The Toyota GR Corolla Hatchback Circuit Edition

The Toyota GR Corolla Hatchback is a Surprisingly Practical Hot Hatch.

We love hot hatches, whether practical or not. To get one offering the best of both world’s results in some of the most exceptional times you can have on four wheels. Did we mention that those of us at Napleton News are into exceptional times? Probably not, but don’t let that stop you from having a good time. Hop in and buckle up!

What is the Toyota GR Corolla Hatchback Packing?

In case you didn’t know, GR stands for Gazoo Racing. Some may be familiar with TRD or Toyota Racing Development. That division primarily works with Toyota in their off-roading adventures and NASCAR. Gazoo Racing is the “passion project” of former Toyota president Akio Toyoda. They deal with road racing on circuits like Le Mans, and other such tracks. That same GR division is responsible for the little engine that could. In this case it’s a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than some mid-1980s V8-powered Corvettes. Woo-hoo!

The engine mates to a silky-smooth six-speed manual transmission that finds its gates perfectly. This manual is the only transmission available for the GR Corolla, and it’s one of the best we have seen from Toyota. There’s also front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials to help maintain grip at both axles. A console-mounted dial allows the driver to vary the power bias from front to rear, depending on surface. Ride with a 60:40 bias for daily drives. Track days may require 50:50, while a 30:70 setting allows for some aggressive tail wagging, if you dare!

How About Those Smoking GR Corolla Looks?

Quite frankly, the GR Corolla looks like one of those formerly meek and mild kids who hit the gym after a few years of bullying. All it took was a few months of pumping iron to take on a buffed appearance. The GR Corolla Hatchback looks just like that.

This new look includes flared fenders and triple exhaust finishers, because one per cylinder, you know. Since ours was the Circuit edition GR Corolla, it goes even further with a hood bulge and functioning air vents.

Inside the GR Corolla Hatchback

Start with seating for five. And cargo space. That’s just the beginning. But honestly the best seats in the house are up front. They are six-way adjustables but those adjustments are made manually. They are the perfect wrap-around thrones that will keep you in place during track day maneuvers and other bouts of Hooniganism.

All GR Corolla models include 12.3-inch gauge display screens and an eight-inch central touchscreen display. The one thing missing though is an armrest under the driver’s right elbow. That and a little more legroom in the rear seat area. Otherwise, the rear seat is best when occupied by little ones or those of the canine variety.

Behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Corolla.

The GR Hatchback is a well-sorted sled that makes you want to get in and do a few Hoontastic moves, just to say you did. With 300 horsepower on tap, it’s packing loads of power, which is especially surprising seeing that it is coming from a 1.6-liter inline turbo three-cylinder. For the mathematically challenged, that’s 100-hp per cylinder!

The gear range is wide enough for a start in second gear, which isn’t a terrible thing to do. Acceleration comes quickly and although there is a gear change light on the dash, you instinctually know when it’s time to upshift.

Handling is a blast with the GR. Steering offers quick and sure maneuvers putting you exactly where you want the car to be. It’s almost as if you think where you want the car to go, and it places itself there instantly.

The best part of the GR is how unsuspecting it appears to all the others on the highway. The look of surprise on their faces as you zoom past them is worth the price of admission alone!

Toyota GR Corolla Hatchback Specifications