The track-focused Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition is no more in Japan or the USA, casting a cloud of doubt over additional production for Australia.
Toyota Australia says it “continue[s] to seek further advice about the potential for additional production” beyond the initial allocation of 25 units for the first 12 months of production, though its absence from major global markets for the 2024 model year suggests it may remain incredibly exclusive.
It’s also unclear whether Australia will receive the updated specification confirmed for other markets like Japan; including tweaked front and rear suspension, a revised steering gear box, as well as revised front air intakes.
There’s also a new Cyan exterior colour option, similar to the finish offered on the standard Corolla range, which also comes with matching blue stitching in the cabin.
GR Corolla Morizo Edition
Earlier this year, a spokesperson for Toyota Australia told CarExpert there was “no commitment” to additional units of the Corolla Morizo Edition for our market, though wouldn’t say “never”.
“We believe our grade strategy is appropriate for this market, given the strictly limited volume we have been able to secure. With that said, our product planning team is always looking for possible ways to improve upon our product line-ups,” the spokesperson said.
“There is no commitment to further production of Morizo Edition beyond the 25 units we get at launch. That is not to say it won’t happen, but we are not making that commitment.”
While the GR Corolla Morizo appears to have been retired, a spiritual successor has been confirmed for the US in the form of the Circuit Edition.
Finished in Blue Flame – very similar to the JDM-spec Cyan metallic – the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition for the US brings some of the Morizo’s special equipment, including 18-inch forged alloy wheels, a forged carbon roof and suede upholstery.
There’s also a special shift knob with blue detailing, blue stitching throughout the interior, and a larger rear wing. Unlike the Morizo Edition, however, the GR Corolla Circuit Edition maintains its second-row bench seat and does without the extra bracing in the cargo area.
Toyota USA hasn’t announced a cap on production for the Circuit Edition, but it’s marketed as a special edition and has only been confirmed for the 2024 model year. All 2024 GR Corollas in the US also receive the updated chassis and aero specifications confirmed for the Japanese market.
Just 200 examples of the GR Corolla Morizo Edition went to the US market, compared to 70 units in Japan and just 25 units for Australia.
GR Corolla GTS
In Australia just one other version of the GR Corolla is available, in the form of the GTS – priced from $64,190 plus on-road costs. Toyota Australia has previously indicated around 700 units are bound for Australia during 2023.
While it still appears in the company’s local configurator with pricing, there’s a disclaimer detailing “extended wait times” due to “unprecedented global demand”. It’s unclear whether this year’s allocation has been exhausted.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
