To most of us, a Vios with Gazoo Racing touches is a bit of a surprise. But that's happening, so it isn't too far-fetched to expect the 2021 Toyota Corolla AltisGR Sport in Malaysia too, since Thailand already has that model on sale.
Drawing inspiration from Toyota's performance-oriented GR models, the Thai-spec Corolla Altis GR Sport gets significant aesthetic touches such as a multi-piece bodykit that altogether changes the car's front fascia.
The aggressive styling cues carry over to the rear of the car as well, with the inclusion of a rear diffuser, bootlid spoiler and GR Sport badge.
Thailand's Altis GR Sport and the Malaysian-spec Altis are is powered by the same 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated inline four engine making 140 PS and 177 Nm, paired to a CVT.
While we're on the topic, recall that Europe also gets GR Sport touches on their Corolla Sedan, which is due to go on sale beginning January 2021.
Coming to Malaysia?
Some may draw parallels between this and our Vios GR Sport leak last week: especially in details like the bespoke bodykit and GR-branded seats.
Malaysia receives the TNGA-platformed C-segment sedan fully imported (CBU) from Thailand.
Putting two and two together begs this question: is UMW Toyota Malaysia (UMWT) quietly cooking up this model to launch alongside the spunkier Vios GR Sport?
2020 is full of surprises - did anyone really expect a sporty Vios? - but time will tell if the racecar inspired Altis will find its way to Malaysia.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.