2022 Toyota GR Corolla

Toyota GR Corolla (2026) Price & Specs

Pricing scoop! The updated Toyota GR Corolla will soon launch in SA, gaining revised front-end styling and the option of an automatic transmission. Here’s what it will cost…

- Toyota’s revised GR Corolla to arrive in SA soon
- Choice of 6-speed manual or new 8-speed auto
- Circuit specification standard (Core falls away)

Been waiting patiently for a 2-pedal version of the Toyota GR Corolla to become available in South Africa? Well, an updated take on the Japanese firm’s C-segment hot hatch – complete with the option of an automatic transmission first detailed back in August 2024 – is expected to hit local dealerships soon. And we’ve managed to dig up pricing ahead of its official arrival.

According to our information, while the GR Corolla range will again comprise a pair of derivatives, the base “Core” grade will fall away. As such, the updated version of this all-paw hot hatch will be available exclusively in top-spec “Circuit” form, though customers will now be able to choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a new 8-speed automatic transmission (the latter with paddle shifters).

GR Corolla 8AT joins R1-million hot-hatch club

From what we understand, the revised GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT will be priced at R985 200, representing a R37 100 increase over the outgoing version (and effectively raising the apex Corolla’s starting price by R101 600, with the R883 600 “Core” derivative dropped). Meanwhile, the new GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT will kick off at R1 010 700, rendering the auto-equipped version a 7-figure hot hatch.

For the record, the smaller GR Yaris 1.6T Rally 6MT costs R942 200, while the self-shifting GR Yaris 1.6T Rally 8AT is priced from R971 300. Other circa-R1-million hot hatches currently on the local market include the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI (R908 000, though seemingly still in the pre-order phase), BMW M135 (R988 768), Honda Civic Type R (R1 021 600) and Audi S3 Sportback (R1 091 100).

GR Corolla engine upgraded to offer 400 Nm

As before, the GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (known internally as G16E-GTS), likely with an unchanged peak power figure of 221 kW. That said, the lively little 3-pot’s maximum torque has seemingly been increased by 30 units to 400 Nm. Expect top speed to remain 230 kph.

The 8-speed auto, meanwhile, is the same transmission – complete with a dedicated oil cooler – used in the likewise evolved GR Yaris. In addition to the auto option and refreshed front-end styling (which ostensibly aids cooling), this update for the GR Corolla comprises changes to the suspension (including revised shock absorbers, a raised trailing-arm mounting point and tweaked rear coil springs), braking and steering systems, as well as what Toyota terms “improved chassis rigidity”.

What does the revised Toyota GR Corolla cost in SA?

DERIVATIVE PRICE

Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT R985 200
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT R1 010 700

The prices above include Toyota SA Motors’ 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.

 
Updated Toyota GR Corolla: price & specs

Toyota South Africa has confirmed official pricing for the updated GR Corolla ahead of this flagship model’s local introduction.

In anticipation of the launch of the updated GR Corolla, which we covered in our list of every Toyota confirmed for South Africa in 2026, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed official pricing for the latest iteration of its pinnacle hot hatch.

The updated GR Corolla is exclusively available in the top spec “Circuit” guise, with the entry-level “Core” derivative falling away. Standard specification on the Circuit spec includes a limited-slip differential on each axle, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and bonnet vents as well as bi-LED auto-high-beam headlamps, faux leather-and-suede upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Updated Toyota GR Corolla in SA

Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT – R985 200
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT – R1 010 700

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Toyota GR Corolla: price & specs

Toyota South Africa has confirmed official pricing for the updated GR Corolla ahead of this flagship model's local introduction.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Toyota GR Corolla expands line-up with new eight-speed automatic transmission in South Africa

Toyota South Africa has expanded the GR Corolla range with the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission, joining the existing six-speed manual model, offering an alternative for buyers seeking a two-pedal setup.

The GR Corolla was first introduced locally in 2023 as part of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance line-up, positioned alongside the Toyota GR Yaris.

Power and drivetrain

The GR Corolla is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is rated at 230km/h.

Eco, Normal and Sport modes are standard across the range.

The automatic derivative features Toyota’s GR Direct Automatic Transmission (GR D-AT), which is designed to deliver fast gear shifts and includes paddle shifters and sequential shift functionality.

Additional features include a shift-lock system, automatic transmission oil temperature warning and Parking Support Brake (PKSB) as well as an onboard diagnostic system.

Pricing and service plan

All models are sold with a nine-service/ 90 000km service plan and a three-year/ 100 000km warranty. Service and maintenance extensions are available through Toyota’s dealer network.

GR Corolla MT: R985 200.
GR Corolla AT: R1 010 700.

 
Toyota GR Corolla automatic: price and specs

The GR Corolla automatic has officially arrived in South Africa, with Toyota SA announcing pricing and specs the updated model range.

The automatic-equipped GR Corolla is officially available in South Africa. Introduced with the updated lineup, the eight-speed DAT (Direct Automatic Transmission) model, along with the six-speed manual derivative, produces 210 kW and 400 n.m of torque – the former and latter available from 6 500 and 3 250 r/min. Power is delivered to the road via Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. The top speed is rated at 230 km/h.

The DAT GR Corolla features an air-cooled automatic transmission fluid cooler, which is supplemented by an additional sub-radiator that’s positioned behind the car’s front air vents. Airflow management and thermal efficiency are further improved via a newly integrated cool-air duct, sited above the brake duct.

As standard, both the manual and DAT models adopt Torsen limited-slip differentials. Rebound springs have been added to the fore and aft shock absorbers to reduce inner wheel lift during spirited driving. The rear suspension geometry has also been revised.

Toyota GR Corolla automatic price in SA

The Toyota GR Corolla automatic is priced from R1 010 700, making it R25 500 more expensive than the six-speed manual model – the latter priced from R985 200. As standard, pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a service plan spanning nine services or 90 000 km.

Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit MT – R985 200
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit AT – R1 010 700

www.carmag.co.za

Toyota GR Corolla automatic: price and specs

The GR Corolla automatic has officially arrived in South Africa, with Toyota SA announcing pricing and specs the updated model range...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
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