Toyota uncovers tweaked GR Yaris
Toyota has taken the covers off its reworked GR Yaris – a potent rally-focused hatchback based on the popular supermini.
Featuring a revised interior, it gets a power boost and some styling tweaks too. Here’s everything you need to know.
Toyota GR Yaris fast facts
- 20hp boost to 280hp
- Same three-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Improved four-wheel drive system
- Now available with an automatic gearbox
- Revised dashboard and infotainment screens
Toyota GR Yaris styling
Externally, the GR Yaris has had a light rework rather than a full update. Most noticeable is the revised front bumper that’s now squarer than before, with the air intakes more angular helping give it an even more aggressive look.
At the rear, the spoiler has been changed too and, while it might look identical, the boot lid now incorporates a full-width light bar. Elsewhere though, it’s business as usual – the same alloy wheels as the outgoing car remain, and its silhouette remains identical.
Toyota GR Yaris interior and tech
Step inside the cabin and it’s a different story though; the dashboard has been completely redesigned and gives the GR Yaris a much more track-focused feel than before. The dashboard and major controls are now housed in a squared off dashboard panel that neatly incorporates the dials – which are now digital.
There are other less noticeable tweaks too, such as the position of the front seats and location of the rear-view mirror – both of which aim to improve ergonomics compared with the outgoing model.
Toyota GR Yaris drivetrain
And now the important bit. What’s new under the skin? Well Toyota has been busy reworking the 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. It’s been rebuilt from the ground up with the aim of making it as powerful and robust as possible.
That means lightened pistons, tweaked injectors and a fresh exhaust valve design. All this has been done to ensure it will be as reliable as possible under racing conditions and – most critically – more powerful.
Now producing around 280hp, it certainly delivers on that front. Torque figures are also improved, while for the first time the GR Yaris will also be available with an automatic as well as the six-speed manual gearbox.
Two new track modes will also be available: “Gravel” and “Track”. To correspond with this, two special editions will also be offered: Ogier and Rovanpera. These are the names of famous drivers associated with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing World Rally Team.
Toyota GR Yaris release date
The revised GR Yaris will launch in the coming months and will be priced from just under £44,250 – that’s a significant jump in price compared with the old car. We’ll bring you leasing plans as soon as they’re available.
In the meantime, you can check out and compare the Toyota range available right now by hitting the button below.
