2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport Review

The C-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been highly competitive. Both family users and young professionals desire the reliability of joint venture brands while also expecting sporty designs and intelligent configurations. The 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport’s arrival precisely meets these needs. As a sporty version of the Corolla series, it not only maintains the practicality of a family car but also adds GR-exclusive design elements and upgraded tuning. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its sportiness is "consistent inside and out" and evaluating its overall performance in daily use.

From a distance, the Corolla GR Sport’s overall lines are sharper than the standard version. The front face features a large honeycomb lower grille with a blackened Toyota emblem, offering high recognition; the LED headlight groups on both sides are connected with a chrome trim along the upper edge of the grille, visually widening the front. On the side of the body, 18-inch blackened multi-spoke wheels paired with 225/40 R18 tires give it a more dynamic appearance, with the lines near the wheel arches standing out more prominently. GR-specific side skirts are added to the lower part of the doors; at the rear, the spoiler and dual exhaust pipes with chrome trims (decorative pieces) further enhance the sporty vibe. The LED taillight group is treated with a smoked effect, which provides clear visibility when illuminated at night. The lighting system is fully equipped with LED, and features like automatic headlights and front fog lights improve practicality.

Upon entering the cabin, the interior is primarily black with silver trim and GR-specific badges (on the steering wheel and seat headrests) as accents. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel pleasant. The 9-inch touchscreen in the center performs reasonably smoothly and supports Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity (although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not mentioned in the spec sheet, basic functions suffice in practical use). The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides abundant information, allows switching between different themes, and aligns well with its sporty orientation. In terms of configuration, the front seats are equipped with 8-way power adjustment (with lumbar support), offering good comfort; the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, and the trunk volume is 470 liters, sufficient for daily family needs. Other features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, keyless entry/ignition, and rain-sensing wipers are also provided, making its overall performance consistent with the level of joint venture cars in this price range.

The vehicle dimensions are 4635mm × 1780mm × 1435mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. Rear space performance is reasonable: a 175cm-tall passenger sitting in the rear has about two fistfuls of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is not overly spacious but sufficient for family use. As for storage space, the front and rear door panels can accommodate two bottles of water, the central armrest box has moderate capacity, and there are two cup holders in the rear, meeting practical needs.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 139PS and a maximum torque of 172N·m, paired with a 7-speed CVT transmission (with paddle shifters). During daily driving, the start is smooth, and the accelerator responds linearly. Its low to mid-speed acceleration can meet urban commuting needs; pressing the accelerator pedal hard causes slight lag in power output, but torque becomes more evident after the engine reaches 4000rpm, meaning overtaking requires advanced planning. In sports mode, the transmission maintains higher RPMs, and the shift paddle response speed improves slightly, but the overall performance remains oriented towards family use and is not excessively aggressive in tuning.

The handling part, the combination of front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension is a highlight. The suspension provides better support compared to the regular version, controlling body roll effectively during cornering. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, giving the driver a sense of confidence. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters most minor vibrations, although rear passengers may feel slight bouncing. It strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. As for braking, the performance of front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes is stable, with a linear pedal feel. The vehicle maintains good posture during emergency braking.

During fuel consumption tests, the fuel consumption in urban driving (half congested, half smooth) is about 7.5L per 100 kilometers, while highway driving (110km/h cruising) is about 5.8L. The combined fuel consumption is around 6.8L, which is average for a car weighing 1.365 tons. Regarding noise control, the cabin is quiet at speeds below 60km/h, but wind and tire noise become increasingly noticeable above 100km/h, although still within an acceptable range.

Safety features are one of the advantages of the Corolla GR Sport, including standard 7 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and 360-degree panoramic cameras. These features are more comprehensive than some same-class models (e.g., Honda Civic 1.5L low trim). In terms of pricing, the RM 152,800 price tag falls within the mid-range for C-segment sports sedans. Considering the features and Toyota's reliability, it offers good value for money.

Overall, the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport is a "practical sports sedan" – it combines a sporty exterior and tuning without compromising functionality and comfort. It is suitable for consumers who want both a sporty feel and practicality for family use, particularly young families or office workers aged 30-40. If you are pursuing ultimate power, it might not be the best choice; however, if you are looking for a balanced, reliable, and well-equipped compact sports sedan from a joint venture brand, it is worth considering.