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Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport.

Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport — the new sports sedan with a hybrid system.
After the debut of the charged GR Yaris hatch, Toyota Gazoo Racing, a tuning subsidiary of Toyota, produced a sports version of the Corolla signature sedan. By the way, this is not the first attempt. Last fall, a similar model was already entering the Taiwan market, but it was unsuccessful because the car differed from the source only in decor.

In 2020, this moment seemed to be taken into account, nevertheless, the novelty risks repeating the fate of its predecessor.

Specifications

Not so long ago in our reviews we already talked about the not-so-clear policy of the Japanese brand. The same thing today is emphasized by leading publications in the automotive industry.

More recently, the domestic AvtoVAZ presented a sports version of Vesta, on board of which there were a miserable 143 hp. paired with a variator. The negativity in the direction of this car was expressed quite and completely justified.

With Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport, the situation is similar. Last year, a Japanese charged (quoted) sedan could not fool Taiwanese car enthusiasts. This year, the situation is likely to happen again, because of the declared changes in terms of technology, you can observe only work with the suspension. Powertrain and transmission remained at their own.

Why Toyota for many years continues to disappoint even the most inveterate fans is not clear. Apparently the grandson of Sakichi Toyoda did not inherit the brand founder’s vein. Nevertheless, we have what we have.

In the engine compartment will accommodate two options for power plants.
1. In the first case, the sedan will be offered with a 1.8-liter in-line aspirated 140 hp
2. In the second with a hybrid installation of 122 hp

It will also include a 1.8-liter aspirated, but with a trimmed power of up to 98 hp. A couple of him will make an electric train at 72 hp But this does not mean that the final power will be equal to 170 hp. As a rule, you will have to take away about 15-20% of losses.

Gazoo Racing focuses much attention on the new electromechanical variator, where gear shifting can be carried out using the steering wheel paddles, which is really convenient when the power unit does not allow you to remove your hand from the steering wheel. But in the case of these capacities, there is no special meaning, except for convenience, in this.

Regarding adequate technical improvements, one can still note the strengthening of the suspension. The manufacturer announced the installation of thicker stabilizers and stiffer shock absorbers, which, in their opinion, should reduce roll in corners and increase overall stability.

The design itself, as before, will be represented by the MacPherson system in front and a multi-link in the back.
Like the factory Corolla, the Altis GR Sport will be offered on the TNGA platform, with front-wheel drive and the proprietary Toyota Safety Sense passive safety package.

Appearance

As already clear, the main changes are presented in appearance and in the cabin. In the first case, they are not so significant. «Charged» Corolla received new wheels, color and a modified front kit with a nameplate tuning studio. The new architecture allegedly had a positive effect on aerodynamics.

The rims got a 17-radius and low-profile rubber. The car is so far presented in red with side mirrors painted black. Apparently, the enamel will remain uncontested.
As for the dimensions, it also did without changes.

Salon

From the interior, you can immediately notice the two-tone paneling and embossed GR Sport logos. Also here is a completely new architecture of seats (buckets), where a lot of emphasis is placed on lateral support. Door cards are made in the same color and turned out to be more voluminous and softer.

The general view of the torpedo and the central tunnel has not changed. The dashboard is presented in a virtual version. The multimedia screen received a 10-inch diagonal. The handbrake is still not found a place and sticks out with an orientation to the driver.

One of the positive aspects of tuning is that there is not much plastic in the cabin now. Most of the skin is covered with ecological leather. Which a little brightened the interior, but also affected the price.

Competitors

Given the nullity of the changes, the competitors in their price niche can leave the same representatives: Citroen C4, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Jetta.

Price and sales start date

As with the model of last year, the Japanese will try to “break in” the GR Sport in the Taiwanese market. But you should not expect good sales, even with a fairly modest price tag.

In addition, the reputation of a tuned Corolla is already spoiled. Start of sales is expected in early summer 2020.
For the price, the “charged” sedan went up by almost 300,000 rubles. Again for Taiwan. How things will be in the Russian segment, if the car reaches us, is not yet clear.