Toyota enthusiasts, rejoice! The start of 2025 has brought a thrilling surprise for fans of Toyota’s high-performance GR line, as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has rolled out three refreshed GR models into the Malaysian market.
The spotlight shines on the newly updated Toyota GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the sleek Corolla GR Sport, all of which made their grand debut during the finale of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia (TGR Malaysia) Season 7, held at the prestigious Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last weekend.
Toyota GR Yaris & GR Corolla: Revamped and Ready
The 2025 GR Yaris and GR Corolla are the stars of this show, each bringing a host of exhilarating updates.
A significant addition is the eagerly awaited 8-speed automatic transmission, known as the Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic, developed through extensive testing on varied road surfaces, from snowy landscapes to the gruelling Japanese Rally Championship circuits.
Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo, personally tested the gearbox in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge, ensuring it’s fine-tuned for sporty driving.
However, for now, Malaysian customers will have access to the 6-speed manual versions first, with the 8-speed automatic expected to arrive later.
These models will be available through selected authorised dealers, specifically those featuring an on-premises GR Garage.
2025 GR Yaris: More Power, More Precision
Let’s talk about the horses that this car packs. Mechanically, the GR Yaris has received significant enhancements. It now boasts an uprated 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine, producing a staggering 300 PS and 400 NM, 39 PS and 40 NM more than its predecessor.
This staggering power for the small hatch is managed by the reliable 6-speed manual gearbox and an improved GR Four all-wheel-drive system, featuring new ‘Track’ and ‘Gravel’ modes for varied driving conditions.
The updated GR Yaris, previewed at KLIMS 2024, flaunts a refreshed exterior with new front and rear bumpers and an enticing new Precious Metal paint option.
The cabin has been redesigned with a “driver-first” layout that enhances visibility and accessibility, making every drive a seamless experience.
The suspension has been upgraded with triple point fastening shock absorbers and stiffer springs, while the body structure benefits from 13% more spot welds and 24% more structural adhesive, enhancing rigidity and driving dynamics.
Safety is also a priority, with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Tracing Assist, as standard.
2025 GR Corolla: Subtle Yet Significant Upgrades
Meanwhile, the 2025 GR Corolla, although visually subtler in its updates, brings substantial improvements under the hood.
It shares the same potent 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine as the GR Yaris, delivering 300 PS and 400 NM, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the advanced GR-Four AWD system.
Chassis enhancements include additional bolts for increased body rigidity and a revised trailing arm mounting point to reduce acceleration squat and improve cornering stability.
The GR Corolla also benefits from the upgraded TSS 3.0 package, which now includes Lane Departure Alert and Road Sign Assist, enhancing its already impressive safety suite.
2025 Corolla GR Sport: Sporty and Accessible
Joining the GR Yaris and GR Corolla is the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR Sport, a sporty C-segment sedan based on the twelfth generation (E210) TNGA platform.
Unlike the hot hatches, the Corolla GR Sport feels much like a much practical vehicle while retaining a sporty character that elevates its appeal.
The Corolla GR Sport continues with the 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder engine, delivering 139 PS and 172 NM to the front wheels.
The big change is the new 10-speed ‘Sport Sequential Shiftmatic’ CVT, offering ‘Auto Brake Downshifting’ and ‘Cornering Gear Fix Control’, paired with a re-optimised power steering ECU for smoother handling.
The sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs is retained, providing a balanced ride.
Exterior features include a squared lower grille, boot lid spoiler, ‘smoked’ taillights, 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels, and exclusive two-tone paint schemes with a black roof.
Inside, the GR Sport boasts black leather seats with red stitching, red seat belts, GR Sport emblems, and a new 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety is comprehensive, with the full Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite, including DRCC, PCS, LDA, LTA, RCTA, and BSM.
Price and Warranty
For those eager to get behind the wheel of these rally-bred hot hatches and the sporty sedan, the 2025 GR Yaris 6MT is priced at RM315,800, the 2025 GR Corolla 6MT at RM367,000, and the 2025 Corolla GR Sport at RM149,800.
All prices exclude insurance but include UMWT’s 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Prepare for a driving experience like no other, as these Toyota GR models promise to deliver an adrenaline-packed performance on the roads and tracks of Malaysia.
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