Test bench | Competition from the Toyota GR Corolla

These little cars will have you glued to your seat. The new Toyota GR Corolla, of course, but also the Honda Civic Type R as well as the Volkswagen Golf R.

Honda Civic Type R

Price: from $50,050

Both restless and fiery, this compact condemns us to adopt the “comfort” mode to resist potholes and surf the crevices, as the suspension is firm. More than the GR Corolla, or even the Golf R. On the other hand, this Type R does not lack enthusiasm under the hood. Very lively, its engine is here well served by a six-speed gearbox whose silky control responds immediately to the slightest request. However, unlike the GR Corolla, the Type R is front-wheel drive. This mode of training certainly has its limits, but Honda persists, successfully, in pushing them further. The grip is simply phenomenal, but in tight curves, this Civic appears vulnerable against the Toyota.

Volkswagen Golf R

Price: from $47,495

For the real accelerator junkie, the Volkswagen Golf R may seem quite placid. The acceleration is vigorous, the times are muscular, but the emotion is rare. Would it be too effective? Or is she just less characterful? Both points of view can be defended. Its all-wheel drive gives it increased versatility, regardless of the season. That said, despite a Drift function that allows for controlled skids (a futile device, it is said), the Volkswagen does not force the same commitment. Like the Type R, the Volkswagen’s hatchback bodywork gives it extra versatility, but the infotainment system occasionally misfires and the presentation lacks cheerfulness. Like the GR Corolla, by the way.