Spec-checking the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S

On one end of the Toyota lineup, there are the Gazoo Racing cars made by the carmaker’s performance arm — the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and now, the GR86. On the other hand, we have the Toyota Gazoo Racing-Sport models — which include, among others, the Vios GR-S, Hilux and Fortuner GR-S.

What’s in the "GR-S" name, then? After all, what we call a GR car by any other name should be as sporty, right?

Toyota’s GR-S models sport exterior and interior bits and pieces that take inspiration from the brand’s motorsports division, with these models only getting subtle performance modifications

So, while they’re not exactly setting the benchmark in sporty driving, what Toyota GR-S cars aim to capture — by virtue of their styling accessories — is the driving excitement you get from the GR family.

The latest GR-S vehicle that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has covertly released into the market is the Corolla Altis (alongside the Corolla Cross GR-S shortly before the launch of the Rush GR-S).

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S, which sits above the Corolla Altis E and G varieties but below the Altis 1.8 Hybrid, is the middle child of the compact car family. The 1.6-liter engine from the base models, the motorized leather seats, and Toyota Safety Sense technology from the hybrid car, are just a few of the features that the Corolla Altis GR-S borrows from the first and second variants.

But as befitting its name, the real highlight of this compact sedan is its GR-S styling package.

The Corolla Altis GR-S fascia has a more aggressive appearance than standard Corolla Altis cars, because of its air dam that’s bigger and more sharply formed and contains LED fog lights. A black grille that extends to the full LED headlights sits above this. On either side of the bumper, there are triangular fake air dams whose lower edges have been extended to resemble a front apron, giving the impression of a broader stance.

Moving on to the flanks of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S, the GR-S upgrades come in the form of subtle pieces like side skirts, black side mirror housings, and 17-inch alloy wheels that are darker versions of the Altis Hybrid's wheels. The subtle design theme continues out back, with the Altis GR-S showing its sporty look only with its rear apron with diffuser and GR-Sport badge on the trunk lid.

Meanwhile, the cabin reminds you that you’re inside an Altis GR-S with its black leather seats with red stitching. The driver and passenger perches, in particular, sport GR logos embossed on their headrests, and side bolsters that hold bodies in place as the car is thrown spiritedly around bends. Lending the finishing touch is the Corolla Altis GR-S’ GR-branded push start ignition.

The Corolla Altis GR-S is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 121hp and 153Nm of torque that’s mated to a CVT. It’s the same engine and transmission combination found in the Altis E and G variants, but in the Gazoo Racing-Sport, perhaps the sole performance modification is the GR-S-tailored suspension setup. Made up of MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones out back, these are said to give the Altis GR-S a more stable ride.

Elsewhere around the 2022 Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S, the model is still essentially the Altis 1.6 V model it replaced. That means you’ll still be treated to equipment such as smart entry with push button start, electronic parking brake, single-zone automatic climate control, eight-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers.

On the other hand, the 2022 Corolla Altis GR-S is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) like the Altis Hybrid. The safety functions found in TSS include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

With everything considered — the GR-S styling kit, the impressive list of equipment, and the reassuring safety features — the Corolla Altis GR-S, quite frankly, is more than an accessories special rather than a performance sedan.

You could accuse, then, that the Corolla Altis GR-S is not as sporty as the premium GR cars, but these considerations will make you realize that this model is still worthy of the GR name.

First, the GR-S bits inside and out spice up the looks of the Corolla Altis. So, not only does the Corolla Altis GR-S stand out against its stablemates, but it also distinguishes itself from the standard, non-GR-S model Toyota cars. And second, what you get are genuine styling enhancements right from Toyota’s assembly line.

In a way, the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR-S wears original, designer labels that will also ensure the car’s specialty over time. This GR-S model could turn out to be only a few notches behind true Gazoo Racing models when it comes to rarity.

How this model drives is also another compelling reason why the Corolla Altis deserves its GR-S name. And if you take a closer look at the Altis GR-S — by way of its spec sheet below — you’ll see better a decent compact sedan with sporting intentions.

SPECIFICATIONS	Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 V GR-S
Vehicle Type	Sedan
Length	4,635mm
Width	1,780mm
Height	1,435mm
Engine type	1ZR-FE Dual VVT-I, 4 -Cylinder In- Line DOHC , 16-Valve
Power output	122hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque	153Nm @ 5,200rpm
Wheelbase	2,700mm
Transmission	Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
Wheels	225 /45R17 Aluminum Alloy with GR-S Design
Suspension	Front: GR-S MacPherson Strut Rear: GR-S Double Wishbone
Seating capacity	5
Seating material	Leather with Red Accent
Lower grille	Gloss Black GR-S Design
Front Bumper	Body Color - GR-S Design
Rear Bumper	Body Color - GR-S Design
Door Handles	Chrome Plating
Intermittent Wiper	Auto Rain Sensing
Steering wheel with switches	3-spoke leather with MID + Audio + Phone + Voice + Dynamic Radar Cruise Control + Lane Tracing Assist
Seat Adjustment	Driver: 8-Way Power Adjust Passenger: 4-Way Manual
Headlamps	Bi-beam LED
Rear combination lamp	Full LED
Light control system	Auto light control + Follow me home
Daytime running lamps	LED line guide
Front fog lamps	LED
Multi-information display	7-inch color display
Sun visor	Mirror with Lamp, Ticket Holder (Driver and Passenger )
Power windows	All with One Touch Up and Down with Jam Protection)
Power door lock	With (Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock)
Power outside rearview mirror	Auto Fold + Power Adjust
Ignition system	Push start
Keyless entry	Smart entry
Audio system	8-Inch Display Audio with AM, FM, Bluetooth, USB, Voice Command, Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
Speakers	4 Speakers + 2-Tweeters
Air-conditioning system	Automatic climate control
Safety features	Anti-lock brake system (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, back monitor, clearance and back sonar, TVSS (Toyota Vehicle Security System) alarm with immobilizer), seatbelts, child restraint system, LED high mount stop lamp
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)	Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
SRS Airbags	Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain Shield , Knee (Driver )
Comfort and convenience features	Cruise Control, Key Remind Warning with buzzer,  light remind warning (buzzer plus autocut)
Remote Open Trunk	Driver Seat Release + Key-Integrated + Tailgate Button
Available colors	Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic, Super White II
PRICE	P1,317,000 (Super White II) P1,302,000 (Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic)

 

Photos from Dylan Afuang