Launched: 2026 Toyota GR Corolla AT – RM378,950

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) officially launched the new 2026 Toyota GR Yaris AT hot hatch. An updated 2026MY version of the manual (MT) variant was also launched alongside.

It took roughly a year for UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) to fulfil this promise, but perhaps it really is better late than never. Earlier today, the firm fittingly launched the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla 8AT at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

This new addition to the GR Corolla hot hatch nameplate was launched this morning as part of the festivities for the season finale of Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Season 8 featuring the Vios Challenge one-make racing series.

Typical of UMWT, this new AT variant of the GR Corolla costs RM10,000 more than its MT twin at RM378,950 (RM233,500 in Langkawi).

Straight into price and, as we’ve seen how UMWT typically prices its GR performance models, this new variant featuring an automatic transmission choice is priced RM10,000 more than its twin primed with the manual box at RM378,950.

For those fortunate enough to have residence in Langkawi, this variant is priced at RM233,500 instead. As a refresher, the manual variant mentioned that launched a year ago commands RM368,950 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM227,300 in Langkawi.

Available in Super White, Emotional Red, Precious Metal and Black exterior hues, the prices noted includes UMWT’s usual 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage. Bookings are now opened at selected ‘GR Garage’ dealers nationwide.

The 1.6-litre 3-cyl turbo heart - shared with the GR Yaris - remains, outputting 300 PS and 400 Nm.

Seasoned readers will remember the GR Corolla is based on the twelfth-generation Corolla Sport hatch (chassis code: E210) but shares the same rally-bred 1.6-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol heart and GR-Four all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite as the smaller GR Yaris.

Outputting 300 PS and 400 Nm, the GR Corolla brimmed with this new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT-8AT) can reportedly hustle a respectably rapid 0-100 KM/H dash, dispatching which in a claimed 5.3 secs.

This variant's DAT-8AT box is brimmed with steering-mounted paddle-shifters too. Notable here are its sequential-style M-Mode and Launch Start Control functions too.

Mechanically, the DAT-8AT box detailed comes with a different gear shift lever plus added steering-mounted paddle-shifters. Unique here too is the transmission’s sequential-style M-mode and Launch Start Control functions.

Notably, there are some minor equipment upgrades to note. For this refreshed 2026MY version, both the newly launched AT and existing MT variants now gain a larger new 10-inch infotainment touchscreen – versus 9-inch prior.

Barring several minor upgrades like a larger new 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, added BSM and TSS ADAS package, the 2026MY GR Corolla remains largely unchanged.

Another minor upgrade lie in safety as both variants are brimmed with blind-spot monitor (BSM), along with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) package now lined as standard too.

Otherwhise, all other features and equipment brimmed remain largely unchanged and identical as what we saw in the face-lifted manual transmission variant launched by UMWT a year ago.

The 2026 GR Corolla AT is now opened for orders via selected 'GR Garage' outlets nationwide.

Key highlights include lightweight 18-inch Enkei rolling stock wrapped in grippy Yokohama sport tyres, slotted and vented brake rotors paired with six-pot (front) and dual-pot (rear) monobloc calipers, as well as GR-branded semi-bucket seats, amongst others.

Complementing which is the driveline’s offer of multiple drive modes with specific front-to-rear torque-split ratios too – Normal (60:40), Gravel (50:50) and a dynamic Track mode that actively modulates between 60:40 and 30:70 rates.