Ever since the spectacular Toyota GR Yaris debut to the rest of the world except for the North American market, I’ve been badgering Toyota USA’s twitter account constantly to bring that road-legal rally machine to our shores. Not once did the intern in charge of that account ever got back to me. I understand why it’s not sold in America: the base Yaris model isn’t available in the States either, so it doesn’t make financial sense for Toyota to homologate the GR version just for the enthusiasts.
The company probably sells more RAV4 sports utility vehicles in a month than the GR Yaris will ever.
That said, my prayers were suitably answered last week when Toyota announced the GR Corolla for North America. Essentially the GR Yaris with two more doors, the GR Corolla features the same 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-three engine and a super trick all-wheel drive system. Even the sweet performance package is available, providing limited-slip differentials for both the front and rear. Best of all: the only transmission on offer is a six-speed manual. Plus a physical handbrake. Because donuts.
I have not been this excited about a new car in a very long time. If the GR Corolla rings in at around Honda Civic Type R money (high $30,000s), then I’m totally plucking down cash for one. For sure there will be plenty of dealer markups, but I can patiently wait until one is available at MSRP. After all, I still have my M2 Competition. The intention is to keep the BMW - the GR Corolla will be a second car. Not sure how that’s going to work for someone who walks to work, but let’s cross that bridge when I get there.
For now, I’m so happy the GR Corolla is going to be a thing.
The infamous trash can.