2024 Toyota GR Corolla review

Once upon a time, the Toyota Corolla was the car your neighbour bought because it was "safe" and "reliable" and because he didn't want to think about cars ever again.

It was a sensible beige machine for doing sensible beige things.

But someone at Toyota had a revelation and decided to turn this sensible commuter into something more… explosive.

The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla.

It's got three exhausts, a turbocharged heart and the kind of stance that makes other cars cross the street to avoid it.

We drove the GR Corolla in 'Liquid Mercury,' which, I must say, is about as cool as colour names get. And while I wouldn't call it perfect, it's a absolute riot on four wheels.

What's the Toyota GR Corolla like to drive?

If I were to sum it up, it's like handing a toddler a triple-shot espresso - pure energy, zero chill.

Under the hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that churns out 221kW of power and 370Nm of torque. For perspective, that's more power than most family SUVs, packed into something smaller than a teenager's attention span.

And yes, it's a manual. A glorious six-speed manual.

While others are handing over the keys to algorithms to do the driving for you, the GR Corolla puts both hands firmly back on the wheel.

Every shift feels purposeful, every rev a chance to connect with the car. It's engaging, fun and downright addictive.

However, there's a catch - it's firm.

Like, really firm.

Now, I get it. A hot hatch needs to be taut and ready for corners. But on your average Aussie road (read: a patchwork quilt of potholes), the GR Corolla makes sure you feel every bump.

This is great if you're looking for a spirited drive but less ideal if you're just popping down to Woolies.

Fuel efficiency isn't its strong suit either.

We averaged 9.0L/100km, which isn't terrible considering the fun we were having, but it's not great either, especially since we covered plenty of highway kilometres.

What's the Toyota GR Corolla like inside?

Inside, the GR Corolla is a mix of sporty flair and Toyota pragmatism.

You get bolstered sports seats that hug you tight and a chunky steering wheel that feels fantastic in your hands.

There's white stitching, metal pedals and just enough suede to make you feel fancy without tipping into "track-day poser" territory.

Toyota's infotainment system is intuitive and functional, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The digital driver display is clear and informative, offering everything from boost pressure to lap times - though, let's be honest, you'll probably just use it to check your speed and fuel level.

Rear seat space? Surprisingly decent.

Unlike some sports cars … cough, Nissan Z, cough, Toyota GR86, cough… the GR Corolla can actually fit adults in the back without folding them like origami. It's not spacious, but it's practical enough for your kids or short trips with extra adults.

What's the Toyota GR Corolla boot like?

The boot is another area where the GR Corolla shines compared to its GR Yaris sibling.

You get 213 litres of cargo space, which might not sound impressive, but it's enough for a couple of overnight bags or a solid grocery run.

Fold the rear seats down and you'll have plenty of room for a weekend getaway.

It's not the biggest boot in the segment, but considering this car's priorities (speed, fun, speed), it's nice to see Toyota didn't completely forget about practicality.

How safe is the Toyota GR Corolla?

Toyota hasn't skimped on safety features, which is reassuring given how quickly this car begs to be driven.

It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and a few other acronyms that make parents nod approvingly.

And the all-wheel-drive system ensures you stay planted, no matter the conditions.

2024 Toyota GR Corolla review: Verdict

The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla isn't for everyone, but that's the point. It's a Corolla that's gone rogue - a hot hatch that punches well above its weight and looks like it's been bench-pressing for months.

The wide-body styling, complete with flared arches and three exhausts, is aggressive in the best way. The power is phenomenal, the manual gearbox is a joy and it's still practical enough to be a daily driver - if you're okay with a firm ride and regular fuel stops.

At $69,465 drive away, it's pricier than some of its competitors, including the GR Yaris Rallye ($61,295). But you're getting more car for your money - more space, more practicality and arguably, more fun.

So, if you're after a car that's as thrilling as it is unique, the GR Corolla is worth every cent.