2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport launched in Malaysia, check full details

KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota has expanded the Corolla lineup in Malaysia with the launch of a new “GR Sport” variant. The all-new Toyota Corolla GR Sport is the third GR Sport model in the local market; the Corolla Cross GR Sport and Hilux GR Sport are the other two. 

Alongside introducing the new trim, the Japanese automaker has also updated the existing 1.8E and 1.8G variants of the sedan. Let’s know all three Corolla variants in detail, starting with the price.

Price

The 2023 Toyota Corolla variant-wise price list is as follows - 

Variants	Price (on the road, without insurance)
Corolla 1.8 E	RM 139,800
Corolla 1.8 G	RM 147,800
Corolla GR Sport	RM 152,800

Included in the price is a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty against manufacturing defects.

Engine specifications

All three variants are powered by the same 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, which is good for making 139 PS of maximum power and 172 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.

Suspension

The non-GR Sport versions continue to feature the same suspension system with MacPherson struts at the front and Double Wishbone at the rear. The all-new 2023 Toyota GR Sport, on the other hand, comes equipped with a GR Sport suspension setup with re-tuned dampers, springs, and stabilisers.

Exterior

On the exterior, the updated E and G variants boast a refreshed lower intake housing a unique mesh replacing the earlier horizontal slats unit. Also part of the upgrade is a Metal Stream ME colour option and new wheel designs. The Corolla E gets a new pair of 16-inch twin-spoke wheels shod with 205/55 profile tyres while the Corolla G equips new 17-inch multi-axis spoke units mated to 225/45 profile tyres.

The new Corolla GR Sport, on the contrary, confirms its unique identity with several GR-specific elements, including GR Sport bumpers, GR Sport side skirts, gloss black side mirrors,  and 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels wrapped with 225/40 R18 tyres. The three colour choices include - Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl MC, and Attitude Black.

Interior

A number of revisions can also be noticed inside the new Corolla, offering better comfort to occupants. These include a new Smart Entry system on the front passenger side, improved seat design, reduced intake noise, a new USB-C port on the central console, and most importantly - a bigger 12.3-inch fully digital driver display that replaces the previous 7-inch unit. Make note the new cluster is offered with the G and GR Sport trims only and the base-spec E continues to feature the smaller 4.2-inch TFT unit.

The G and GR Sport versions also come equipped with a wireless mobile phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, and paddle shifters. Parts of the GR Sport exclusive kit are - sporty leather seats with red stitching, red trims on door panels, and GR badges positioned on headrests and floor mats.

Safety

As for safety, the Corolla G features seven airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, and traction control, a hill start assist, and a tyre pressure warning system. The higher-spec G and GR Sport also come kitted with a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert system, and Toyota Safety Sense suite. The latter comprises - a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and auto high beam.

What are your thoughts on the all-new 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport? Let us know in the comments.

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