• 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.

Toyota Corolla 2023 line-up unleashed – including GR tearaway


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • 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.
Fixtures

50-over match

UAE v Lancashire, starts at 10am

Champion County match

MCC v Surrey, four-day match, starting on Sunday, March 24, play starts at 10am

Both matches are at ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. Admission is free.

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai

HOW TO WATCH

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Sassuolo v Bologna (11.45pm)

Saturday

Brescia v Torino (6pm)

Inter Milan v Verona (9pm)

Napoli v Genoa (11.45pm)

Sunday

Cagliari v Verona (3.30pm)

Udinese v SPAL (6pm)

Sampdoria v Atalanta (6pm)

Lazio v Lecce (6pm)

Parma v Roma (9pm)

Juventus v Milan (11.45pm)

 

Tell-tale signs of burnout

- loss of confidence and appetite

- irritability and emotional outbursts

- sadness

- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue

- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more

- impaired judgement

- excessive and continuous worrying

- irregular sleep patterns

 

Tips to help overcome burnout

Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’

Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do

Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones

Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation

Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.

Where to Find Me by Alba Arikha
Alma Books 

The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

The Ashes

Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs

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

Huroob Ezterari

Director: Ahmed Moussa

Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed

Three stars

MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Difference between fractional ownership and timeshare

Although similar in its appearance, the concept of a fractional title deed is unlike that of a timeshare, which usually involves multiple investors buying “time” in a property whereby the owner has the right to occupation for a specified period of time in any year, as opposed to the actual real estate, said John Peacock, Head of Indirect Tax and Conveyancing, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, a law firm.

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

Price: Dh98,900

Updated: June 14, 2022, 5:42 AM