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Toyota GR Corolla Auto Variant Lands in Malaysia

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Estimated reading time: 5-6 minutes


Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla now offers an 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT) in Malaysia, making its performance accessible to a wider audience.
  • The GR-DAT was developed through motorsports, ensuring fast, accurate shifts and maintaining the GR Corolla's raw, engaging character.
  • Both automatic and manual GR Corolla variants receive updates, including a Blind Spot Monitor and a new 10-inch display screen.
  • Pricing for the automatic variant starts at RM378,950 in Peninsular Malaysia, offering a blend of performance and daily convenience.
  • The GR Corolla's development is deeply rooted in motorsports, leveraging lessons from endurance racing and rallying for continuous improvement.

Table of Contents


Can a Performance Hatchback Truly Blend Thrill with Everyday Ease?

For years, the purist's mantra reigned supreme: true performance demanded a manual gearbox, a direct, unfiltered connection between driver and machine. But what if you crave the exhilaration of a motorsports-developed hot hatch without the daily commitment of a clutch pedal? What if modern engineering could deliver both raw excitement and effortless convenience?

This isn't just a hypothetical; it's the exciting reality shaping the Malaysian automotive landscape. UMW Toyota Motor has made a significant stride, challenging traditional perceptions by introducing the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Automatic Transmission. This pivotal launch means that Toyota expands its GR Corolla line-up in Malaysia with an exciting new automatic variant. Discover features, availability, and what to expect from this performance hatch. This article will delve into how this automatic variant not only opens the door to a broader audience but also maintains the GR Corolla's untamed spirit, detailing the innovative GR-DAT, the comprehensive updates across the range, and its profound impact on the Malaysian market.


Unveiling the 2026 GR Corolla Automatic: Performance Meets Practicality

The arrival of the GR Corolla Automatic is a testament to Toyota Gazoo Racing's philosophy: building cars through motorsports and refining them for the road. It's designed for drivers who demand exhilarating performance but also appreciate the confidence and ease of use in everyday traffic. This fusion of utility and adrenaline is what sets the GR Corolla AT apart.


The Heart of the Beast: GR-DAT Transmission

At the core of this new offering is the revolutionary eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, or GR-DAT. This isn't just any automatic gearbox; it's a piece of engineering refined through gruelling motorsports conditions. The GR-DAT delivers blisteringly fast and remarkably accurate shifts, ensuring that every horsepower from the potent G16E-GTS engine is efficiently transferred to the road. In urban settings, it offers smooth, intuitive operation, making daily commutes a breeze. Yet, when the road opens up, it transforms, providing the sharp, responsive gear changes expected from a true performance machine. This dual nature ensures that whether you're navigating city streets or carving up a winding mountain pass, the GR Corolla AT feels alive and engaging.


Enhanced Driving Experience: Modes and Refinements

The GR-DAT transmission adds a new dimension of versatility to the GR Corolla's already dynamic driving experience. Drivers can select from various modes to tailor the car's behaviour to their preferences:

  • Drive Mode: Focuses on smooth acceleration and intelligent gear selection, perfect for comfortable daily cruising.
  • Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response and delivers more aggressive shift behaviour, unleashing the car's full potential for enthusiastic driving.
  • Sequential-Style Manual Mode: For those who still crave direct control, this mode allows drivers to manually select gears using the paddle shifters, enhancing involvement without the clutch.
  • Launch Start Control: Ensures controlled and confident acceleration from a standstill, perfect for maximizing sprint times or simply enjoying the car's explosive power.

Beyond the gearbox, Toyota Gazoo Racing has also revised the suspension and ABS tuning across the GR Corolla range. These enhancements are designed to improve stability, braking performance, and cornering confidence, allowing drivers to push the car's limits with greater assurance.


Beyond the Transmission: Updates Across the GR Corolla Range

The introduction of the automatic variant isn't merely about adding a new gearbox; it signifies a comprehensive refresh. These updates reflect Toyota Gazoo Racing's unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, integrating valuable lessons learned from competitive racing and rigorous testing into every model.


Safety and Tech Upgrades

Recognizing the importance of modern safety and convenience, both the automatic and manual GR Corolla variants now come standard with significant enhancements:

  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): This crucial safety feature adds an extra layer of awareness, alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and significantly reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes.
  • New 10-inch Display Screen: Inside the cabin, a larger and more intuitive 10-inch display screen replaces the previous unit. This provides clearer vehicle information, easier access to infotainment, and a more modern interface that supports both enthusiastic driving and everyday convenience.

These thoughtful additions ensure that the GR Corolla remains competitive and appealing to a wide range of drivers, blending high performance with enhanced practicality and safety features.


Pricing and Availability

The 2026 GR Corolla offers choices that cater to different driving preferences and budgets:

  • The GR Corolla Automatic starts at RM378,950 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM233,500 in Langkawi.
  • The existing GR Corolla Manual remains available from RM368,950 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM227,300 in Langkawi.

This clear pricing strategy gives buyers the flexibility to choose between the traditional engagement of a manual gearbox and the modern convenience and dynamic performance of the new automatic variant. Both options are now available through selected GR Garage dealerships nationwide, backed by Toyota's comprehensive aftersales support and quality assurance, promising peace of mind for every owner.


A Legacy Forged in Motorsports

As the fourth model in Toyota's illustrious GR Series, the GR Corolla perfectly embodies the philosophy of building cars "for the road" through the crucible of "motorsports." Its development is not confined to a design studio; it draws heavily from real-world, high-stress environments. Participation in the rigorous Super Taikyu endurance racing series, the demanding Japanese Rally Championship, and extensive testing at the legendary Fuji International Speedway have all played a pivotal role.

These experiences are more than just marketing talking points; they are integral to the car's DNA. They push the car's performance limits, revealing areas for improvement and refinement that simply cannot be replicated in standard road testing. The result is a vehicle where precision, control, and usability remain at the forefront, ensuring that the GR Corolla isn't just fast, but also rewarding and predictable to drive, even at its absolute limit.


Why the GR Corolla Automatic is a Game-Changer for Malaysia

The introduction of the automatic GR Corolla is more than just a new variant; it's a strategic move that significantly broadens the appeal of Toyota's performance division in Malaysia. For enthusiasts who have always admired the GR Corolla's raw power and motorsports pedigree but were deterred by the manual-only option, this opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It means the thrill of a race-bred machine is now accessible to those who navigate heavy urban traffic daily, to those who value convenience alongside performance, and even to a new generation of drivers looking for an authentic, race-inspired experience without the steeper learning curve of a manual.

The GR Corolla AT truly strikes a remarkable balance. Its bold, motorsport-inspired styling, with a wide stance and functional aerodynamic elements, remains intact. The practicality of its five-door hatchback layout ensures it seamlessly integrates into daily life, making school runs or grocery trips just as feasible as spirited weekend drives. This blend of aggressive performance with real-world usability positions the GR Corolla Automatic not just as a fast hatchback, but as a vehicle designed to rekindle the joy of driving for a diverse Malaysian audience. It's an invitation for both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to connect with authentic, exhilarating motoring.


Your Next Thrill Ride Awaits

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Automatic Transmission marks a pivotal moment for performance car enthusiasts in Malaysia. It proves that a car can be both ferociously fast and incredibly user-friendly, without sacrificing its core identity. With the innovative GR-DAT, a suite of modern safety and tech upgrades, and a heritage steeped in motorsports, the GR Corolla AT is poised to redefine what a performance hatchback can be.

Whether you're a seasoned track-day warrior seeking a more relaxed daily driver, or a new enthusiast eager to experience the pinnacle of Toyota Gazoo Racing, this new automatic variant, alongside the updated manual range, offers an undeniable proposition. It's more than just a car; it's an experience waiting to be had.

Are you ready to experience the ultimate blend of performance and practicality? We encourage you to visit your nearest selected GR Garage dealership nationwide to discover the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla for yourself. Take a test drive, feel the power of the GR-DAT, and immerse yourself in the world of Toyota Gazoo Racing. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what excites you most about the new GR Corolla Automatic?


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the GR Corolla Automatic as performance-oriented as the manual version?
A1: Yes, absolutely. The GR-DAT (GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission) was developed through motorsports specifically to deliver fast, accurate shifts and retain the GR Corolla's sharp responses. While it offers smooth operation for daily driving, its Sport mode and sequential manual capabilities ensure it delivers the raw, engaging character expected from a GR badge, making it a formidable performance machine.


Q2: What new features are available in the 2026 GR Corolla range in Malaysia?
A2: Besides the new automatic transmission variant, both the manual and automatic 2026 GR Corolla models now come standard with a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) for enhanced safety. Inside, a new, larger 10-inch display screen provides clearer vehicle information and a more intuitive interface for a modern driving experience.


Q3: Where can I purchase the new 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Automatic or updated manual variant?
A3: The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Automatic and the updated manual transmission model are now available through selected GR Garage dealerships nationwide in Malaysia. These dealerships also offer comprehensive aftersales support and quality assurance from Toyota.


Q4: What is the price difference between the GR Corolla Automatic and Manual variants in Malaysia?
A4: In Peninsular Malaysia, the GR Corolla Automatic starts at RM378,950, while the manual version is available from RM368,950. In Langkawi, the automatic is priced from RM233,500 and the manual from RM227,300, offering buyers a clear choice based on their preferences.


Q5: How does the GR-DAT transmission enhance both daily driving and spirited driving?
A5: The GR-DAT is engineered for versatility. In 'Drive' mode, it offers smooth acceleration and intelligent gear selection, making it comfortable and efficient for everyday traffic. For spirited driving, 'Sport' mode sharpens throttle response and delivers aggressive shifts, while a sequential-style manual mode allows for direct driver involvement. Additionally, features like Launch Start Control provide confident acceleration, catering to both convenience and performance demands.

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