Well folks, the deed is done. I’ve officially traded in my 2023 Corolla GR Circuit (goodbye, my love 😢) and upgraded to the 2025 Corolla GR Premium Plus. Honestly, I couldn’t be more excited! The Circuit was a blast to drive, I did a few track events, upgrade some stuff including the 24 update changes and more.
Engine wise, was always stock, I know the hard core GR lovers, specially 23 owners, hate the no fog lights and over size grill. Unfortunately the 23 and some 24 had some issues :
So, why change it? Well, alongside major upgrades like the higher torque figure a revised suspension more aerodinamics to allow cooling, parking sensors, plus the little interior changes. Made me take this decision,
as you know David did an impressive list about this : https://www.grcorollaforum.com/threads/my2025-revision-parts.5429/page-3?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest
Should I wait for the GRMN, probably, but at first my idea was the Morizo, which I couldn't obtain so I'm glad I enjoyed my circuit for almost 2 years.
I’ll always have a soft spot for my Circuit (shoutout to anyone still rocking one), If anyone out there is considering this upgrade, I can confirm: it’s 100% worth it if you care about the little details but for your regular commute and if your 23-24, never had any problems, not worth it, well, kind of to early, to give opinions at 70 miles 😂
Catch me cruising around in my new Premium Plus, living that torque upgraded life. 😎
Engine wise, was always stock, I know the hard core GR lovers, specially 23 owners, hate the no fog lights and over size grill. Unfortunately the 23 and some 24 had some issues :
- AWD Coupling Overheating
- Issues with the grill and bumper clips
- Brake pedal rattle
- Early water pump failure (after 10K)
- Transmission cathastrophic failure ( on this one I'm hesitant because I seen videos of people shifting with barely engaging the clutch, like on the movies).
So, why change it? Well, alongside major upgrades like the higher torque figure a revised suspension more aerodinamics to allow cooling, parking sensors, plus the little interior changes. Made me take this decision,
as you know David did an impressive list about this : https://www.grcorollaforum.com/threads/my2025-revision-parts.5429/page-3?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest
Should I wait for the GRMN, probably, but at first my idea was the Morizo, which I couldn't obtain so I'm glad I enjoyed my circuit for almost 2 years.
I’ll always have a soft spot for my Circuit (shoutout to anyone still rocking one), If anyone out there is considering this upgrade, I can confirm: it’s 100% worth it if you care about the little details but for your regular commute and if your 23-24, never had any problems, not worth it, well, kind of to early, to give opinions at 70 miles 😂
Catch me cruising around in my new Premium Plus, living that torque upgraded life. 😎
