Toyota Corolla 2023 line-up unleashed – including GR tearaway

Latest versions of the world's bestselling car will feature four hybrids alongside a newbie that looks capable of rattling the hoardings on any racetrack

The Toyota GR Corolla seems to be an excitable beast. All photos: Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Corolla line-up.

The new GR Corolla at rest.

Four new Corolla hybrids are now available.

The GR is expected to be able to keep up with its most serious hot-hatch rivals.

The new Corolla hatchback.

The last version of the Corolla, as it was unveiled in 2019.

A private audience gathers in Dubai Festival City Mall for the grand unveiling of the 2019 Corolla.

The new GR will go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R.

Rearside view of the new Corolla hatchback.

The GR badge.

The new line-up's central multimedia screen.

The new Corolla has had a style refresh.

The GR has been designed with speed and acceleration in mind.

All-wheel drive is now available on Corolla's hybrid models.

Where it all began - a first-generation Corolla from 1966.

A Toyota Corolla Cross, which was first introduced in 2021.

Commentators are expecting Toyota to make an announcement about a new Corolla Cross later this year.

Previous-generation Corolla sedans being inspected on the production line at the company’s plant in Ohira village, Japan.

A historical collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

Toyota has pulled the covers off its new 2023 Corolla range, and never have potential punters had so many variations to choose from.

The line-up, now in its 12th generation, has been expanded to include a souped-up GR version, which has been produced by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.

That particular freshman comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine that can produce 300 horsepower. With those kinds of figures, it should easily challenge the most serious rivals in the hot-hatch market.

Toyota is not content with that, though, as the GR comes with a Circuit Edition trim, which should up the ante.

The more traditional Corolla offerings have had significant improvements, too.

The hybrid versions have been upgraded with a re-engineered drive motor and battery, and customers can now opt for an all-wheel drive version, which is a first for those models.

The entry-level LE now has the 169hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine used in all other petrol versions, which knocks two seconds off the 0-100 kilometres per hour time of its predecessor.

The sportier SE and XSE trims get a new diffuser and new 18-inch wheels.

Alongside updated front and rear styling, all 2023 models gain Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 and Audio Multimedia systems.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the Toyota Corolla's evolution over 55 years

Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota

A second-generation model from 1970.

A third-generation model from 1974.

A fourth-generation model from 1979.

A fifth-generation model from 1983.

A sixth-generation model from 1987.

A seventh-generation model from 1991.

An eighth-generation model from 1995.

A ninth-generation model from 2000.

A tenth-generation model from 2006.

An 11th-generation model from 2012.

Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross

A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style.

Up to date with the new version, from 2019.

A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

They also feature a new 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, replacing the smaller displays on previous versions.

Meanwhile, the hatchback benefits from a redesigned front grille, a rear bumper with chrome accents, and new (optional) 18-inch wheels.

All models still look to have what made sales of the Corolla top 50 million in the middle of 2021, which is reliability and value for money.

On that subject, there’s no word on pricing yet (or what cars will be available where, as regional variations always occur), but the new models are likely to end up in showrooms at the tail end of 2022.

Volkswagen Golf R: a stylish pocket rocket — in pictures

Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.

The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.

The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.

The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.

The R insignia

The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler

Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.

Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R

The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.

Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.

The R features dynamic turning lights.

That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.

The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.

Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.

The R's blue brake calipers.

The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.

The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.