Toyota Corolla Axio GT (E14) Test Drive Report

ReportOctober 31, 2021

The Corolla GT Model is Back!

"The Corolla Axio GT is based on the Toyota Corolla Axio and has been tuned by TRD (Toyota Technocraft) as expected from the name "GT". The car is equipped with a special turbocharger, special ECU, sports suspension, LSD, reinforced clutch, aero, 17-inch aluminum, and other features that car lovers will love. It's not about looks, it's about content.

The transmission is a 5-speed manual only, with no automatic transmission, making it a very hardcore car. As a fan of manual transmissions, I was very attracted to this setup.

The Corolla Axio is a Corolla sedan that was introduced in 2006 as the 10th generation of the Corolla. Other models in the Corolla lineup include the Corolla Fielder, a wagon-type car made famous by Takuya Kimura in his commercials, and the Corolla Rumion, a box-shaped car.

When people hear the word "Corolla", they usually think of "Toyota's representative car" or "a car with a large sales volume", but the image of a "sports model" may not come to mind. But the image of a "sports model" may not come to mind for many people.

However, the Corolla used to be popular not only as a mass-market car, but also as a highly sporty car such as the Corolla Levin. Yes, the so-called Hachi Roku.

However, after the year 2000, the GT and other sports models disappeared.

This time, the GT model will be released again as the Corolla Axio GT, which is why the manufacturer has added the subtitle "revival".

Contrasting exteriors and interiors

As for the exterior, when the shutters of the TRD factory opened and I saw the car in front of me, I honestly thought it was "cool.

The front mask has a protruding spoiler, and the side view is dominated by the 17-inch alloys and optional body stripes. In the rear view, the "GT" emblem proves that it is a sports model, and although it is not flashy, it is impressive in that it discreetly symbolizes the GT.

In contrast to the impressive exterior, the interior is a normal Corolla sedan with only a few noteworthy features, such as seats in a higher grade color and a special shift knob.

As expected, the air conditioner was installed, but the space for the car navigation and audio system was covered. It's true that you can buy an adequate car navigation system for 100,000 yen nowadays, so it's up to the owner. This is a model that really focuses on hardcore driving.

"Speed that can be used to its full potential" is a great feeling.

Compared to the base Axio, the Corolla Axio GT has a maximum output of 29kw (40ps) and a maximum torque of 56Nm (5.7kgf-m) thanks to the aforementioned TRD tuning.

When I got behind the wheel, my impression was that it was much faster than the numbers suggested.

When I stepped on the gas pedal, I could feel the engine running smoothly up to 6,000 rpm without any stress. To be honest, the acceleration in first and second gears can be scary at first if you don't get used to it.

Compared to the base Axio, the Corolla Axio GT has a maximum output of 29kw (40ps) and a maximum torque of 56Nm (5.7kgf-m) thanks to the aforementioned TRD tuning.

When I got behind the wheel, my impression was that it was much faster than the numbers suggested.

When I stepped on the gas pedal, I could feel the engine running smoothly up to 6,000 rpm without any stress. To be honest, the acceleration in first and second gears can be scary at first if you don't get used to it.

The engine displacement is 1,500cc, so it doesn't have the thick torque of a large-displacement sports car, but on the other hand, it doesn't force you to endure, and you can show off the performance of the engine at any time. Even as a rookie, I can feel the "sense of control".

The sports suspension is also very well tuned, and even in the tightest of curves, the moderate roll and the effect of the LSD allows the car to turn as it should. You may not be able to see the limits of the car on ordinary roads or highways, but you may have to take it to a circuit to find out.

As for the ride quality, I was worried that the sports suspension would worsen the ride quality, but as it turns out, the car can be driven without stress even on roads with many joints, and even at low speeds, there is no lumpy feeling, which is what you would expect from a manufacturer's tuning system. The clutch is not a rattling type, so the shock of the connection is quite small, and it is easy to handle even in city driving. In addition, the moderate turbine and muffler sounds enhance the mood to a certain extent.

An honorable model worthy of the Corolla name

After test driving the Corolla Axio GT, I can say that it is an excellent sports car worthy of the name "Corolla".

The engine, clutch, brakes, etc. are all well-balanced by TRD tuning, and it is a "compact sports sedan" that allows the driver to drive comfortably without stress in various situations such as on ordinary roads, highways, and in traffic jams.

After test driving the Corolla Axio GT, I can say that it is an excellent sports car worthy of the name "Corolla".

The engine, clutch, brakes, etc. are all well-balanced by TRD tuning, and it is a "compact sports sedan" that allows the driver to drive comfortably without stress in various situations such as on ordinary roads, highways, and in traffic jams.

TRD hopes that not only those who are familiar with the Corolla GT of the past, but also the younger generation will enjoy driving this car and discover the fun of tuning and maintaining a car.

The vehicle is priced at 2.49 million yen, which is not a cheap price, but compared to today's luxury sports cars, you can enjoy a TRD-tuned car at a relatively affordable price. Recently, sporty semi-AT cars have been gaining popularity, but the 3-pedal MT cars are still alive and well. In other words, it's like a "sports car with the skin of a popular sedan.

As a car enthusiast, I would be very happy to see more cars like the Corolla Axio GT in the future.

Buy now!