The terms “Corolla” and “driving enjoyment” are rarely—if ever—associated together. Still, that’s not stopping Toyota from trying its best to turn its compact Corolla sedan into a dynamically engaging automobile. The latest evidence of this comes in the form of a new “Apex” sports package the brand plans to offer on 2021 model-year Corolla SE and XSE sedans.
First reported by Car and Driver, the racy new kit allegedly brings a set of sticky summer performance tires and more aggressive bodywork to the Corolla. We expect some tweaks to the suspension, as well, but have yet to hear back from a Toyota spokesperson regarding the option’s specific upgrades.
One thing we don’t anticipate: More horsepower. Look for Apex-equipped Corollas to rely on the same 169-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four as the standard SE and XSE models, the former of which is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) remains available on the SE and comes standard on the higher-spec XSE model.
While the 2.0-liter engine is gutsy enough for day-to-day driving, it’s sure to leave performance-minded consumers wanting, as the 8.2-second trot to 60 miles per hour we recorded from a CVT-equipped Corolla XSE sedan attests. Regardless, we’re happy to see Toyota continue to push the Corolla’s performance envelope. Hopefully, the brand takes things even further and offers an even more powerful GR Corolla. The model will purportedly serve as a larger alternative to the not-for-North America GR Yaris.
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Like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla will likely receive power from a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that mates to a six-speed manual. Expect it to push the three-pot’s 260-ish horses to all four wheels courtesy of a standard all-wheel-drive system.
Although the GR Corolla is our true white whale, we’re happy to settle on the upcoming Apex sports package for the time being. Expect Toyota to release more information, as well as pricing, for the kit in the coming weeks.
