Toyota Corolla Review

The Malaysia C-segment sedan market has always been a focal point for competition among household and young consumer groups. Consumers demand practicality for daily commuting, while also hoping for individualized design and smart features. The 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport was launched on January 5 this year, priced at RM 149,800, which is RM 3,000 less than the 2023 GR Sport while upgrading its core configurations. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this new car can satisfy local consumers' needs for cost-effectiveness and intelligent experience while maintaining its sporty genes.

Approaching the new car, the most intuitive impression is its sporty exterior design. The body length is 4635mm, 5mm longer than the standard Corolla, combined with a low-profile stance, making it appear more slender visually. The front end features a blacked-out honeycomb grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights extend in an L-shaped design to the edges of the grille, providing high recognition. Along the side of the car, 18-inch multi-spoke blacked-out rims paired with 225/40 R18 tires, combined with slightly protruding wheel arch lines, enhance the sense of power. A chrome garnish running along the bottom edge of the windows and the GR Sport exclusive badge on the side skirts further emphasize the sporty attributes. At the rear, the blacked-out LED tail light cluster incorporates a through-type design element, complemented by a small spoiler and a dual exhaust layout, giving the overall style a youthful and aggressive character.

Opening the door, the interior adopts black as the main color tone, with red stitching added on the seats and door panels to enhance the sporty atmosphere. The center console layout is simple, featuring a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen in the center, which is larger than the 9-inch screen in the 2023 GR Sport. The operation smoothness and display clarity have both improved. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that supports multiple display modes, showing information such as navigation, fuel consumption, and driver assistance system status in real-time. In terms of configuration, the new car comes standard with keyless entry, push-button start, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents, providing sufficient convenience for everyday use. Storage space performance is average, with the front center armrest box and door storage compartments able to hold items such as phones and water bottles. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, allowing storage of larger luggage when folded down.

In terms of space, the 2700mm wheelbase remains the same as the previous version. The front row offers ample room, with a passenger of 175cm height still having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear legroom is about two fists, with headroom about one fist, making it suitable for daily family use. The middle section of the rear floor has a slight bump, but it does not affect short-distance comfort for the middle passenger. The trunk capacity isn’t specifically indicated, but practical tests show it can easily fit two 28-inch suitcases, meeting everyday household needs for practicality.

For power, the new car is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 103kW (139PS) and a peak torque of 172N·m, paired with a 10-speed CVT transmission, offering 3 more simulated gear ratios compared to the 7-speed CVT in the 2023 model. During daily driving, the throttle response is smooth at startup, and the low RPM range provides sufficient power for urban commuting. When stepping on the accelerator deeply, the engine speed rises above 4000rpm, significantly releasing torque and providing good power reserves for overtaking. When switching to sport mode, the transmission responds faster with simulated shifting, and along with the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, it can create some fun in driving. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension. The tuning is stiffer compared to the standard model, effectively controlling body roll through corners and maintaining stability at high speeds. However, when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations are filtered slightly less effectively, resulting in mild discomfort for rear passengers.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive covered both urban congestion and highway segments, with combined fuel consumption at approximately 7.5L/100km, which is close to the official figures. For a 1.8L displacement family car, this performance is considered average within the same class. Noise control performance is good, with wind and tire noise at acceptable levels during high-speed driving, not affecting conversations inside the car.

In terms of safety features, the new car is equipped as standard with 7 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, as well as active safety systems such as ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and lane change assist. A 360-degree panoramic view also enhances parking convenience, and the overall safety performance meets mainstream standards for the C-segment.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Corolla GR Sport lie in its cost-effectiveness and configuration upgrades. Compared with the 2023 model, it offers a lower price while adding a 10-inch central control screen and a 10-speed CVT, significantly enhancing its competitiveness. Compared to the Honda Civic 1.5T in the same class, while the power parameters are slightly weaker, the price is lower and the configuration is more comprehensive, making it suitable for consumers who value practicality and cost-effectiveness. This car is suitable for both young professionals who prioritize sporty looks and families requiring daily commuting and short trips, making it a C-segment option that balances personality and practicality.

In conclusion, the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport, through price reduction and configuration upgrades, continues to retain its sporty genes while further catering to local consumer demands. If you are looking for a family sedan with a sporty appearance, sufficient features, and a reasonable price, this car is worth considering.