SEPANG: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has unveiled the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport, and the price starts at RM149,800.
It is offered in two-tone colour options such as Platinum White Pearl Mica, Red Mica Metallic and Attitude Black Mica with a Black Roof.
As with the other GR Sport models (Corolla Cross HEV and Hilux), the Corolla GR Sport’s features are inspired by the GR Vios Challenge one-make series which has been ongoing since 2017.
What’s new for 2025:
- Revised exterior features
- Improved performance
- New 10-speed transmission
- GR Sport Design Leather and suede seat
- Upgraded infotainment display
The powertrain remains unchanged, with the 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre 16-valve DOHC Dual VVT-i engine producing 103kW (139PS) at 6,400rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
Revised programming in the ECU has enhanced the responsiveness to give a sportier feel.
When in SPORT mode, there is Auto Brake Downshifting and Cornering Gear Fix Control, allowing the driver to have better accelerator pedal control and modulate power flow to the front wheels when exiting a corner.
A major change is a new 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic transmission (replaces the previous 7-speed CVT).
Paddle shifters allow easy shifting. Drawing on the expertise of Gazoo Racing, the high performance and motorsport division of Toyota, the Corolla GR Sport has sharper handling compared to the Corolla 1.8G.
Based on extensive track testing, the shock absorbers, rear coil springs and stabilizers have been tuned to reduce roll, pitch and bouncing for smoother suspension movement.
Adjustments were made to the Sport ECU for the Electric Power Steering system which now enables smoother steering during multi-turn manoeuvres, such as driving along a twisty road.
As for the exterior, elements of the front end such as the grille and bumper have been redesigned.
The GR Sport Grille and GR Sport Fog Cover, for example, are combined, with the G-shaped mesh design identifying this as a GR model.
Standard are the Auto Bi-LED Projector headlamps with integrated LED Turn Signals and Follow Me function.
Also new is the GR Sport Bumper which has Black Front Bumper Garnish while at the rear is a GR Sport Luggage Spoiler and GR Sport Lower Spoiler.
The rear combination lens now has a darkened smoked look with a tinted cover, a unique feature for this variant.
Aerodynamic performance has been improved with the new design of the front bumper and rear spoilers.
As for the interior, for the new model, the body-hugging GR Sport Design front seats are upholstered with leather and suede.
Besides the GR emblem being added to the sports steering wheel, there are also newly installed red seatbelts.
A subtle change is in the trim colour which is now smoked silver metallic.
The new and larger 10-Inch Display Audio has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Corolla GR Sport has Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Trace Assist, and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
With PCS, when a potential front collision is detected, the driver will first get a warning.
Failure to act in time will result in the car’s brakes being activated automatically to stop the car (Automatic Emergency Braking or AEB).
DRCC is a more advanced form of cruise control whereby the set speed is adjusted so that a safe gap is maintained if there is a vehicle ahead.
There is also a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) which constantly scans the area along both sides of the car.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is useful when reversing.
The system, which is active when in reverse gear, scans the area on both sides which may not be visible to the driver.
If there is a vehicle approaching from either side at speeds of up to 30kph, the driver will be alerted.
