Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) proudly introduces the updated GR Yaris, a performance icon that seamlessly bridges the gap between rally car adrenaline and everyday driving enjoyment. Developed in close collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing and honed on the world’s most demanding rally stages, the latest GR Yaris now offers an automatic transmission option for the first time, alongside its revered manual gearbox – bringing its motorsport DNA to an even broader audience.
Born from Rally, Built for the Road
Since its debut in 2021, the GR Yaris has been a cornerstone of Toyota’s GAZOO Racing portfolio and a favourite among driving enthusiasts, accounting for 38% of all GR model sales in South Africa. Every element of the car – from its lightweight body and turbocharged engine to its advanced GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system – embodies Toyota’s philosophy of “making ever-better cars through motorsport.”
The updated GR Yaris raises the bar even higher, delivering more power, sharper handling, and advanced driver-focused technology, while staying true to the raw, rally-inspired spirit that defines it.
Precision Meets Convenience
The headline feature of the new GR Yaris is the eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), a sophisticated system designed for performance driving. Tested extensively under rally conditions, including the Japan Rally Championship, the GR-DAT offers lightning-fast, intelligent gear changes that anticipate driver input and adapt to driving intensity.
Unlike conventional automatics, the GR-DAT prioritises responsiveness and control. Predictive software optimises shift timing under full-throttle acceleration, while the robust mechanical design ensures it can handle the rigours of spirited driving. The result is a transmission that allows drivers to fully harness the GR Yaris’s performance – whether on tight mountain corners, racetracks, or open roads.
More Power, More Control
Beneath the hood, the updated GR Yaris now produces 210 kW and 400 Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, making it one of the most powerful production three-cylinder engines in the world. Combined with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, the car offers exceptional traction, balance, and agility across all surfaces – from gravel to asphalt.
Enhanced suspension and cooling systems further improve stability and durability, ensuring the GR Yaris excels both on the circuit and in daily driving.
Driver-Centric Design
Inside, the GR Yaris cockpit is designed with a single focus: the driver. Inspired by rally ergonomics, controls and displays are intuitively positioned for maximum accessibility. Key features include:
- A 12.3-inch GR full-colour TFT meter with performance graphics.
- Lowered seating position (25 mm) for improved control.
- Display audio angled toward the driver.
- Selectable drive modes – Normal, Sport, Eco – to customise steering, throttle, and transmission responses.
- Premium BRIN NAUB® upholstery, newly sculpted sport seats, and refined trim details that reflect the car’s dual character – part track machine, part premium performance hatch.
Design That Performs
Externally, the GR Yaris has received subtle yet functional updates that enhance both form and function. A new steel mesh grille improves cooling, while a canard-style front bumper increases downforce. The front bumper is now divided into two sections, allowing easier and more cost-effective replacements after incidents such as stone chips.
At the rear, integrated combination lamps, improved airflow outlets, and enlarged exhaust tips enhance both aesthetics and performance. Revised LED headlamps and aerodynamic enhancements ensure the car remains instantly recognisable as a GAZOO Racing icon.
The Spirit of GAZOO Racing
With the updated GR Yaris, Toyota GAZOO Racing continues to deliver on its promise of “pushing the limits for better.” Whether behind the wheel of the engaging manual or the new automatic, drivers can expect a driving experience that is thrilling, precise, and unmistakably Toyota.
Pricing and Service
- GR Yaris Rally MT: R942 200
- GR Yaris Rally AT: R971 300
All GR Yaris models include a 9-service/90 000 km plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Toyota’s extensive dealer network (220 outlets nationwide) also offers optional service, maintenance, and warranty extensions.
Available Colours: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Black, Glacier White, Fierce Red, Midnight Grey
The updated GR Yaris proves that rally-bred performance isn’t just for the track – it’s for drivers who demand excitement, precision, and style every time they take the wheel.
