Johannesburg – Toyota has revealed the official price for the long-awaited automatic version of the GR Corolla in South Africa, following its showcase at the company’s annual State of the Motoring Industry conference in February.
The GR Corolla line-up now includes two derivatives based on the Circuit trim grade, differing only in transmission choice. The new automatic model features the same eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) found in the GR Yaris, paired with the uprated 1.6-litre G16E-GTS three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 210 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This is slightly lower than the 221 kW available in Japan and North America, likely due to local fuel quality considerations.
Exterior adjustments accommodate the new transmission, with a pair of cooling vents added on either side of the front bumper for the uprated transmission oil cooler and radiator. Front fog lamps are no longer available on this version. 
Under the skin, the GR Corolla receives a Torsen limited slip differential, new front and rear shock absorber springs, a revised rear suspension, a more powerful cooling fan, and an updated tyre inflation system.
The DAT system uses predictive software, learning the driver’s behaviour to shift gears faster than a conventional manual, including when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.
Inside, both manual and automatic models have updated interiors with metallic decorative inserts replacing chromed ones, a new gear knob for the manual version, and relocation of the Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) button to in front of the gear lever. Standard features include an improved sound system, reverse camera, Safe Exit Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
The GR-Four all-wheel drive system delivers power to all four wheels, with a top speed of 230 km/h. Drivers can select from three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
The GR Corolla is offered in four colours: Glacier White, Midnight Red, Raven Black, and Fierce Red.
Pricing for South African buyers starts at R985,200 for the manual Circuit model, while the automatic Circuit DAT is listed at R1,010,700. Both come with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and a nine-service/90,000 km plan.
