SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla vs. 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Despite the rise of electric vehicles, a strong market remains for non-electrified hot hatchbacks.

These high-performance machines combine savage performance with the practicality of a traditional hatchback. Put another way; these vehicles can offer immense driving pleasure on the race track while remaining usable for going to the supermarket.

The “Land of the Rising Sun” currently has two hot hatches that have captivated the world’s imagination – the Honda Civic Type R and the Toyota GR Corolla.

The latter is currently on display at the 2023 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show, making it the third ASEAN market to get it.

Given this, could the Philippines be next? And how would the GR Corolla fare against the Civic Type R?

We find out in this edition of Spec Showdown, with Honda’s hot hatch taking on the Malaysian-market GR Corolla.

GR Corolla more sporty

Both these hot hatches strive to be the ultimate form of their base cars.

The GR Corolla puts some muscle on the Corolla hatchback, which is not available in the Philippines. With its aggressive body kit, massive fender flares, and rally-inspired design, this compact Toyota tells people it means business.

Meanwhile, the Civic Type R looks considerably more restrained. Save for the wide fender flares and the huge rear wing, it doesn’t look much different from a Civic RS Turbo.

Looks-wise, I’m quite old, so I prefer the styling of the Civic Type R. It’s also considerably larger, thus offering a roomier cabin.

Civic Type R has more exciting interior

Given that these are top-of-the-line, high-performance variants, the GR Corolla and the Civic Type R are loaded with goodies to make you feel you got what you paid for.

In contrast with the exterior, the GR Corolla’s cabin is quite subdued. Things like the aluminum pedals, sports seats, and performance steering wheel distinguish it from the regular Corolla hatchback.

Meanwhile, the Civic doesn’t hide that it’s a Type R. Items like the bright-red front seats, aluminum shift knob, and silver honeycomb accents make it look and feel like you’re in a proper performance car.

Once again, I would give the win to the Civic Type R for its roomy and stylish cabin.

FWD with AWD performance

There’s no other way of putting it – this is the “bee’s knees” with both of these cars.

The GR Corolla wades into battle with the same turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-3 gasoline engine as the GR Yaris but with even more power. Although it produces less horsepower than the Civic Type R, it compensates by having all-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, the hot Honda only has front-wheel drive, but comes with some truly stupendous electronic assists to neutralize almost all understeer. And since I’m a racing driver, I’m very partial to the Type R’s helical limited-slip differential.

On paper, it’s the Type R again for me, especially with the top speed of the GR Corolla being electronically limited to 230 km/h.

Exceptional safety gear

Given the level of performance that both these cars provide, it’s reassuring to see that the GR Corolla and the Civic Type R come with a vast array of safety equipment.

In this case, it’s a solid tie between the GR Corolla and the Civic Type R.

Hottest hatches

In the end, both these hot hatchbacks offer stupendous performance with diverse personalities.

Whereas the Civic Type R is roomier and more mature, the GR Corolla is for people who want an alternative to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru WRX STI. 

Although electric vehicles may offer more power for zero emissions, it’s nice that traditional hot hatchbacks with gasoline engines are still alive and kicking.

Which of these hot hatches would you pick?

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