Toyota GR Corolla Set for Thailand Launch – Malaysia Next?

Performance Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars’ popularity worldwide has prompted Japanese automakers to host special launches for such in selected international markets. ASEAN nations, being one of the closest markets – both diplomatically and geographically – is key to this as well.

The latest JDM set to grace the SEA market is the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla. Fully-manufactured in Toyota Japan’s Aichi Plant, the performance hot-hatch is tipped for a debut in Thailand later this year – reportedly in conjunction with Toyota Thailand’s 60th anniversary.

Though a specific launch date hasn’t been confirmed, Autoindustriya reports that the 2022 Thailand International Motor Expo might be Toyota’s best bet to officially welcome the GR Corolla. Toyota President Akio Toyoda is also tipped to make an appearance during said launch on top of commemorating Toyota Thailand’s historic milestone.

With its arrival, the GR Corolla will be the fourth official GR model to be present in Thailand’s market – alongside the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR 86. Price and variants haven’t been confirmed yet, but there’s the likelihood that all three variations of said hot hatch seen in the US market might be offered.

Sharing its powertrain with the smaller GR Yaris, the 1.6 L G16E-GTS turbocharged mill gets a higher state-of-tune over its smaller sibling - 300 HP and 370 NM. It also packs a similar GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that boasts multiple torque split options available for drivers.

Adapted from the regular Corolla hatchback, the GR Corolla boasts a 5-door hatch configuration – bigger and more practical than the 3-door hatch GR Yaris. Additional bracings and welding points ensure this performance hatch is more rigid and stable than its barren model.

Toyota offers three different variants for the GR Corolla in the US market. The base Core spec starts at US$35,900 (RM161,550), while the middling Circuit Edition will set you around US$42,900 (RM193,050). The range-topping and somewhat limited Morizo Edition retails at a whopping US$49,900 (RM224,550) – pricey indeed for a hot hatch with its rear seats deleted.

The Toyota GR Corolla’s compatriot-cum-rival, the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R also made its ASEAN debut recently in Vietnam – a sign that Japanese marques are retaining their faith for products as such in markets within our region.

For years, Malaysia has always been on good terms with JDM makers, with our country being the only international market to receive the Honda Civic Type-R FD2R several years back. Recently, the GR Yaris also entered our local market, albeit on a limited allocation of just 200 units via UMW Toyota Motor.

With this in mind, we won’t discount the possibility of seeing the GR Corolla introduced locally. Mind you, the smaller GR Yaris was priced at RM299,000 OTR back then. On that note, we can expect a similar – or perhaps higher – premium price tag for the GR Corolla. Better start saving then!