Toyota brings 296hp GR Corolla and track-bred GR Yaris to UAE drivers

Toyota's GR Corolla and GR Yaris hit UAE showrooms with track-bred performance for daily driving. The Corolla packs 296hp in a practical package, while the Yaris brings WRC heritage. Both feature motorsport tech but pricing remains unannounced.

Al-Futtaim Toyota has launched the GR Corolla and GR Yaris in the UAE, expanding Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance lineup to cater to the growing enthusiast community. According to Al-Futtaim Toyota's press release, both models are available now at Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms — though UAE pricing hasn't been announced yet.

GR Corolla: 296hp of track-ready practicality

The GR Corolla is the one that really gets me excited. You've got a proper 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo pushing out 296hp and 400Nm of torque — that's ballistic power for something you can use on the school run.

What's really cool is how they've thought about the details. Those tiny surface height variations in the front bumper corners? That's for aerodynamics. The shortened stroke shift lever positioned for natural driver access, pull-type parking brake within easy reach — this is motorsport thinking applied to everyday driving.

"Toyota has demonstrated that power and performance do not need to be sacrificed when designing a dynamic car that still fits seamlessly into family life," says Jacques Brent, Managing Director Toyota and Lexus UAE at Al-Futtaim.

Front and rear shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs mean this thing should handle properly when you take it to the track. But with the bigger body compared to the GR Yaris, you're getting the passenger and cargo space that makes the regular Corolla so practical.

GR Yaris: WRC heritage in a compact package

The GR Yaris is the passion purchase. This is Toyota's WRC-inspired weapon — wide, low stance, proper rear spoiler, reinforced chassis and body. Everything about the design screams track-focused driving.

Drive Mode Select lets you switch between everyday usability and proper sports driving with adjustments to powertrain, power steering, and air conditioning. Then there's Circuit Mode — anti-lag control, increased speed limiter top speed. That's when you know Toyota's serious about track performance.

The Cooling Package is particularly clever for our climate — sub-radiator, cool air intake, intercooler sprayer (automatic transmission only). In 45°C temperatures, that's super useful for track days.

"For many customers the GR Yaris will be a passion purchase, but it is still practical enough to be enjoyed regularly," explains Brent. "It proves that a performance car can be engaging without sacrificing usability."

Both models get the hybrid alternatives we've seen from Toyota, but these are pure petrol performance machines.

Tech and safety that actually works

Here's what I really like — they've kept the important tech simple. The GR Full TFT 12.3-inch Multi Information Display has been developed with feedback from professional drivers. Information stays readable even at high speed on track. How cool is that?

Both models get sports leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, dual auto air-conditioning. The GR Yaris gets 8 JBL speakers and built-in navigation, while the GR Corolla makes do with 6 speakers. Safety wise, you're getting rear-view camera, blind spot monitor, 6 airbags across both models.

"Our starting point was the driver experience. The GR Corolla and GR Yaris combine motorsport engineering with the usability customers need for everyday roads," says Brent.

UAE context: growing enthusiast community

This launch makes sense for the UAE market. Track days and motorsport events have expanded significantly here, and younger buyers want performance vehicles that still work for daily driving. Toyota's responding with these smaller, lighter performance models rather than big-engine sports cars — that's smart for urban environments and our traffic conditions.

"The UAE has a strong and growing community of driving enthusiasts," notes Brent. "With the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, we are offering customers vehicles that retain Toyota's practicality and reliability while delivering a genuine performance experience developed directly from motorsport."

This follows Toyota's broader GR strategy of bringing motorsport engineering to everyday drivers.

GR Corolla and GR Yaris availability in UAE

Both models are available now at Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms across the UAE. The catch? No UAE pricing has been announced yet. That's a small gripe for a product launch — people want to know what they're getting into financially.

For the full specs and to arrange a test drive, visit your nearest Al-Futtaim Toyota showroom or check www.toyota.ae. At the end of the day, if you're serious about performance driving but need something practical for daily use, these are the cars to test drive once pricing is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the GR Corolla in UAE?

UAE pricing for the GR Corolla hasn't been announced yet. Al-Futtaim Toyota has launched both models but pricing details are still to be confirmed. Check with Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms for updates.

Where can I buy the GR Yaris in UAE?

The GR Yaris is available now at Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms across the UAE. You can also visit www.toyota.ae for more information and to book a test drive.

What are the key features of the GR Corolla?

The GR Corolla features a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with 296hp and 400Nm, six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, and motorsport-inspired aerodynamics and suspension tuning.

Is the GR Yaris suitable for daily driving?

Yes, according to Al-Futtaim's Jacques Brent, the GR Yaris is practical enough for regular use while offering genuine performance. It includes Drive Mode Select for switching between everyday and sports driving modes.