Now is your opportunity if you’re pining for a GR Corolla but can’t drive a manual transmission. New for 2025, among a flurry of meaningful updates, is an optional 8-speed automatic transmission specifically designed for this rally-bred hatchback. This is Toyota’s Direct Automatic Transmission, or DAT, which costs $2,220 on top of the Premium trim, bringing its sticker price just shy of $60,000. That’s a lot of coin for such a small car but the GR Corolla is unlike any hatchback that has come before it.

The new DAT utilizes different software than other GR automatic products, such as the Supra and GR86. Instead of utilizing transmission logic that senses deceleration, g-force, and speed, the DAT monitors the driver’s input on the gas and brake pedals to optimize gear-shifting patterns, meaning it will anticipate a gear shift before you need it. In a way, it’s like the traction control of gearboxes, aiding and guiding you to achieve maximum speed while you focus on steering modulation and vision. Toyota have tried to optimize their gear ratios and shift points to mimic that of the manual gearbox as well, and is keen to note that they have thoroughly tested their durability in the Japan Rally Championship and Super Taikyu Series. Race on Sunday, fix and sell on Monday.

With the DAT comes a new transmission fluid cooler, dynamic cruise control, and launch control. There are also four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Eco, and Custom. However, Toyota specifically prepared its DAT gearbox for Sport Mode. You can further adjust torque distribution in three ways: Normal, Gravel, or Track, via the center knob. Normal provides a 60:40 front-to-rear torque distribution, while Gravel offers a 50:50 split for maximum traction, and Track varies from 60:40 to 30:70, depending on the driver’s input and grip conditions.

All 2025 models receive a slight increase in torque, regardless of the gearbox, which is particularly helpful since the DAT adds a 30 kg penalty. The 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder still produces 300 horsepower, but torque is raised by 22 lb-ft for a total of 295 lb-ft. All GR Corollas still wear standard 18-inch tires, wrapped around Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (235/40R18), but ours wore Bridgestone winter tires instead. Other updates for 2025 include a new front bumper with larger vents to enhance cooling, a limited-slip differential that is now standard across the lineup, and a revised suspension featuring new rebound springs for improved stability in corners. The brake ducts have been improved and a sub-radiator is a separate option for better cooling, highly recommended for those frequenting the racetrack.

We were genuinely surprised when Toyota announced a new automatic for their spiciest hatchback, considering that their main rival, the Honda Civic Type R, remains a manual-only model. Perhaps they wanted to eat into the Volkswagen Golf R’s market share. We are strong proponents of the manual gearbox but we’re also aware that we are a select minority. Some drivers want all the flavour but without all the work that’s required. That’s who this automatic GR Corolla is aiming to appease.

And it’s successful. The GR Corolla hasn’t adopted a new persona. Rather, it’s just added a new tool to its armoury. With the DAT, it immediately feels more approachable and relaxed. The gearbox makes quick work of the shifting and helps you easily and more consistently extract its performance. Grip the wheel, floor the pedal, and let the software take care of the rest – blistering performance served on a silver platter. 

Downshifts are crispy and DCT-like in their speed, but upshifts can be sluggish and unreactive to more aggressive inputs. The software clearly prioritizes smooth and gentle shifts rather than sharp and edgy ones that rub against the limiter. When the powertrain is cold, the engine and gearbox are downtuned to preserve their shelf life with RPMs limited to 5,000 rpm and the DAT automatically upshifts even if you have manual mode selected. Once properly warmed up with the transmission temperature around 50 °C and the oil temperature around 75 °C, you can release the dragon and blip the needle on the limiter for as long as you please. 

Rowing the gears via the plastic paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel or via the gear lever is highly recommended. The plastic paddles may feel cheap, but they are firmly lodged in place and more durable and less flimsy than the ones in the BMW M3. Remember that this is an economy car wrapped around a rally car foundation. Luxury and creature comforts are not the priority, and the shift action feels quite engaging and direct. There is a manual selector gate for the gear lever on the left side as well, and we suggest this method if you want to channel your inner WRC Rally1 driver. The shift action is in the correct format: push up to downshift, pull to upshift. We would also search for a taller shifter knob that comes up to the steering wheel height for that added rally authenticity.

Leaving the gearbox in automatic mode makes for an easy daily driver. It doesn’t always hunt for efficiency in top gear and is quite clever at monitoring your inputs, staying balanced in the right gear and RPM for an instant kick the moment you hit the gas pedal. The two extra gears make highway driving less taxing on the ears and back, with fewer vibrations seeping through and a quieter exhaust sound.

Which is not to say that the DAT saps all the fun out. Far from it. The automatic emits a similar sense of occasion as the manual, with the powertrain still firing away like a blacksmith’s forge. We don’t remember the last time we fired up a vehicle and it shook the entire chassis as it buzzed into life, like you’ve just stepped on an angry beehive. The rattles and vibrations on ignition are like having a massaging chair on a medium setting. To some, this will feel unrefined, structurally flimsy, and downright cheap, but to others, including us, it adds to the raw motorsport vibe and is a feeling that you don’t get in today’s sports cars. 

This GR reminds me of the Nissan 370Z NISMO when it was first launched. Its gear lever would rumble in its socket, and numb your hand on idle. The seats would shake from the energetic V6, and the exhaust was pure and unfiltered. The Corolla’s exhaust buzzes and rumbles like a mini Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio V6 and reaches full song in third gear at 4,000 rpm, making the FL5 Civic Type R sound tame and subdued by comparison. Fewer cylinders yet more charisma.

The GR Corolla with the new DAT is a thrilling supermini alternative for those who don’t want the full-time commitment and added effort of a three-pedal drive, or simply need a one-car solution that can be shared with the family. You lose palpable engagement and reward without the manual but not at the expense of a diluted rally car. In some ways, operating a sequential lever puts you closer to the authentic rally experience, and the GR is certainly not lacking in performance or charisma. On the contrary, it’s one of the most charismatic cars we’ve driven all year.

Specifications:

Model: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium DAT
Paint Type: Supersonic Red
Base Price: $58,737
Price as Tested: $58,992
Wheelbase(mm): 2,642
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,405 / 1,851 / 1,479
Curb weight (kg): 1,515
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (G16E-GTS)
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 11.6
Tires: 235/40R18; Bridgestone winter tires