The Toyota GR Corolla took the hot hatchback world by storm when it debuted last year. We were all smitten with its specs, which included an all-wheel drive setup, a 300-hp engine, and a manual transmission. That’s a recipe for driving enthusiast success, but it doesn’t only sound good on paper.

It sounds amazing in person, too. We recently drove the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla and were blown away by it’s amazing performance and daily drivability. It’s hard to believe that Toyota would ever mess with it. But for 2024, the GR Corolla has been slightly updated. But not necessarily in the way that you would expect.

The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla has a few chassis tweaks and a returning trim level

Last year, Toyota announced that the up-level GR Corolla Circuit trim will only be available in limited quantities. However, Toyota plans to extend the GR Corolla Circuit trim level into 2024. For the new model year, the Circuit Edition will be available in two color choices – Blue Flame and Ice Cap.

Additionally, Toyota fitted more mounting bolts to the steering gear, rear suspension, and battery ground. These additional mounting bolts add structural rigidity, while additional aluminum sheets added to the front and rear bumpers increase the car’s aerodynamics at high speeds. It’s the minor details that count.

There’s a new GR Corolla trim level, too

Speaking of the minor details, Toyota didn’t just add a few more bolts and a new color and call it a day. The 2024 GR Corolla will also gain a new Premium trim level. That means spicy hatchback will now be offered in a Core, Premium, and Circuit edition.

What does this new trim level have to offer? The Premium trim level is mostly performance-oriented, with its dual limited-slip differential and brake cooling ducts. However, Toyota also gave it a nice interior, which sports an upgraded Brin Naub-suede interior, a JBL premium audio system, and a wireless car charger—front and rear parking sensors round out the new feature list on the Premium trim.

That new dual limited-slip differential splits the power between the left and right axles so the car can apply maximum traction to the outside wheel under heavy cornering.

The Toyota GR Corolla remains as hot as ever

New trim level and chassis enhancements aside, the 2024 GR Corolla carries over the same performance specs as the 2023 model. That includes a turbocharged 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a triple-exit exhaust system. The setup makes 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which propels the hatchback to 60 mph from a stop in around five seconds.

Don’t get it twisted, when we tested the GR Corolla, we did not doubt that it’s every bit as fast as it sounds on paper. It’s also very athletic, which makes us wonder is the extra chassis reinforcements will make it feel that much stiffer.

Regardless, that new trim level and color are sure to make it stand out even more.