GR Yaris launches Toyota back into hot hatches

Toyota has finally confirmed the local price and specification for its most exciting car in decades. Most South Africans might think of Yaris as a reliable Toyota city car, but the GR version is no ordinary Yaris. It is no underestimation to say that this is the most keenly anticipated car of 2021.

The novelty of combining Toyota’s proven reputation for durability and customer service, with a terrifically dynamic driving experience, is the purpose of GR Yaris.

Beyond the intentional Rally car exterior styling, this little Toyota uses impressive hardware.

It is a car targeted at the committed hot hatch fanatic. As such, there is an interesting engine configuration, with Toyota arranging three-cylinders to displace 1.6-litres.

It’s a small, but very potent, engine. With the benefit of turbocharging, the GR Yaris tri-cylinder is good for 198kW and 360Nm.

Tricks suspension components, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and a six-speed manual gearbox all conspire to reward the attentive and committed driver.

The gearing is short, to aid acceleration, which delivers a lower than expected top speed of 230kph. That said, the GR Yaris is capable of 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds.

Beyond the numbers, this is a car that has been engineered to make every second of your journey visceral and rewarding. For the authentic driving enthusiast, the GR Yaris possesses a verve that will never become annoying.

Toyota GR Yaris price in South Africa

What does all this purposeful performance cost?

There is a base version, which prices at R606 600. You get a touchscreen infotainment system, with preloaded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but without the active noise control and limited-slip differential.

Upgrade to the R715 000 GR Yaris Rally and you gain LED headlights intelligent dimming, adaptive cruise control, and the abovementioned limited-slip differential.

The GR Yaris Rally also rolls along on lighter forged alloy wheels.

Demand has readily overwhelmed supply in many global markets, where the GR Yaris has been on sale. There is every likelihood, that this little Toyota pocket rocket, will become a future classic.