Launched: 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport – New 10-speed ‘Sport’ CVT Added, RM149,800

Also launched today by UMWT was the new and upgraded Toyota Corolla GR Sport.

Besides the face-lifted and upgraded 2025MY GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also elected to introduce a third new and sporty model today at Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC) during the season finale of Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Season 7.

However, unlike the hot hatches duo mentioned, this third offering is arguably much more attainable, and perhaps stands as the sportiest offering in its segment now. Say hello to the new 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport.

A comparison of the new 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport (top two) versus regular Toyota Corolla 1.8G (bottom two).

As you can probably guess, this new 2025MY version of the sporty range-topping guise of Toyota’s evergreen twelfth-gen (E210) TNGA-based C-segment sedan replaces the previous 2023MY version that UMWT launched prior.

Like the model it replaces, the Corolla GR Sport sees no enhancements to its 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cyl petrol mill plonked up front – it still churns our just 139 PS and 172 NM to power the front wheels. However, it does gain a sporty new transmission instead.

A significant enhancement here is the new 10-speed 'Sport Sequential Shiftmatic' transmission. It's essentially a sport-tuned CVT-type automatic with 'Auto Brake Downshifting' and 'Cornering Gear Fix Control' functions.

Replacing the stock Corolla’s 7-speed CVT unit is a new 10-speed ‘Sport Sequential Shiftmatic’. This is similar to what Toyota primed in the previous-gen Toyota Vios GR Sport variant. Whilst it is a CVT-type automatic transmission still, it does benefit with a revised ECU programming that enables both ‘Auto Brake Downshifting’ and ‘Cornering Gear Fix Control’ functions.

Matching which too is a re-optimised power steering ECU, and it promises to deliver smoother steering during multi-turn manoeuvres. Retained from before though are the sport-tuned suspension package with firmer springs promising reduced roll, pitch and bouncing. In short, the Corolla GR Sport now has the performance driveline to match it sport-tuned chassis.

Like before, GR Sport treatment continues to see this Corolla sedan benefit with sport-tuned suspension and power steering, as well as variant-specific black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like before, the GR Sport treatment continues to furnish the exterior with sportier touches over the regular base sedan. It includes a more squared lower grille design, a boot lid spoiler and lower spoiler combination, ‘smoked’ taillights, as well as 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels.

Whilst on the exterior still, there are variant exclusive two-tone paint scheme options available in the mix featuring a black roof. Moving into the cabin and this guise continues to rock black-themed leather seats with red pipe-stitching, red seat belts, and GR Sport decorative emblems.

Notably, one welcoming upgrade in this variant’s cabin too is a larger new 10-inch infotainment touchscreen display, and it boasts both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity too. This aside, there are little to no changes elsewhere.

As for safety, the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport also features the full Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite primed. This sees features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane-Tracing Assist (LTA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and more, all present.

10-inch touchscreen display is a welcoming new addition on board, and it offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well.

While this hotter flavour of the evergreen Corolla sedan may not be as quick as the two hot hatches introduced alongside it earlier today, it does promise similar thrilling drive dynamics and the sporty style to match too. Best of all? Both comes at a more 'accessible' price too.

Sans insurance, the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport is priced at RM149,800 – just RM5,000 more than the Corolla 1.8G variant. As usual, said price includes UMWT’s usual 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage as well.

So, what do you reckon folks? Would you prefer this sporty alternative over rivals like the upcoming face-lifted Honda Civic or Mazda 3? As usual, share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…