Launched in Malaysia at the beginning of this year alongside the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the Toyota Corolla GR Sport sedan offers a more attainable access point to the brand’s models that have received the Gazoo Racing touch.
A lighter touch this may be, compared to the in-depth alterations that transform the regular TNGA Yaris and Corolla hatchbacks to their respective GR flagbearers, the Corolla GR Sport is more than a mere aesthetics exercise, UMW Toyota has said.
Succeeding the Corolla GR Sport of 2023 in the Malaysian market, the 2025 iteration of the sedan brings revised exterior features, improved performance from its transmission, GR Sport upholstery along with an upgraded infotainment display.
The upgrade to the performance aspect is by what UMWT calls the 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic; this remains a continuously variable transmission, albeit with the virtual ratio count now at 10, up from seven virtual ratios of its predecessor.
More ratios in the gearbox offer smoother transitions, and each virtual ratio has been optimised for performance, said the company. Selecting Sport mode brings the Auto Brake Downshifting and Cornering Gear Fix Control function that aims to yield better throttle control on corner exits. The engine continues to be the 139 PS/172 Nm 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i unit, unchanged from before.
Also altered for the Corolla in this GR Sport guise is the control unit for the electric power steering, which has been optimised for smoother steering during multiple successive inputs, such as when driving along a twisty road. Joining the chassis changes are retuned dampers, rear coil springs and stabilisers, while rolling stock is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels in 225/40R18 tyres.
Inside, the Corolla GR Sport brings the sportiness theme with a black and red colour combination, where the mostly black cabin gains contrasting red in the upholstery stitching and seatbelts. Further highlighting the sporting intent are the GR badges on the steering wheel and the engine starter button.
For conveniences, infotainment is a 10-inch touchscreen unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charger, while safety kit comes courtesy of the full Toyota Safety Sense suite plus a security system with immobiliser, ultrasonic cabin sensor and glass breakage sensor, and UWMT’s vehicle telematics system.
Exterior colours for the Corolla GR Sport are Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl Mica and Attitude Black Mica, with the former two bringing a two-tone scheme with a black roof. In Malaysia, the Toyota Corolla GR Sport is priced at RM149,800 on-the-road without insurance, and is sold with a five-year, unlimited mileage factory warranty.
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Walau eh ! Stil using the same old engine
.Toyota 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engine was first introduced since 2007.
Actually this one is using updated version from 2011. The original 2017-2010 was not fuel efficient while having lower horsepower.
Rather than using this new one, better by 2019 version, just swap Head Unit into cheaper and better android it will help to make 2019 looks new
anyone who criticized ccp cheap cars should be forced to take 9 year hirepurchase loan to buy this 150k corolla with old junk engine. be grateful that ccp is kind to subsidize your cars ok.
Dont change what is not broken
mehhhh… no M20A-FKS no talk!
With this price, why not equip the newer Dynamic Force engine instead of this old engine.
Spec stingy
TBH, the car is fine. Just the price is too high. If around 120k-130k, maybe still ok.
This is outdated and overpriced for most buyers to even consider, unless they’re diehard Toyota fans. No wonder the Civic commands nearly 80% market share in the non‐national C segment.
Malaysians are easily conned
Target buyers are uncles who want >10 years problem free cars. Too bad now uncle can use 1/3 price buy bezza go near yum cha only ma why need buy gr red rm150k.
Tak laku ! Tak laku ! Tak laku … baik beli Bezza , tak Ada beza pon… duit yg dijimat pakcik boleh kahwin gik.
Racy look but superslow
That doesn’t add up…150k for an outdated spec?
150HP and 170Nm? Like a snail it goes.
Basically paying more for that T badge.
If only it is offered in 1.5 turbo civic beater engine that would be lovely.
No.. don’t..
NA all the way, only little kids play with turbo
Japanese car interior have not change since the 2000. Look terrible
It’s time to update with the 2.0L DFE..
Those commenting here cant even afford to buy this Altis and talk like can afford much pricier cars. This car with this engine can be a good chase car and also almost long lasting tech if take care with quality service and maintenance.
If want a smoother drive, choose the auto mode of the CVT; if want sporty driver, 5-speed will be exciting. The 10-speed setting, however, seems to be positioned somewhat ambiguously, serving primarily a marketing purpose.