2023 Toyota GR Corolla details revealed for Australia, price imminent

The hotly-anticipated 2023 Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch will be available in a choice of two versions ­– including a hardcore two-seat Morizo model – when Australian deliveries begin in the coming weeks.

Dealer information published on social media reveals there will be two Toyota GR Corolla models offered in Australia – rather than three variants offered in the US.

The confidential information confirms buyers in Australia will have the choice of a five-seat ‘GTS’ model with Yokohama tyres, and a top-of-the-range two-seat Morizo edition with sticky Michelin performance tyres.

Prices for both variants are yet to be revealed, however Drive understands Toyota is due to release more details in the coming weeks – alongside formal confirmation of the model range.

If Japanese pricing is a guide, the standard model may be priced from approximately $65,000 plus on-road costs, while the flagship Morizo could exceed $90,000 plus on-road costs.

As previously reported by Drive, there will only be 500 examples allocated to Australia for the first year – which equates to appoximately two cars per dealership, though some showrooms will only get one and other outlets may receive more.

Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley said last week the allocation of Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchbacks would be managed by dealers – rather than allocated at random through a ballot, as used in New Zealand and Japan – however the company is encouraging dealers to sell the first allocation of cars to loyal Toyota customers.

The split in volume – between between five-seat GTS and two-seat Morizo models in the first batch of 500 Toyota GR Corollas assigned to Australia – is yet to be disclosed.

Dealer information posted on social media shows production of the Toyota GR Corolla GTS five-seater has been in production since October 2022, while the Morizo Edition is due to go into production soon.

Toyota Australia has previously confirmed five-seat and two-seat GR Corolla models would be available locally.

However it was unclear how Australia’s the two-seater and five-seater models would be equipped compared to versions sold in Japan and North America.

Based on information shared with dealers, it appears standard equipment on the Toyota GR Corolla GTS in Australia will slot between the entry-level Core in the US, and the standard RZ in Japan.

The information shows the Toyota GR Corolla GTS sold in Australia will be equipped with 18-inch cast-alloy wheels, Yokohama Advan Apex V601 sports tyres, front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, red brake calipers, a vented bonnet, and a low-rise rear roof spoiler (not the taller spoiler fitted to the GR Corolla Circuit Edition in the US).

This makes the Toyota GR Corolla GTS better equipped than the basic version of its smaller Toyota GR Yaris sibling, which makes the limited-slip differentials (and red brake calipers) exclusive to the flagship Rallye model.

Luxury and tech features standard on the Toyota GR Corolla GTS include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning, head-up display, LED headlights, a JBL premium stereo, heated sports seats, parking sensors, and a heated leather steering wheel.

A suite of advanced safety technology will be standard on the GTS, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Powering the standard Toyota GR Corolla is a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine shared with the Toyota GR Yaris, which boosts outputs to 220kW and 370Nm (up 20kW compared to the Toyota GR Yaris) – with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Toyota GR Corolla Morizo edition is a track-focused flagship variant, with an extra 30Nm (for 220kW/400Nm total), no rear seats, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, lightweight front sports seats, 18-inch forged-alloy wheels, a carbon-fibre roof, and more. It is 35kg lighter than the regular GTS.

Dealers have been advised four exterior colours will be available on the standard model – Glacier White, Liquid Mercury metallic grey, Ebony black and Feverish Red metallic.

The Morizo is set to be available in Frosted White pearl and Tarmac Black metallic – as well as a Matte Steel grey paint colour. It is unclear which of these colours will be extra-cost options.

More details of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla range – including pricing – are expected to be announced later this month.