I love it! Icing on the cake would be a torsen diff, and maybe a turbo for some extra 50 horses :D but sadly thats not the case.

[@ktmidol]

The only thing I want in this car is coloured break callipers.

[@pauljs75]

I suppose there's some modest disappointment that the GR has nothing to do with the code for Toyota's V6. (Now imagine that shoehorned into a Corolla instead of the usual cars/trucks it's found in.)

[@flint9889]

Why wont the GR come to America? I heard there's a makn of a 2023 so it might come then. But why not now? We do have a hatch but not GR. I say this is the best lookn one there is and I was never big on hatches

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

CoCo Jenkins I heard about an AWD 250hp Corolla hot hatch .. Hope it’s not just an appearance Pack. Like the only new Ford STs Glad I had a FiST mk7 while they were here (Veloster N Performance now )

[@shaunmark1]

Uh... those things in the back are door pulls, lol

[@steveb4012]

Good review but you say this is top of the range, not so, there are too Excel grades above the GR Sport.

[@jadenbertrand7114]

Steve B Ik i actually like the design a lot better in this gr too , disappointing

[@b.flavius2737]

No usb charger in the back seat? ? ?

[@gdwlaw5549]

Toyota supply a very long USB cable :-)

[@p0rtp0rt]

Oh God bless, 7:59 'the same power *terrain* as the Prius' lovely effort but seriously proof read your script

[@Lassar1982]

The Speedo is configurable... you can geta digital readout in place of the old style analogue.

[@jorgnyoa3561]

Whats the point. It just makes the gr logo worthless. Just put it on the extreme cars like supra gr yaris etc

[@audi1ification]

GRMN is the performance upgrade.

[@jbm0866]

I'll take "cars that will never be offered for sale in North America" for $1000 Alex.. Edit- never mind, seems to be the same thing we get here as the Black edition (or whatever its called) and not the full blown performance model with a turbo under the hood. Our version doesnt get special sport seats.

[@exosky3753]

why didnt u show us the engine

[@nielatkinson4574]

To me it looked more like a game than a steering wheel

[@sumatralex250]

I may tell this car is sporty with its exterior but slightly doubtful over the engine performance from your comments.

[@tedtheturbot]

show the engine please

[@youfube-]

Why? It's the exact same engine as normal version.

[@shamimb1y]

I'm confused when he said it feels a little bit cheap

[@Xehanortlw]

Make it a coupe and we have a ae86

[@jota3732]

Why would you get performance from a car that gives you such good fuel economy, these cars are all about felling good while saving money and obviously getting to your destination whiteout breaking the bank . Why is it so important to mention 0-60 and top speed . With speed cameras everywhere your license wouldn’t last 5 mins .

[@callmeehnova]

My interest for this car died when he said it was more on styling than performance.

[@johnpardo4695]

I won't change my ST for that.

[@BOTBreviews]

I’d agree but it’s not a direct comparison to something like the ST. The ‘GR’ will be amazing if it’s announced though! Thanks for watching John!

[@thelionskiln]

@@BOTBreviews I also wouldn't trade my ST for that. But the Yaris GR? Heck ya.

[@toyotabrony]

I’m sure once we get this in 2022, they have to have a 6 speed manual and possibly a AT gears as an option. Because I would say the CVT cannot handle that much power

[@evilskwerl]

So the only way to know how fast your going is to look at the speedometer?!? What are we cavemen? Wait the rear cup holder has no pull tab? Sorry that’s a deal breaker. But hold on there are GR kickplates, I may need to reconsider. Hmm..

[@dino91001]

i always thought hatchbacks looked horrendous. and this is no exception. i still prefer my 2020 corolla XSE sedan over this. at least mine doesn’t have ugly af, fake exhaust tips

[@burningknuckle26]

How fast in quarter mile

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

burningknuckle26 1/4mile time on this one: yes Yes it will get there Those badges will make it go the same speed tho

[@greenguyo2]

So he just reviewed a regular corolla

[@h4x0rl33tee]

A lot of Uber drivers are going to buy this

[@larryzan8942]

So what’s the point of this car same engine no performance features just same cosmetic stuff.. how is this a secret weapon

[@BOTBreviews]

The GR model is their secret weapon 😊 hope you enjoyed the review 😊

[@noah776]

It's rumored to have around 260-280 hp

[@tonyppe]

This isnt really a GR sport. It's just a UK marketing term and trim. The GR sport will come soon.

[@Septicaemic]

so GR is the new TRD?

[@BOTBreviews]

Correct 👍

[@KING0SISQO]

I thought this was the 250 version 😑

[@_HAL_9001_]

Those headlights are the lowest spec set you can get in a Corolla. No projectors and no AHS.

[@descent8275]

the heck. the german GR version is fully filled with active dampers, 2.0 ltr. engine, headsup display and matrix led headlights.

[@howtheheliru]

Yeah, Toyota dropped the ball. They should have made a all wheel drive wagon style. Something to complete with the Subaru .

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

Why do you think Subaru isn't as big as Toyota? Because Toyota knows what the boring consumers want. It's sad but it's business and it's why Toyota is successful

[@LaJiahao]

What ever happened to Toyota TuRDs?

[@BOTBreviews]

TRD was replaced by GR!

[@jimrusch22]

No GR Sport for the US

[@tonyppe]

This isnt really a GR sport. It's just UK marketing term and trim. The GR sport will come soon.

[@BOTBreviews]

GR Sport is like AMG Line or M-Sport, a trim line below the sportier models but looks like them. The full sporty model will be called just the ‘GR’ like with the Yaris.

[@starsey1986]

When I hear Corolla now I will always think corona virus lol

[@mmahtnart8986]

)-; Not in the US )-;

[@jackholland5675]

I'll wait for the real GR

[@negativeindustrial]

Honoring Toyota’s long-standing policy of saying “Fuck North America” this fun new Corolla will not be offered in their largest market!!! Yay!

[@HBK180IGSE]

Hybrid with a GR Sport Badge??????

[@bwmim9709]

Only styling init

[@Steven_Rowe]

Sport, now there is a term to sucker in the in the sheep. Even pickups have sports bars on the back What sport has got to with anything is beyond me. Insurance companies love the term as it means they can charge you more than the unsport model that has identical performance