Improved GR Corolla for 2026

Quick look

• With the improved 2026 GR Corolla, UMW Toyota Motor has added the AT version with an 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission.

• The GR Corolla and other GR models are available only from authorised Toyota dealerships with GR Garages.

With the final round of the Vios Challenge on today, UMW Toyota Motor took the opportunity to also launch an improved version of the GR Corolla this morning at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

While the high-performance hatchback developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been around since 2022, there have been periodic improvements made and the 2026 model sees enhancements that were announced in California 9 months ago.

Automatic now available
While the GR Corolla with a manual transmission has been available for a couple of years, the GR Corolla Automatic is available in Malaysia for the first time. So those youngsters who have grown up not knowing how to change gears themselves now have a hot hatch with an autobox.

Although this is a high-performance model likely to be driven hard by many owners, Toyota is confident it has made the parts tough enough for the power available and gives a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. This is applicable only if no modifications are made, as per the usual warranty conditions.

The highly potent G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine has enhanced torque which strengthens re-acceleration that can be useful in competition conditions. Cooling performance has also been improved with an opening in the lower part of the grille for the sub-radiator and ATF cooler to receive more air.

GAZOO Racing transmission
Much of the improvement work has been done on the drivetrain, specifically the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. The improvements aim to give it advantages over a manual transmission. To achieve this, the engineers enhanced shifting performance to shorten shifting speed, while optimizing gear selection.

Programming for each mode has been revised to be better suited for the mode (SPORT, Normal and ECO). SPORT mode, in particular, received a lot of attention and in order to get it right, extensive testing was done in many different regions on off-road terrain and also on circuits.

One of the changes made from feedback from professional drivers as well as Toyota Master Driver Akio Toyoda is the reversal of the M range shift pattern. The shifting action thus differs from the way it moves with the CVT in the Corolla Hatchback by pushing for downshifting (for deceleration) and pulling back to shift up (for acceleration). It gives a similar feel like a sequential transmission, which will be appreciated by enthusiasts and racing drivers.

Launch Start Control
Besides having the GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive system, there is now also Launch Start Control. This allows maximum power to be transmitted to the road with minimal wheelspin for the quickest acceleration time. With the Launch Start Control, the driver only has to keep the brake pedal depressed and then press the accelerator pedal when a ‘LAUNCH READY’ message flashes on the instrument panel. The system is only available when in SPORT mode with EXPERT mode on or VSC switched off.

Improved aerodynamics
The front bumper and grille have also been slightly redesigned for better airflow management to optimize cooling and aerodynamic performance. A duct on each side of the front bumper also allows air to flow through the side, reducing turbulence and wind resistant. Track testing with these improvements has shown a reduction in lap times.

There are also other small improvements in other areas to make ever-better cars. For example, the ABS programming now gives more stable braking on any surface, while suspension revisions enhance stability during hard and fast cornering.

Driver-focussed interior
The driver-focussed interior remains the same as in the 2025 model, with the only visible change being the shifter in the GR Corolla AT. New for 2026 is the inclusion of a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the left and right door mirrors. Although the GR Corolla is designed for competition use, there will also be owners who drive it on public roads and BSM will enhance their driving safety by helping them be aware of other vehicles in the blind spots.

The GR Corolla, priced from RM379,357 (without insurance) for the Automatic and RM369,357 for the Manual, and other GR models are marketed exclusively through GR Garages at selected authorized Toyota dealerships (currently nine) in Malaysia. These outlets provide full aftersales support as well as sell GR accessories and merchandise.

Locate a GR Garage dealership in Malaysia

GR – from racing team to performance brand