Motor Expo 2024 is a significant event where Toyota showcases the Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange for the first time in Thailand. This new model brings a fresh perspective and a host of exciting features that are sure to capture the attention of car enthusiasts.

Experience the Thrill of Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange in Thailand

Introduction to Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange

Toyota GR Corolla is a remarkable project that takes the ordinary car and transforms it into a powerhouse. Just like how they turned the Toyota Yaris into the GR Yaris, which is similar to Honda's transformation of the Civic FL into the Civic Type R FL5. The GR Yaris and GR Corolla focus on making the car capable in various situations as it is a 4-wheel drive vehicle. We can witness their work on different racing tracks, including the renowned rally track where the GR Yaris has made a name for itself.In fact, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla share the same engine and drivetrain. The only differences lie in the adjustment of the lower gear range, the engine, and the interior and exterior designs. The GR Corolla is a 5-door hatchback, which offers more practicality and ease of use.Toyota GR Corolla was launched and sold since 2022, and in 2024, it underwent a Minorchange. At the Motor Expo 2024 in Thailand, Toyota brought the Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange for sale at a price of 4,199,000 baht (imported from Japan).

What Has Changed in Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange

In this Minorchange, the GR Corolla has been updated in both appearance and performance. The car now has a more streamlined look, making it handle better on both dry and wet roads. Externally, there is a new front design that enhances the aerodynamic efficiency and heat dissipation of the ATF.The engine has a new tuning with increased horsepower from the original 370 to 400 Newton-meters. What's interesting is that this time, it comes with a new 8DAT gearbox that was previously seen in the GR Yaris Minorchange.It can be said that this is a car that is worth keeping in daily life. In Thailand, only the automatic transmission version is available. In addition, there are changes in the suspension and wheel arches to make the car more rigid.

Other Improvements

The trailing arm mounting point has been raised by 30 millimeters or 1.1 inches, reducing the rear suspension compression during acceleration and improving the cornering performance by reducing the tendency to roll. The new shock absorber also provides better rebound control, reducing the body roll in corners.Obviously, these adjustments make the GR Corolla more powerful, with better heat dissipation, better handling, stronger rigidity, and better cornering ability. It is definitely a fun car to drive, even in the automatic transmission version.

Interior Changes

The interior has been slightly updated. The cabin is covered with a red and black GR Gazoo Racing style, with materials such as leather and carbon fiber. There are red stitching on the seats, and every detail is decorated with GR Sport stickers, including the wheels, door panels, start button, steering wheel, and floor mats.Another important point is that the Thai version uses an 8DAT gearbox, which makes the center console design look neater. It uses a dark gray gear knob similar to the Toyota Corolla but with a red stitching and a red edge, along with a gear shift button next to the gear.

Engine of Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange

The engine of the GR Corolla Minorchange still uses the original engine but with a new tuning. It uses the G16E-GTS engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a direct injection + port injection system (D-4ST). The turbocharged air intake system has a maximum boost pressure of 25.2 PSI.The maximum power is 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and the maximum torque is 400 Newton-meters at 3,000-5,550 rpm. It is paired with a new fresh and hot automatic 8DAT gearbox and a 4-wheel drive GR-FOUR system.

Chassis and Drivetrain of Toyota GR Corolla

The 4-wheel drive GR-FOUR system can vary the power distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the driving mode. There are three driving modes:Normal: Front-rear power distribution is 60:40.Sport: Front-rear power distribution is 30:70.Track: Front-rear power distribution is 50:50.The front suspension is a MacPherson strut with a 26.5-mm-diameter coil spring, and the rear suspension is a double wishbone with a 24-mm-diameter coil spring. The steering system is a rack and pinion with an electric power steering assist (EPS).The Toyota GR Corolla is equipped with 18-inch black wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires with a size of 235/40R18, along with 4-wheel disc brakes.The front brakes are ventilated disc brakes with 4 pots, and the rear brakes are ventilated disc brakes with 2 pots.

Is Toyota GR Corolla Worth Buying?

For me, it is definitely worth buying. If I could win the first lottery prize, I would be willing to pay cash without hesitation because it is a genuine JDM car and a car that can be used for daily driving with true practicality in the style of a hatchback. We don't need to doubt its performance.

Exterior Equipment of Toyota GR Corolla 8DAT

Front and rear LED lights.GR logo on the front grille.Full LED taillights.Rear diffuser with a black finish.3-channel exhaust system with a backpressure reduction function.Front LED turn signals.Front air intake with 2 ventilation channels.Rear carbon fiber spoiler.Slanted air intake.18-inch black wheels.235/40 R18 tires.

Interior Equipment of GR Corolla

BRIN NAUB and carbon fiber reinforced door panels.GR-decorated wheel arches with stickers.Push Start and GR logo system.Sport aluminum steering wheel and brake pedals.Paddle shift gear lever on the rear wheel arch.12.3-inch sport display screen for driving information.7-inch touch screen for sound and touch.Head-Up Display HUD with a USB charging port.Wireless Bluetooth connection system.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.6-way adjustable seats.Wireless charging device.Front and rear seat belt pretensioners (PT-FL 2).Emergency locking retractors (ELR).

Safety System of GR Corolla

Automatic headlight on/off control system.7-airbag system.Front airbag.Side airbags.Curtain airbags.Head airbag for the driver.PCS pre-collision safety system.LDA lane departure warning system.AHB automatic high beam adjustment system.All-speed range DRCC speed control system.TRC traction control system.HAC hill start assist system.ABS anti-lock braking system.VSC vehicle stability control system.In conclusion, the equipment and systems in the Toyota GR Corolla Minorchange 8DAT are suitable for daily use. It is just right for being a practical daily driving car without being too much or too little. There are no overly intrusive assistance systems that interfere with the fun of driving. Therefore, the GR Corolla is definitely a car worth driving. Who doesn't want to keep a car that is fun in daily life?