Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently welcomed renowned automotive journalist and former BBC TopGear presenter Rory Reid for an exclusive high-octane experience. As part of his visit, Reid had the opportunity to test the full Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup at the legendary Zwartkops Raceway, the home of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa. This special occasion also marked a rare and thrilling introduction to the GR Corolla – a model yet to reach the UK market.
A GR-Fuelled Day at Zwartkops Raceway
The itinerary for Rory and the AutoTrader UK team was packed with adrenaline, featuring hands-on experience with Toyota’s complete suite of GR performance vehicles. The lineup included the GR86, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and, most notably, the GR Corolla – a hot hatch that has captivated enthusiasts worldwide but remains unavailable to UK buyers.
Reid’s time behind the wheel of the GR Corolla proved to be a standout moment. He was quick to highlight the exclusivity of this experience, noting that South Africa is allegedly the only country where all four GR models are available. For any motorsport aficionado, this makes South Africa a true performance playground.
The GR Corolla: A Masterclass in Performance
As an automotive expert with a keen eye for detail, Reid was particularly impressed by the GR Corolla’s raw power and exhilarating handling. The model’s dynamic performance and finely tuned chassis left a lasting impression, reinforcing its status as a purebred driver’s car.
Throughout the day, the AutoTrader UK crew put all four GR models through their paces on the track, experiencing firsthand the engineering prowess and motorsport heritage embedded in each vehicle. From the agile and playful GR86 to the powerhouse GR Supra, and the rally-bred GR Yaris, the lineup demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to delivering performance cars that are as thrilling on the track as they are on the road.
Experience the Action
Rory Reid’s visit to South Africa was more than just a test drive—it was a deep dive into the heart of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s philosophy. For those eager to witness the full experience, check out the video documenting this action-packed day at Zwartkops Raceway
