The Toyota that previewed the GR Magic long before the GR Corolla

The 2026 GR Corolla is one of the wildest hatchbacks of the moment. All-wheel drive, 300 hp and a standard six-speed manual transmission. It’s the definition of a truly compelling pocket rocket, all thanks to the “GR Magic”. However, not many people know that Toyota first gave us a hooligan Corolla. Interestingly, a clue to this can be found in the standard lineup of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, with the FX trim. It is an ode to a Toyota Corolla hatchback from the 1980s, which was a unicorn and can rightly be called the brand’s very first real pocket rocket.

This rather modest three-door hatchback has a four-cylinder engine with technology only found in expensive, and in some cases limited edition, cars. Even General Motors had difficulty mass-producing vehicles with this engine technology. And then there was Toyota, which casually slapped this cutting-edge engine into a car that weighed less than 2,500 pounds. This classic Toyota Corolla hatchback is designed as a real driver’s car. Therefore, every aspect of it was woven around this idea.

The interior was clean, minimal and driver-oriented. The design was simple with subtle yet impactful sporty accents. And the basics, although simple, were designed in such a way that this spicy and high-revving Toyota sticks like glue even through fast corners. What makes it even more appealing is the fact that it was only sold in North America for one year, and so finding one of these on the used market is a tedious task. Here’s everything you need to know about the grandfather of the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla valve.

Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S: the Hot Hatch you didn’t know yet

A rare Toyota that was only sold for one year

The “FX16” is the striking part of the name. The FX refers to the compact twin-box hatchback body style, setting it apart from Toyota’s traditional sedans. But “16” is the one in the spotlight. It refers to the 16 valves of its high-revving four-cylinder engine, a mechanical design that was not so common in ‘normal’ cars. Based on the Fifth generation Corollathe FX16 offers two trim levels, but the GT-S is the one that really evokes the appeal of a hot hatch.

It enhances the appeal of the Corolla FX16 with four-wheel independent suspension, power rack and pinion steering and disc brakes all around. Note that this was in the 80’s and on a Toyota. This was the Japanese automaker’s weapon of choice against the raging wave of ’80s hot hatch culture. This was a fun exercise by Toyota with seemingly no monetary intentions, and so the Corolla FX16 GT-S was sold for one year (1987) and in limited numbers. This is a very popular, enthusiastic car that rarely comes up for sale.

Powered by the famous 4A-GE engine

This Rev-Happy Mill also powered the iconic MR2 sports car

The Corolla FX16 GT-S is powered by the iconic 1.6-liter 4A-GE four-cylinder engine. This four-valve twin-cam engine is also used in the mid-engine MR2 sports car. It was introduced in the US with the 1984 Corolla GT-S. Although this mill can produce 112 hp (on the MR2 and the 84 GT-S), Toyota has tuned it to 108 hp on the Corolla FX16. This may sound like a negative, but the hot-hatch Corolla more than makes up for it with its impressive weight savings for the time. The power loss was also a byproduct of Toyota’s decision to put the engine in the smaller FX16 Corolla space. To achieve this they had to redesign the intake and exhaust manifolds.

Furthermore, a crucial aspect that remained unchanged across all engine applications was the high speed. The 4A-GE mill revved to a solid 7,500 rpm on the Corolla FX16. Power was transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with close ratio gears. Although not as exciting as the stick-shift, this Corolla was also offered with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter. The automatic gearbox is also equipped with a button to change the shift points on request. This means the driver can reduce the shift speed to improve fuel economy or increase it to make the engine scream. This level of customization was awe-inspiring for an ’80s Toyota.

Substantiations that take the sporty and agile character to a higher level

Independent suspension and hydraulic steering

The basics were simple yet designed to deliver the hot-hatch performance of the Corolla FX16. The front suspension consisted of struts, steel wishbones and an anti-roll bar. The rear features struts, double crossbars, tow bars and a stabilizer bar. In addition, a cross brace is bolted across the top of the front strut towers to minimize chassis flex during tight cornering.

Another cross brace is also bolted lengthwise between the front suspension cradle and the underbody to restrict longitudinal movement. A third bracket is bolted between the pivot points of the rear suspension’s double cross-links. In simple words, the Corolla FX16’s suspension is designed to be as stable as possible in any driving scenario. Another unusual feature for the time was four-wheel disc brakes, which were also ventilated at the front. It also received a power rack and pinion steering system.

Compact form factor and timeless 80s design

“GT-S” added cool visual tweaks

The “GT-S” stood for Grand Touring-Sport, and Toyota added notable visual tweaks to emphasize the exterior’s “sporty” treatment. It also refers to the Corolla’s top trim level, with the FX16 featuring exclusive badging, body-coloured bumpers, side moldings with accent strips, side sill panels and a roof spoiler. Some models even got cool graphics to stand out. This was a highlight 80s synth-inspired car design.

A driver-oriented cockpit

Toyota hasn’t added any luxury comfort or convenience features to the interior of the FX16 GT-S. The same simplified approach to the underpinnings was also used in the cabin. The dashboard was simple and packed with essential elements. The instrument panel included a tachometer, 140 mph speedometer, and engine temperature and fuel gauges. The steering wheel had the right dimensions and a cool A-spoke design, and the GT-S had soft, headrest-stitched leather upholstery.

The seats were well bolstered and the GT-S’s driver’s seat was height and tilt adjustable as standard. An optional one sports chair was also available, with adjustable lumbar support and cheek rests for the upper back. Although present, the second-row seats weren’t particularly practical. Therefore, the split-folding function helped expand the cargo space.

Here you can read how much a used Toyota FX16 GT-S costs

Average used price: $7,600

As previously mentioned, few are available for sale due to the rarity of this Corolla. According to Classic.com, there have only been three mentions of the FX16 GT-S so far. However, due to its undervaluation and lesser-known history, the most expensive offering to date was $11,500. Surprisingly, the most affordable offering cost $3,000. Given the rarity of this Corolla on the used market, it’s clear that those who own it won’t want to part ways!

Sources: Toyota, Classic.com