Talking to the AutoRAI.nl, Toyota Motor Corporation deputy chief designer, Toshio Kanei confirmed that they are working on Toyota Corolla GRMN Hot Hatch model to rival the likes of Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai i30. Toyota did hint at this hot hatch in April last year but we never heard anything solid about it later on.
“We are currently investigating what would be most effective for the European market, but a Corolla GRMN is certainly realistic,” Kanei clarified.
“We are already working on that. The development takes place under the supervision of Toyota GAZOO Racing. This department has included the Corolla GRMN in the future plan, but for now, the project is still in the planning stage.”
Kanei also confirmed that the Toyota Corolla GRMN hot hatch will not feature a hybrid powertrain. Instead, the automaker has plans to introduce a turbocharged 1.6L engine.
If we talk about the potential rivals of this hot hatch, we see the Civic Type R, Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 all carry a 2.0L turbocharged engine churning out 228kW, 180kW, and 202kW respectively. However, creating similar power won’t be an issue for 1.6L turbo four. Take the example of Peugeot 308 GTI, which generates 200kW through its 1.6L turbo.
Seeing the recent release of Renault Megane RS in the UAE and the trust of people on Toyota brand, the Toyota Corolla GRMN hot hatch would be a successful model. Toyota plans to create this car for worldwide markets. It will be created by the Toyota GR (GAZOO Racing) high-performance brand. The production may start any time next year.