The Toyota GR Corolla seems to be an excitable beast. All photos: Toyota
The Toyota GR Corolla seems to be an excitable beast. All photos: Toyota
The 2023 Toyota Corolla line-up.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla line-up.
The new GR Corolla at rest.
The new GR Corolla at rest.
Four new Corolla hybrids are now available.
Four new Corolla hybrids are now available.
The GR is expected to be able to keep up with its most serious hot-hatch rivals.
The GR is expected to be able to keep up with its most serious hot-hatch rivals.
The new Corolla hatchback.
The new Corolla hatchback.
The last version of the Corolla, as it was unveiled in 2019.
The last version of the Corolla, as it was unveiled in 2019.
A private audience gathers in Dubai Festival City Mall for the grand unveiling of the 2019 Corolla.
A private audience gathers in Dubai Festival City Mall for the grand unveiling of the 2019 Corolla.
The new GR will go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R.
The new GR will go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R.
Rearside view of the new Corolla hatchback.
Rearside view of the new Corolla hatchback.
The GR badge.
The GR badge.
The new line-up's central multimedia screen.
The new line-up's central multimedia screen.
The new Corolla has had a style refresh.
The new Corolla has had a style refresh.
The GR has been designed with speed and acceleration in mind.
The GR has been designed with speed and acceleration in mind.
All-wheel drive is now available on Corolla's hybrid models.
All-wheel drive is now available on Corolla's hybrid models.
Where it all began - a first-generation Corolla from 1966.
Where it all began - a first-generation Corolla from 1966.
A Toyota Corolla Cross, which was first introduced in 2021.
A Toyota Corolla Cross, which was first introduced in 2021.
Commentators are expecting Toyota to make an announcement about a new Corolla Cross later this year.
Commentators are expecting Toyota to make an announcement about a new Corolla Cross later this year.
Previous-generation Corolla sedans being inspected on the production line at the company’s plant in Ohira village, Japan.
Previous-generation Corolla sedans being inspected on the production line at the company’s plant in Ohira village, Japan.
A historical collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.
A historical collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

Lifestyle

Motoring

Toyota Corolla 2023 line-up unleashed – including GR tearaway

Latest versions of the world's bestselling car will feature four hybrids alongside a newbie that looks capable of rattling the hoardings on any racetrack

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

June 13, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Toyota has pulled the covers off its new 2023 Corolla range, and never have potential punters had so many variations to choose from.

The line-up, now in its 12th generation, has been expanded to include a souped-up GR version, which has been produced by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.

That particular freshman comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine that can produce 300 horsepower. With those kinds of figures, it should easily challenge the most serious rivals in the hot-hatch market.

Toyota is not content with that, though, as the GR comes with a Circuit Edition trim, which should up the ante.

The more traditional Corolla offerings have had significant improvements, too.

The hybrid versions have been upgraded with a re-engineered drive motor and battery, and customers can now opt for an all-wheel drive version, which is a first for those models.

The entry-level LE now has the 169hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine used in all other petrol versions, which knocks two seconds off the 0-100 kilometres per hour time of its predecessor.

The sportier SE and XSE trims get a new diffuser and new 18-inch wheels.

Alongside updated front and rear styling, all 2023 models gain Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 and Audio Multimedia systems.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the Toyota Corolla's evolution over 55 years

Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota
Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota
A second-generation model from 1970.
A second-generation model from 1970.
A third-generation model from 1974.
A third-generation model from 1974.
A fourth-generation model from 1979.
A fourth-generation model from 1979.
A fifth-generation model from 1983.
A fifth-generation model from 1983.
A sixth-generation model from 1987.
A sixth-generation model from 1987.
A seventh-generation model from 1991.
A seventh-generation model from 1991.
An eighth-generation model from 1995.
An eighth-generation model from 1995.
A ninth-generation model from 2000.
A ninth-generation model from 2000.
A tenth-generation model from 2006.
A tenth-generation model from 2006.
An 11th-generation model from 2012.
An 11th-generation model from 2012.
Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross
Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross
A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style.
A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style.
Up to date with the new version, from 2019.
Up to date with the new version, from 2019.
A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.
A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

They also feature a new 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, replacing the smaller displays on previous versions.

Meanwhile, the hatchback benefits from a redesigned front grille, a rear bumper with chrome accents, and new (optional) 18-inch wheels.

All models still look to have what made sales of the Corolla top 50 million in the middle of 2021, which is reliability and value for money.

On that subject, there’s no word on pricing yet (or what cars will be available where, as regional variations always occur), but the new models are likely to end up in showrooms at the tail end of 2022.

Volkswagen Golf R: a stylish pocket rocket — in pictures

Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
The R insignia
The R insignia
The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
The R features dynamic turning lights.
The R features dynamic turning lights.
That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
The R's blue brake calipers.
The R's blue brake calipers.
The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

If you go

The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road. 

The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
 

On Women's Day

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH

Directed by: Shaka King

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons

Four stars

THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%2060kW%20lithium-ion%20phosphate%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20Up%20to%20201bhp%3Cbr%3E0%20to%20100kph%3A%207.3%20seconds%3Cbr%3ERange%3A%20418km%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh149%2C900%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

T20 World Cup Qualifier fixtures

Tuesday, October 29

Qualifier one, 2.10pm – Netherlands v UAE

Qualifier two, 7.30pm – Namibia v Oman

Wednesday, October 30

Qualifier three, 2.10pm – Scotland v loser of qualifier one

Qualifier four, 7.30pm – Hong Kong v loser of qualifier two

Thursday, October 31

Fifth-place playoff, 2.10pm – winner of qualifier three v winner of qualifier four

Friday, November 1

Semi-final one, 2.10pm – Ireland v winner of qualifier one

Semi-final two, 7.30pm – PNG v winner of qualifier two

Saturday, November 2

Third-place playoff, 2.10pm

Final, 7.30pm

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
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While you're here
While you're here
Draw:

Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

The biog

Name: Marie Byrne

Nationality: Irish

Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption

Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston

Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams

On Women's Day
Combating coronavirus
While you're here

Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

THE POPE'S ITINERARY

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

More on Quran memorisation:
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

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Updated: June 14, 2022, 5:42 AM
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