• The Toyota GR Corolla seems to be an excitable beast. All photos: Toyota
    The Toyota GR Corolla seems to be an excitable beast. All photos: Toyota
  • The 2023 Toyota Corolla line-up.
    The 2023 Toyota Corolla line-up.
  • The new GR Corolla at rest.
    The new GR Corolla at rest.
  • Four new Corolla hybrids are now available.
    Four new Corolla hybrids are now available.
  • The GR is expected to be able to keep up with its most serious hot-hatch rivals.
    The GR is expected to be able to keep up with its most serious hot-hatch rivals.
  • The new Corolla hatchback.
    The new Corolla hatchback.
  • The last version of the Corolla, as it was unveiled in 2019.
    The last version of the Corolla, as it was unveiled in 2019.
  • A private audience gathers in Dubai Festival City Mall for the grand unveiling of the 2019 Corolla.
    A private audience gathers in Dubai Festival City Mall for the grand unveiling of the 2019 Corolla.
  • The new GR will go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R.
    The new GR will go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R.
  • Rearside view of the new Corolla hatchback.
    Rearside view of the new Corolla hatchback.
  • The GR badge.
    The GR badge.
  • The new line-up's central multimedia screen.
    The new line-up's central multimedia screen.
  • The new Corolla has had a style refresh.
    The new Corolla has had a style refresh.
  • The GR has been designed with speed and acceleration in mind.
    The GR has been designed with speed and acceleration in mind.
  • All-wheel drive is now available on Corolla's hybrid models.
    All-wheel drive is now available on Corolla's hybrid models.
  • Where it all began - a first-generation Corolla from 1966.
    Where it all began - a first-generation Corolla from 1966.
  • A Toyota Corolla Cross, which was first introduced in 2021.
    A Toyota Corolla Cross, which was first introduced in 2021.
  • Commentators are expecting Toyota to make an announcement about a new Corolla Cross later this year.
    Commentators are expecting Toyota to make an announcement about a new Corolla Cross later this year.
  • Previous-generation Corolla sedans being inspected on the production line at the company’s plant in Ohira village, Japan.
    Previous-generation Corolla sedans being inspected on the production line at the company’s plant in Ohira village, Japan.
  • A historical collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.
    A historical collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

Lifestyle

Motoring

Toyota Corolla 2023 line-up unleashed – including GR tearaway

Latest versions of the world's bestselling car will feature four hybrids alongside a newbie that looks capable of rattling the hoardings on any racetrack

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

June 13, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Toyota has pulled the covers off its new 2023 Corolla range, and never have potential punters had so many variations to choose from.

The line-up, now in its 12th generation, has been expanded to include a souped-up GR version, which has been produced by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.

That particular freshman comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine that can produce 300 horsepower. With those kinds of figures, it should easily challenge the most serious rivals in the hot-hatch market.

Toyota is not content with that, though, as the GR comes with a Circuit Edition trim, which should up the ante.

The more traditional Corolla offerings have had significant improvements, too.

The hybrid versions have been upgraded with a re-engineered drive motor and battery, and customers can now opt for an all-wheel drive version, which is a first for those models.

The entry-level LE now has the 169hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine used in all other petrol versions, which knocks two seconds off the 0-100 kilometres per hour time of its predecessor.

The sportier SE and XSE trims get a new diffuser and new 18-inch wheels.

Alongside updated front and rear styling, all 2023 models gain Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 and Audio Multimedia systems.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the Toyota Corolla's evolution over 55 years

  • Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota
    Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota
  • A second-generation model from 1970.
    A second-generation model from 1970.
  • A third-generation model from 1974.
    A third-generation model from 1974.
  • A fourth-generation model from 1979.
    A fourth-generation model from 1979.
  • A fifth-generation model from 1983.
    A fifth-generation model from 1983.
  • A sixth-generation model from 1987.
    A sixth-generation model from 1987.
  • A seventh-generation model from 1991.
    A seventh-generation model from 1991.
  • An eighth-generation model from 1995.
    An eighth-generation model from 1995.
  • A ninth-generation model from 2000.
    A ninth-generation model from 2000.
  • A tenth-generation model from 2006.
    A tenth-generation model from 2006.
  • An 11th-generation model from 2012.
    An 11th-generation model from 2012.
  • Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross
    Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross
  • A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style.
    A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style.
  • Up to date with the new version, from 2019.
    Up to date with the new version, from 2019.
  • A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.
    A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.

They also feature a new 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, replacing the smaller displays on previous versions.

Meanwhile, the hatchback benefits from a redesigned front grille, a rear bumper with chrome accents, and new (optional) 18-inch wheels.

All models still look to have what made sales of the Corolla top 50 million in the middle of 2021, which is reliability and value for money.

On that subject, there’s no word on pricing yet (or what cars will be available where, as regional variations always occur), but the new models are likely to end up in showrooms at the tail end of 2022.

Volkswagen Golf R: a stylish pocket rocket — in pictures

  • Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
    Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
  • The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
    The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
  • The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
    The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
  • The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
    The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
  • The R insignia
    The R insignia
  • The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
    The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
  • Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
    Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
  • Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
    Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
  • The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
    The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
  • The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
    The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
  • Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
    Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
  • The R features dynamic turning lights.
    The R features dynamic turning lights.
  • That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
    That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
  • The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
    The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
  • Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
    Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
  • The R's blue brake calipers.
    The R's blue brake calipers.
  • The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
    The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
  • The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
    The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
On Women's Day
Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Stree

Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HyveGeo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abdulaziz%20bin%20Redha%2C%20Dr%20Samsurin%20Welch%2C%20Eva%20Morales%20and%20Dr%20Harjit%20Singh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECambridge%20and%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESustainability%20%26amp%3B%20Environment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%20plus%20undisclosed%20grant%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVenture%20capital%20and%20government%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
WWE TLC results

Asuka won the SmackDown Women's title in a TLC triple threat with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair

Dean Ambrose won the Intercontinental title against Seth Rollins

Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles

Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax

Rey Mysterio beat Randy Orton in a chairs match

Finn Balor defeated Drew McIntyre

Natalya beat Ruby Riott in a tables match

Braun Strowman beat Baron Corbin in a TLC match

Sheamus and Cesaro retained the SmackDown Tag Titles against The Usos and New Day

R-Truth and Carmella won the Mixed Match Challenge by beating Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Abu Dhabi GP starting grid

1 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2 Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

3 Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

4 Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

5 Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)

6 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

7 Romain Grosjean (Haas)

8 Charles Leclerc (Sauber)

9 Esteban Ocon (Force India)

10 Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)

11 Carlos Sainz (Renault)

12 Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)

13 Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

14 Sergio Perez (Force India)

15 Fernando Alonso (McLaren)

16 Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)

17 Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)

18 Stoffe Vandoorne (McLaren)

19 Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)

20 Lance Stroll (Williams)

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
The BIO:

He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal

He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side

By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam

Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border

He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push

His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level

Related

The Kingfisher Secret
Anonymous, Penguin Books

The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

'Top Gun: Maverick'

Rating: 4/5

 

Directed by: Joseph Kosinski

 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris

 
While you're here
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

While you're here
GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Updated: June 14, 2022, 5:42 AM
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