Corolla GT back with a restyle

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Toyota Corolla GT is to make a comeback in New Zealand. The new hot hatch will be powered by a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine delivering 140kW at 7600rpm and 180Nm of torque at 6800rpm and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The engine is the same high-revving unit used in the Celica and should whisk the GT from zero to 100km/h in just over eight seconds.

Toyota New Zealand product chief Spencer Morris says the suspension has been tuned for sports performance and the brakes upgraded.

Exterior styling includes front and side skirts and a rear spoiler, while the interior features full leather trim and red, high-definition instrument dials.

The new Corolla GT is expected to be priced below $40,000.