SUVs are often praised for their elevated driving position and a sense of safety, offering peace of mind in uncertain situations. However, the reality is that many sedans can handle mild off-road adventures as well, albeit with a bit of anxiety.

While SUVs may provide added ground clearance and off-road capability, the question is: do you truly need these features? Consider a sedan, epitomised by the iconic Toyota Corolla.

Contrary to the common belief that SUVs are more comfortable, sedans often provide better ride comfort. Why? The elevated seating in SUVs results in more cabin movement over uneven roads and increased body roll in corners – a consequence of the laws of physics.

SUVs also face aerodynamic challenges, leading to more wind resistance, increased wind noise, and rear cabin noise due to the absence of a separated boot area.

In the case of a sedan such as the Toyota Corolla, the suspension can be finely tuned to offer a comfortable ride without causing excessive body movements. The 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport takes this a step further by tightening the chassis to offer even more poise and precision, without compromising on comfort.

Also read: Not quite the GR Corolla Sedan, new 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport launched in Malaysia - priced from RM 152,800

While the standard Corolla leans toward comfort in its suspension tuning, the GR Sport adds a touch of sportiness, blending body control, agility, composure, and pliancy like nothing else in its segment. It simply gives the driver bucketloads of confidence to tackle any set of corners enthusiastically.

The 18-inch wheels that is exclusive to Malaysia, paired with 225/40 profile tires, provide enhanced steering feedback, further elevating the driver's confidence compared to the standard model.

Also read: Old vs New, summary of upgrades for 2023 Toyota Corolla - new front bumper, seats, digital instrument panel, and more

The ability to instill a sense of stability and confidence in the driver, with its enhanced precision, while retaining the comfort everyone desires is what sets the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport apart from the rest of the C-segment sedans.

In terms of ride and handling, this is undoubtedly the benchmark in this class. If you appreciate fine driving machines, you’ll appreciate the Corolla GR Sport. At RM 152,800, which is RM 5k more than the standard 1.8G, the excellent chassis tuning is worth every cent.

Some may yearn for a newer engine, but the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated DOHC Dual VVT-i mill (codenamed 2ZR-FE) paired to a CVT is a testament to balanced power, fuel efficiency, and reliability. An apocalypse can set on humanity and the Corolla will still be running fine.

More than driving pleasure, comfort, and reliability, the Toyota Corolla GR Sport is also packed with all the features you need. Safety is paramount in the Corolla GR Sport, featuring 7 airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS with:

• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC, all speed)
• Pre-Collision System (PCS)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)

Another driver-aid is the 3D Panoramic View Monitor that assists in navigating tight spaces by providing a bird's eye view of the car, enhancing overall manoeuvrability, and Hill Start Assist to prevent the car from rolling backwards on a steep slope.

Inside the cabin, the Corolla GR Sport is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, and wireless charger for Qi-standard-compliant devices.

Other features include the electric parking brake that cleans up the visual clutter in the centre console and allows for automatic brake hold.

There's also the Drive Mode selection with paddle shifters allows for personalised driving experiences, depending on your mood. Choose Eco for fuel efficiency or Sports Mode for a more responsive drive.

If you value superior driving dynamics without sacrificing comfort, reliability, and safety features, the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport is an ideal fit for you. Experience it firsthand by visiting your nearest Toyota dealership and taking the Corolla GR Sport for a test drive.

This post is sponsored by Toyota Malaysia.