Toyota Corolla GR to debut in September 2021?

TOKYO: Japanese media reports are abuzz over the speculated arrival of the Toyota Corolla GR performance hatchback that should be able to go toe-to-toe with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

It seems that September 2021 will be the magic month that will see the Corolla GR arrive in showrooms, thereby expanding the GR stable to three alongside the Supra and Yaris.

As to what's going under the hood, it could be the same 257hp 1.6-litre three-cylinder powerplant that's also found in the Yaris GR, but this shouldn't be the case.

Instead, it would be more prudent for the Japanese automaker to throw in a properly tuned 2.0-litre "blown" engine that's managed by a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle-shifters for the Yaris GR's all-wheel-drive system.

Doing so would be providing another good alternative to the Renault's Megane RS range of hot hatches too here in Malaysia.

And just like the smaller Yaris GR, expect nothing less than an up-rated suspension system and sports seats to help keep its driver in place while flinging around corners.

There should also be a beefed-up braking system and lightweight wheels with performance tyres to handle the extra speed generated by having more ponies than usual.

All this is starting to feel like the 1990s again with the advent of more sports cars coming from Japanese automakers. Now, we will just have to wait and see if Mazda and Mitsubishi — which have a strong sporty heritage — will join in the fun.