A fresh report out of Australia suggests Toyota is preparing to reveal a new “warm hatch” version of its Corolla, likely employing a hybrid powertrain and again wearing the GR Sport badge.
According to CarsGuide, a new version of the GR Sport model will be unwrapped in Japan in July 2020, complete with a powertrain upgrade, chassis tweaks and more aggressive styling.
As the Australian publication points out, the rumoured newcomer will slot in below the full-fat Toyota GR Corolla (the latter is expected to employ a version of the turbocharged 1,6-litre three-cylinder debuted by the GR Yaris).
So, what will power the warm-hatch version? Well, CarsGuide suggests the vehicle will draw its urge from a 2,0-litre petrol-hybrid arrangement, based on a powertrain already offered in Europe (where it combines a 112 kW petrol unit with an 80 kW electric motor).
As a reminder, the current Corolla hatchback range in South Africa comprises three variants, each powered by the Japanese brand’s turbocharged 1,2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, sending 85 kW and 185 N.m to the front axle. The new Corolla sedan, meanwhile, is offered with the choice of a 1,8- or 2,0-litre petrol unit, both of which are naturally aspirated.
