Toyota GR Yaris: Faster, Smarter, and Still the King of Hot Hatches
Toyota’s Pocket Rocket: Meet the GR Yaris, Even Faster and Smarter
Toyota has breathed new life into its almighty GR Yaris, bestowing upon it an extra 19 horsepower, shedding some weight, and introducing an eight-speed automatic transmission to complement its manual sibling. We got behind the wheel to test drive these exciting enhancements.
Five years since its debut, the GR Yaris remains unrivaled, with potential competitors like the Hyundai i20 N and Volkswagen Polo GTI falling by the wayside. Boasting 280 horsepower, the GR Yaris is in a league of its own, sharing only the basics with the regular Yaris, and housing the most powerful three-cylinder engine in the world under its hood.
Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president, is known for his affection for powerful compact cars. His personal taste for small, spirited rides has undoubtedly influenced the GR Yaris’s exceptional design. Discreet yet powerful, the metallic gray GR Yaris might deceive the untrained eye, hiding its wide sides, twin exhausts, and additional radiators. Yet, its aluminum doors and hood, forged carbon roof, and eight-speed transmission—adding just 20 kilograms—reveal its true racing pedigree.
But the question of whether an automatic befits the GR Yaris is one only drivers can answer. Despite some purists’ reservations, the eight-speed gearbox is surprisingly swift, barely lagging behind the manual’s shift speed. The transmission seems to possess a sixth sense, downshifting proactively when approaching sharp corners. Toyota’s software, analyzing the driver’s braking and acceleration inputs, deserves credit for this subtle intelligence.
The GR Yaris’s enhanced performance required robust valvetrains and boosted injector pressure. European models now come with a powerful cooling package, including an additional intercooler, and a handy water injection system to keep the turbocharger cool under duress. The all-wheel-drive system now offers Normal and Gravel modes, optimizing torque distribution for different terrains.
This powerhouse marrying complexity and simplicity also boasts a modified McPherson front suspension from the Yaris and double wishbones with trailing arms from the Corolla. Inside, the interior is function-over-form, focusing on driving experience rather than creature comforts.
However, practicality is not the GR Yaris’s forte. With limited trunk space and tight rear seats, it’s best suited for child passengers. The firm chassis transfers every bump to the cabin, and the engine’s rumble, while thrilling, can grow tiresome on long drives.
On the road, the GR Yaris displays remarkable composure, feeling at home on highways and winding roads alike. Yet, it’s truly at its element on closed circuits, where its talents can be fully unleashed. With a price tag starting at 1,299,000 CZK, it’s no longer the sports car bargain it once was. Still, with sixty models reportedly in stock, Toyota dealers have plenty to offer those who truly understand and appreciate the GR Yaris’s potential.
The GR Yaris isn’t just a hot hatch; it’s a statement. Toyota has once again proven its commitment to delivering exhilarating performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from a compact car. With its potent engine, razor-sharp handling, and newfound refinement thanks to the automatic transmission, the GR Yaris remains the undisputed king of the hot hatch hill. While competitors may come and go, the GR Yaris stands tall, a testament to Toyota’s dedication to building cars that ignite passion and deliver pure driving joy.
The Toyota GR Yaris isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a declaration.A statement that speaks to Toyota’s unwavering commitment to performance and engineering excellence. The blend of raw power, agile handling, and meticulous refinement ensures the GR Yaris remains untouchable in its segment. Five years strong, it stands as a testament to Akio Toyoda’s vision – a pocket rocket designed to ignite the senses and leave a lasting impression on the roads. The GR Yaris is proof that big things truly can come in small packages.