Spec battle: Toyota GR Corolla vs Focus ST, i30 N, Megane RS, Civic Type R, WRX STI, Golf R

If you’re planning on rushing to your local Toyota dealer to smack a deposit down on a new 2023 GR Corolla, pause for a second to see how it stacks up against other established rivals.

Given all the key mechanical details are now released, it’s only the price and acceleration left as the final missing pieces to the puzzle. However, it’s worth noting that the figures are based on development target values for the Japanese market.

UPDATE, June 2: Two-seat version announced

Need something a little hotter? The GR Corolla will also come in a track-ready two-seater form. Oh boy.

The story to here

5

We’ve cobbled together its key competition, being the Ford Focus ST, Hyundai i30 N, Renault Megane RS300 Trophy, Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen Golf R to see how it matches up.

It’s worth noting the Civic is no longer on sale and the Mk8 Golf R is yet to land, however, they’re worthy of inclusion for on-paper comparison.

Pricing (GR Corolla price not yet available)

In terms of power outputs, the Corolla’s G16E-GTS engine gains a 20kW (10 per cent) bump over the GR Yaris, to make 220kW, with torque remaining at 370Nm.

Compared to the current market, that puts the boosted 1618cc triple ahead of the Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N in terms of kilowatt counts, but behind the Megane, Civic, Type R and Golf R.

The three-cylinder’s Newton count is the lowest of the group, with it and the i30 N being the only two to miss out on the 400Nm club.

The new valve-equipped triple exhaust improves airflow (and grunt), but we hope it also aids acoustics so it matches the likes of the i30 N in terms of soundtrack.

Power, torque, and power to weight

A 0-100km/h time hasn’t been released, but with the GR Yaris Rallye officially claimed at 5.2 seconds, it should be on par with its key rivals – especially given the Corolla packs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system and electronic multi-plate clutch.

It’s worth noting that we recorded a 4.49sec run in the GR Yaris Rallye at PCOTY 2022, so the Corolla could go close to matching the Golf R’s 4.8sec claim in reality.

It does however come down to how much mechanical sympathy you have. What’s interesting is that the GR Corolla will have the same Torsen LSD on each axle that the GR Yaris Rallye employs.

Acceleration (GR Corolla 0-100km/h not yet available)

With the larger dimensions (and extra doors) over the Yaris, the weight of the GA-C platform Corolla has crept up 195kg to 1475kg. That chips away at the power-to-weight ratio, with the Corolla recording 149kW/tonne compared to the Yaris Rallye’s 156kW/tonne.

In the context of the class, it fares well, besting the Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N, while being on par with the all-wheel-drive equipped Golf R and behind the 164kW/tonne Civic Type R.

For now the six-speed manual (with iMT rev matching on down shifts) carries over, as an automatic version won’t be available at launch. An auto version, be it torque-converter or dual-clutch is muted for the future. Initially that sees it lag behind the likes of the i30 N, which has just been updated with a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Focus ST and Renault Megane also offer both transmission types, while the Type R and STI are manual only and the Golf R will land locally as a DSG-only proposition.

5

While the GR Corolla might not have a dedicated Drift or Nurburgring mode like the Golf, Toyota has dissected the “4WD” mode and its “Drive” mode to allow for more flexibility in setup for differing conditions.

The i30 N has a vast array of N modes the play with, while the Focus and the Megane offer less individualisation parameters.

Visually the GR Corolla is endowed with pumped guards, protruding air vents, aero addenda and triple exhaust to spice up the visual impact – essentially improving on the already handsome ZR grade. It’s not as loud as the Civic Type R, but has more attitude than the Golf R.

5

Hot hatches all have a layer of pragmatism built in, and with the GR being based off the five-door, five-seat Corolla range, it will stack up well in this group.

However, it’s worth noting that the boot in the generic Corolla range is a mere 217 litres, and with the rear Torsen diff added to the mix, that figure won’t improve. What will improve over the GR Yaris is front visibility, an issue that grated with judges at PCOTY 2022.

With the new WRX due soon and the MK8 Golf R arriving later in the year, the Q4 arrival of Toyota’s contender is eagerly awaited. The GR Corolla adds another element of spice to an already red-hot hot hatch segment.

We look forward to putting it through its passes against its main rivals in reality, and not just on paper.

5

Toyota GR Corolla specs