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New Toyota Corolla: The Best-Selling Sedan in the World Surprises with an Update That Disappointed Fans and Caused Polemic in the Automotive Market
The new Toyota GR Corolla has arrived delivering 23.8 km/l to shake up the automotive market with a proposal for sportiness that promises to catch attention. With a revamped design and unique details, the best-selling sedan in the world now tries to attract the audience seeking style and technology. But is this version really what the fans expected?
Toyota surprised everyone with a bold choice that not everyone considers positive. Discover all the details of the Corolla GR Sport and understand why this update is dividing opinions and becoming a topic all over the internet.
New Toyota Corolla Hits the Market Promising 23.8 km/l Economy, But Fans Are Disappointed
Toyota has just launched an updated version of the Corolla, the car that won millions, but now in a format that may not please everyone. The GR Sport edition, introduced in Thailand, brought some aesthetic changes, but contrary to what many expected, it does not feature major mechanical innovations.
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Although the name “GR Sport” evokes a sportier style, this variant of the Corolla does not compare to the famous GR Corolla, desired by many Toyota fans in Brazil. In Thailand, the Corolla GR Sport features visual elements that enhance an aggressive look, but are limited to the visual aspect.
This version comes with a hybrid engine, now with a new battery that promises better efficiency performance. However, don’t expect an increase in power or performance.
Renewed Design and Sporty Details: New Corolla GR Sport Combines Modern Style and Sophistication
The external changes reinforce a modern design. The front of the new Corolla showcases a redesigned grille, with squared air intakes that subtly recall the more robust look of the GR Corolla.
This second facelift on the model sold in the Asian market may be the last until the arrival of a new generation. On the sides, the Corolla GR Sport receives new dark 17-inch wheels, which complement the sporty touch that Toyota aimed for in this update.
At the rear, the changes are more discreet. The main novelty is the addition of a new spoiler over the trunk lid, accompanied by a bumper spoiler that was already present in previous versions.
Additionally, the taillights now feature a darkened look but maintain the original design and LED technology present throughout the Corolla lineup. With these modifications, Toyota aims to please the audience looking for a sporty-looking car, even without the expected performance.
Inside, Toyota maintained the standard of the Corolla but added specific details to differentiate the GR Sport version. The seats now come upholstered in perforated leather, enhancing the model’s comfort and sophistication.
Another important detail is the presence of the GR logo on the start button and the steering wheel, elements that highlight the car’s sporty identity. However, apart from these details, the cabin remains practically the same as the other versions of the sedan.
Cutting-Edge Technology: New Corolla GR Sport Focuses on Connectivity and Advanced Digital Dashboard
The entertainment system also received an interesting update. The GR Sport version of the Corolla comes equipped with a fully configurable 12.3-inch digital dashboard that integrates with a 9-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system.
This system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing the driver to easily access vehicle information and view the performance of the hybrid system. With this configuration, the Corolla GR Sport offers an advanced technological experience for those who prioritize connectivity.
New Toyota Corolla Disappoints Fans, Who Expected a More Powerful Engine
Despite improvements in steering and suspension, the Corolla GR Sport does not offer a more powerful engine. Toyota implemented specific calibration in the electric steering and adjustments in the shock absorbers and springs to provide more stable driving at high speeds.
Still, the lack of a more robust engine may be a disappointment for those who expected a more exciting performance. Nevertheless, these modifications improve the sedan’s drivability, giving it a slightly firmer and safer feel on the road.
The major weak point of the Corolla GR Sport, however, is its engine. Unlike the model sold in Argentina, which has a version with a 2.0 engine, the Thai GR Sport only comes with the hybrid system, consisting of a 1.8 Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor, delivering a total of 122 horsepower.
New Japanese Car Hits the Market Delivering 23.8 km/l
The main novelty here is the switch from nickel batteries to lithium-ion ones, which increases efficiency and reduces consumption. Toyota claims an average consumption of 4.2 liters per hundred kilometers, a positive point for those seeking economy.
For the Thai market, Toyota still offers versions of the Corolla with 1.6 and 1.8-liter gasoline engines. However, none of these alternatives are available in the GR Sport version, which seems to focus more on style than performance.
This way, Toyota appears to be directing the Corolla GR Sport towards consumers looking for a distinctive sedan, but without expectations of superior power.
How Much Does This Favorite Cost?
Currently, the Corolla GR Sport is sold in Thailand for an equivalent of $32,900, while the conventional hybrid version costs about $3,000 less. Therefore, for those seeking a Corolla with a more aggressive look, but without significant changes in performance, the new Corolla GR Sport may be an option, but it may not be what Toyota enthusiasts expected.
32.900,00 em dólar lá fora não é caro, mas aqui em reais é caríssimo, por causa da nossa moeda que é uma **** sem valor…