Toyota's Corolla might be finally getting a justified performance persona that backs its sporty looks. Australia's Car Sales, on Thursday, reported that a Corolla GR hot hatch was in the works to challenge recently unveiled models such as Hyundai's Veloster N as well as old-timers such as Golf GTI.
Toyota cut the ribbons, on its performance sub-brand Gazoo Racing (GR) last year. It offers various stages of performance ranging from bolt-on parts to dedicated performance models. These dedicated models as we know will sport the GRMN badge and the first member up for the treatment was the Yaris GRMN.
However, for the Corolla as well as the models succeeding it, Toyota has decided to retain the rather popular TRD badge which was evident from the Camry and the Avalon at the 2019 LA Auto Show. Jack Hollis, vice president and general manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor North America, said at the reveal that he'd like to see the TRD badge eventually applied across the lineup.
This news comes after Toyota recently introduced a new, limited-edition, feature loaded trim for the Corolla sedan in the Middle East.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla XLi Exclusive is fitted with exclusive options not available on other trims of the Corolla. The options begin with front fog lights and a rear spoiler attached to the boot lid. Inside, the multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and so is the gear lever. Toyota also offers a sunroof with the limited edition Corolla.
The Toyota Corolla runs on a 1.6-litre inline-four petrol engine that makes 121hp and 157Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Multidrive 7S transmission, making for a best-in-class fuel economy of 18.1kpl. The Corolla XLi Exclusive starts from AED 75,500 inclusive of VAT. Toyota now has the popular midsize sedan on offer in the UAE.
