The revised Toyota GR Yaris has made its way to the UK, much to the delight of car enthusiasts. This Japanese pocket rocket has garnered a lot of attention since its launch in 2020, thanks to its exceptional performance and engaging handling. It’s a car that Toyota initially thought would be too niche to revisit, but the surprise popularity of the first generation version has proved otherwise.
The GR Yaris is the first ground-up performance car that Toyota has developed in 20 years, and it showcases the brand’s revitalized interest in motorsport. It won the affordable driver’s car competition and even held its own against more powerful and expensive supercars at Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout. With over 32,000 buyers and counting, Toyota has decided to make the GR Yaris a permanent fixture in its lineup.
To improve the car’s capabilities and durability, Toyota has made several revisions to the GR Yaris. The changes focus on enhancing its durability when driven hard. This includes better cooling with a stronger mesh in front of the radiator, moving the lights away from the hot exhaust, and revising the engine and manual transmission internals. The body has also been strengthened with 15% more spot welds and adhesive, and the front strut mounts have been reinforced. However, the brakes, wheels, and tires remain the same.
Inside the GR Yaris, Toyota has made changes to improve ergonomics and forward visibility. These changes have led to a more habitable car, with a lower instrument binnacle, a raised rear view mirror, and unseen body changes that allow for a lower seat position. The driving position is good, and the round steering wheel and clarity of the instruments add to the overall experience. However, the material quality inside is unremarkable, but given the car’s lightweight of 1300kg, it’s understandable.
Under the hood, the GR Yaris has seen an increase in power and torque. It now boasts 276bhp and 288lb ft, up from 256bhp and 266lb ft, respectively. Additionally, Toyota offers an eight-speed automatic gearbox as an option for the first time. The automatic mode keeps revs modest, but the engine grumbles in a slightly gravelly fashion. To unlock the full potential of the car, it’s best to switch to manual mode and use the flappy paddles for a more engaging experience.
When it comes to ride and handling, the GR Yaris impresses with its planted and secure feel on the road. The suspension is firmer than before, with spring rates of 46N/mm at the front and 40N/mm at the rear. The increase in stiffness makes the car flatter and more capable, but it feels less inclined to rotate under braking or turn-in. While the increase in power distribution to the rear helps on corner exit on a track, it feels more led by its nose on the road. Overall, the ride is firm but not crashy, and the car feels better the faster you go.
The Gen 2 GR Yaris is a more serious and capable car, but whether it’s more fun than its predecessor is debatable. As a pure road car, the Gen 1 car may still be just as peachy. However, the price of the Gen 2 GR Yaris reflects its development and limited supply, with a manual version starting at £44,250. Despite the higher price, the Gen 1 GR Yaris still looks like a bargain in comparison.
In conclusion, the Toyota GR Yaris is an exciting and capable hot hatch that has captured the attention of car enthusiasts. Its exceptional performance, compact dimensions, and engaging handling make it a phenomenal road car. While the revised version may be more serious and capable, it may not be as fun as its predecessor. However, the price increase reflects the car’s development and limited supply. Overall, the GR Yaris remains a top contender in the hot hatch segment.
