Toyota Accidentally Confirmed a Subaru WRX Rivaling GR Corolla

After releasing the 272-horsepower GR Yaris to the world, Toyota is looking to expand its family of go-fast cars. The likely candidate? The Corolla.

The first bit of news comes from a Tweet by Toyota USA (see photo below). In it, they’ve revealed that while U.S. won’t be getting the GR Yaris, they’ll have a “hot hatch to call its own.” Now, given that there are only two hatchback models available in the U.S.—the Yaris (a re-badged Mazda2) and the Corolla, the money’s on Toyota building a hot hatch based on their compact model.

Further fanning the flame is the fact that Toyota’s moved to trademark the name, “GR Corolla.” Now, while the move may just be precautionary—to protect their IPs and all, but Gazoo Racing Chief Designer Toshio Kanei did confirm that high-performance version of the Corolla is in the works (he mentioned this during the launch of the Corolla GR Sport’s launch in Geneva last year).

Now, purists will be glad to know that Kanei-san also said that the GR Corolla will likely rely on the GR Yaris’s powertrain. With that, it’ll get a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder making 272 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. Furthermore, it’ll likely get the GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system as well which can vary power delivery between front and rear wheels using a multi-plate clutch. Putting all these tidbits together, and it seems that Toyota’s aiming squarely for the same segment occupied by the likes of the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

While most see a market release date of 2023 (part of the current-generation Corolla’s swansong), Kanei-san did say that thanks to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), development time is relatively short. This means that Toyota may actually find a way to fast forward the development of the GR Corolla for a potential 2022 or even 2021 release date.

Hyundai is Targeting the GR Yaris with the i20 N

Hyundai is plotting to take on the Toyota GR Yaris with its upcoming i20 N. Revealed for the first time undergoing winter testing, it shows Hyundai WRC driver Thierry Neuville putting it through its paces along with the i20 WRC and the RM19.

No mechanical details of the i20 N were officially revealed, but at the very least it’ll be racetrack compatible says Hyundai. Neuville did say this about the car:

“Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to get this one to drive in WRC!”

It’s unknown whether Hyundai will follow Toyota’s lead and plop in a crazy engine like the GR Yaris’s 272 horsepower 3-cylinder engine. Most pundits seem to agree that Hyundai may go with something a bit more “mainstream” like a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Still, if it’s shared with the i30 N and Veloster N, it’ll stand to make 275 horsepower.

Like the i30 N and Veloster N, the i20 N will benefit from better handling courtesy of a heavily revised suspension system, and of course, sportier design cues.

The Hyundai i20 N is expected to launch by the end of this year. In the meantime, check out the i20 N prototype in action below along with the i20 WRC and the RM19.

The MG 6's Celebrating Its 10th Anniversary, So It's Throwing Some Shade at the Honda Civic

MG’s throwing some shade at the Honda Civic. You don’t believe me? Just stare at the header photo, and you’ll see the Civic being overtaken with dirt being kicked up its front bumper by the Chinese carmaker’s “Luxury Internet New Energy Coupe.” If the MG car in question looks familiar it should; we know it better as the MG 6.

It’s hard to fathom, but the MG 6 is celebrating its 10th year already; time flies when you’re overtaking fuccbois, we guess. But even curiouser is that the MG 6 here isn’t the “regular” 1.5 we get over here—it’s a 305-horsepower monster. Forget the Civic RS, it’s a Civic Type R killer all for just 158,800 RMB (~ P 1.161 million).

Okay, MG was supposed to unveil this hotted up version at the Auto Shanghai last year, but everyone (including those who went there with MG Philippines) forgot about it. So, consider it as a pleasant surprise that it’s managed to make it from concept to showroom reality almost unchanged.

Known officially as the MG 6 50T (as opposed to its original moniker, the eMG6 Trophy 305), this fastback pairs the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with SAIC’s Electric Drive Enit (EBU). Total output is, as mentioned, 305 horsepower while torque is 480 Nm. It’s connected to a 10-speed intelligent electric drive gearbox, and 100 km/h arrives in less than 6 seconds—putting it squarely in Civic Type R territory.

 However, unlike its Japanese rival, this is also a plug-in hybrid. With a 9.1-kWh lithium ion battery pack, it can travel on electric power alone for up to 51 kilometers, and top up its charge in just 3.5 hours. Fuel mileage? A stonking 66.6 km/L.

While it’s mechanically simple—it retains the same front MacPherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam setup, it does get an XDS system. If that sounds familiar, it should—it’s Volkswagen’s Electronic Differential Lock system, the same sort of thing you find in the Golf GTI. XDS improves the traction and handling of front-wheel drive models by using the stability control system to apply selective braking.

Aesthetically, it doesn’t look that different from the regular MG 6, but it does ditch the chrome for black out elements, down to the available 18-inch Halberd Sport wheels. Inside, it’s got full digital instrumentation, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, an Arkamys sound system, and yes, even an intelligent climate control system that reaches the now-mythical N95 standard (eat your heart out, Geely).

While we seriously doubt that MG Philippines would bring in this hotted up MG 6, hopefully they throw us a bone, and bring in a couple of units as some sort of limited-edition anniversary model or something. Cross your fingers, boys.

Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition Sells Out Quickly

F*ck COVID-19. It seems Europeans still have an insatiable appetite when it comes to hot hatches. With news that only 100 Civic Type R Limited Edition units have been allocated for the European market, it only took a month to sell out.

Representing the purest expression of the Civic Type R, the Limited Edition model has less weight, improved dynamics, and an even stronger driver focus.

Developed with improved track performance as its core focus, the Civic Type R Limited Edition features 20-inch lightweight BBS forged alloy wheels, unique “Sunlight Yellow” paint, and a 47-kilogram weight reduction.

Inside, the Civic Type R Limited Edition features revised tactility and improved touch points, with a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel and a counter-weighted teardrop gear knob. And unlike some of its track focused rivals, the Civic Type R Limited Edition retains its back seats—a plus for those who plan to still use this as a daily driver.

Unfortunately, Honda Cars Philippines has no plans of increasing its allocation of the Civic Type R, and with it any chances of seeing this Limited Edition or even the subdued Sport Line.

Alfa Romeo Celebrates Its Birthday with More Power, Weight Loss for the Giulia Sports Sedan

In celebration of its 110th anniversary, Alfa Romeo is tweaking its Giulia by giving it a makeover that pays homage to one of its most emblematic vehicles: the GTA.

The acronym GTA stands for ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita’ (alleggerita being the Italian term for “lightened”), and it originated in 1965 with the Giulia Sprint GTA. For the Giulia GTA, work has been done to reduce the curb weight by 100 kilograms.

To achieve this the Giulia GTA uses lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for the drive shaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches and rear wheel arch inserts. While aluminum has been used in the doors and suspension.

Available in two versions, the Giulia GTA with four seats and the Giulia GTAm with two race seats, they both feature the 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine producing 540 horsepower—an increase of 30 horsepower from the Giulia Quadrifoglio. With help from its launch control system, 0-100 km/h is done in just 3.6 seconds.

The added performance is communicated through the titanium Akrapovič central exhaust system, 20-inch center-lock wheels, and rear tracks extended by 50 mm. The springs, shock absorbers, and bushings have all been changed as well.

Between the two, the GTAm is the more hardcore with a two-seater configuration, a roll bar, and a six-point harness, and polycarbonate Lexan replacing the side and rear window frames. It also nets a front splitter and a larger rear wing made of, what else, carbon fiber. The GTA is supposed to be the “daily driver,” of the two with none of the motorsports-inspired interior, and something closer to the Quadrifoglio.

Regardless of version, the Giulia GTA and GTAm features an Alcantara trimmed dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and the central trim on the seats. The GTAm gets even more of the stuff with Alcantara lining the “basin” where the rear seats used to be. A pull strap also replaces the inner door handles.

Only 500 units of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm will be built, all numbered and certified by Alfa Romeo and will come with a special Bell helmet, a full racing suit by Alpinestars, and a personalized car cover.

5 Thoughts on the 2020 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX has been a choice for the brand’s long-time fans. But with a turbocharged engine and the iconic hood scoop, it’s also easily recognized even by the most casual of motorists who’ve come to know what those three letters—W-R-X—stand for. Having been a fan of the Levorg for years, I finally had the opportunity to try out the very platform that it was based off of. First, it was refreshing to finally be driving a sedan again. Secondly, my conversations with die-hard Suabru fans had instilled the impression that the WRX was a force to push.

For a woman who lives through Manila’s congested streets on the daily, there are a number of factors that influence her decision in choosing the right car. The spec, the space, the practicality, the handling, the fuel economy. And then there are the exceptions, for whom performance and driving comfort take precedence. In this story, here are the reasons why (and why not) the decidedly male-centric Subaru WRX could also be the right choice for the modern woman.

#1. Safety, Leveled-Up

As the award-winning safety technology for Subaru, EyeSight has finally made it to the WRX, and it makes a solid difference in turning the well-loved race machine into a practical city driver. This, coupled with the standard safety features, make it a companion you’re confident to tackle the daily grind with.

#2. Turbocharged

Speed is the name of the game and it’s no wonder that women are up on their feet early, set to tackle the day’s list of tasks one after the other. For the career-driven woman, the performance of the WRX offers the efficiency of a reliable companion—the 265-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine gives it more than enough power. Oh, and despite the WRX still not using the Subaru Global Platform, it’s still a stable, adaptive car to drive around even through Manila’s uneven, pothole-ridden streets.

#.3 Driver In-Control

Subaru vehicles are known for its superior handling and stability control. These are features that are crucial, not just for the track driver, but more so for the regular commuter. For women, reliability is an important factor — a car that will take them through the day’s errands without breaking a sweat, while making them feel safe and in control. This is what the WRX offers. It is a step-up from your usual sedan, giving us women on-road confidence.

#4. Practical, Yet In-Style

There’s no doubt about it: the Subaru WRX continues to turn heads. It is fair warning that fellow drivers may challenge you to a drive-off at a stoplight. However, the WRX proved to be as practical as it is stylish. On the outside, it has got all the makings of a racing rock star, from the low hoodline to the solid-looking 18-inch wheels. On the inside, it has got generous cargo room, albeit not as much as its wagon derivative, comfortable plush leather seating, and up-to-the minute infotainment system.

On that note, I was pleased to discover that the WRX still come with the original Subaru Starlink system—a far better cry than the Panasonic head unit that is installed in the 2019 Forester. Just the feature of the Apple CarPlay was a winner in itself.

#5. It’s Not Perfect Though

The downside of the WRX is that because it was meant to be a performance-oriented sedan, the ride is decidedly bouncier than I would have liked—more so than even the Levorg. Going over speed bumps have to be done slower than you would the Levorg and you can feel the road imperfections more, as well.

In addition, seating is also tighter for both the front and back rows. The bucket seats for driver and passenger are comfortable, but does not offer much wiggle room. The back row, on the other hand, is designed for 2 average-sized males, or perhaps 3 small children.

The WRX serves up the right combination of form factor and function, not just for the city dweller, but those who prefer to do more enthusiastic style of driving. It serves all the right notes—perhaps save for the aforementioned ride and space for the daily grind. In this regard, the Subaru WRX is a chosen few, even more so women. However, for those who appreciate what it can do, it delivers all the right notes.

Words and photos by Gen Tiu.

The 2020 Toyota GR Yaris is Cheaper Than the Volkwagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R

After unveiling it at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota has finally priced its GR Yaris, at least for the European market. And get this: it’ll undercut both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type R.

Built by Gazoo Racing, the GR Yaris is a homologation model built for Toyota to compete in the WRC.

Developed with the help of Tommi Mäkinen Racing, the GR Yaris stuffs a turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower into the diminutive Yaris frame. Combined with a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), it reaches the 100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds.

Built to be lightweight and highly maneuverable, the GR Yaris fits a newly-developed all-wheel drive system which Toyota calls the GR-FOUR. It uses a multi-plate clutch to transfer the power of the new engine to all four wheels with minimal loss.

During its launch in Japan, Toyota revealed its pricing for the domestic market there: 3.96 million yen or P 1.831 million. Now, as it makes its way across the pond to Europe from Toyota’s Motomachi, Japan plant where the GR Yaris is made, it’s priced at 33,200 Euros or P 1.894 million. Not a big jump, actually.

This is pretty significant because it undercuts both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type R. Not bad for a model that’s likely limited to just 25,000 examples over a 12-month period.

Please Toyota Motor Philippines, if you’re reading this, we certainly hope you’ll bring in the GR Yaris in here as well. Given you’ve spent a lot on marketing the Gazoo Racing branding on the GR Supra and the Vios Racing Festival, bringing in a product like the GR Yaris would certainly fit in your product line-up nicely.