Toyota South Africa has unleashed the updated GR Yaris – a compact powerhouse shaped by the rigours of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and honed for the road. Now, for the first time ever, this motorsport-inspired machine is available with an advanced automatic transmission, widening its appeal without diluting its performance pedigree.
Motorsport DNA, Now With More Accessibility
From day one, the GR Yaris was never intended to be just another hot hatch. Developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) with direct input from WRC engineers and drivers, this is a car forged in the crucible of competition. Every contour, component and control has been engineered to serve one purpose: to deliver a visceral, race-bred driving experience.
But in a move that balances performance with everyday usability, Toyota now offers the GR Yaris with the newly developed eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. Don’t mistake this for a conventional slushbox – this is a performance-optimised gearbox, equipped with predictive shift logic that reads driver inputs and road conditions in real time. The result? Seamless, lightning-fast gear changes that keep the engine in its sweet spot while allowing the driver to stay firmly in command.
Tested in real-world conditions – including the gruelling Japan Rally Championship – this new transmission meets the high standards of professional motorsport, without compromising on Toyota’s benchmark reliability and thermal durability.
Power Up: More Muscle, Same Raw Character
The heartbeat of the GR Yaris remains its explosive 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but it now pumps out an even more potent 210kW and 400Nm of torque. That’s a serious bump in performance, reinforcing the GR Yaris’ position at the apex of the performance hatchback segment.
Paired with Toyota’s acclaimed GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, this updated Yaris grips like a rally car on any surface – be it tarmac, gravel or wet mountain passes. Whether you’re blasting through apexes or navigating the daily commute, the balance and agility on offer are nothing short of thrilling.
Ergonomics Built for the Drive
Step inside, and it’s clear that the updates are more than skin deep. The revised interior layout brings the driver closer to the action – with a lower seating position, new 12.3-inch digital cluster, and rally-inspired repositioned controls that prioritise function and feel.
Selectable drive modes – Sport, Normal and Eco – allow drivers to tailor the car’s character, adapting steering weight, throttle response and transmission behaviour to match their mood or mission.
GR Yaris: Pricing and Personalisation
The updated GR Yaris is available in a choice of five bold finishes: Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red.
- GR Yaris Manual – R897,400
- GR Yaris Automatic – R925,300
Each model includes a 90,000km (9 services) service plan and a 3-year/100,000km warranty.
Connected Ownership with MyToyota
Every GR Yaris comes fitted with a connected services device and access to Toyota South Africa’s MyToyota platform. This hub offers seamless access to vehicle data, service bookings, and in-car WiFi connectivity with 25GB complimentary data – unlocking an ecosystem of Connected features designed for modern motorists.
