Launched in 2021, the Toyota GR Yaris achieved worldwide acclaim for its combination of performance, driver engagement and motorsport-infused pedigree. Having raked in a raft of awards, including multiple Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year trophies, across global markets – it became an ‘overnight’ motoring sensation.
Respected by motoring scribes, WRC aficionados and performance enthusiasts alike, the GR Yaris became the car that unified the digital motoring landscape. Following unprecedented global demand and an overtly positive market response, Toyota Motor Corporation heeded the call of buyers worldwide and subsequently extended the production and availability of the GR Yaris.
On this note, we are pleased to announce the availability of a second allocation of GR Yaris units for South Africa (limited numbers).
Single Grade for Enthusiasts
Following market feedback, the line-up has been reduced to a single model, the ‘top-spec’ Rally variant.
As before the Rally model is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential on both the front and rear axle, performance-tuned suspension, revised power-steering assistance and 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels – shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres.
In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the Rally model also boasts combination leather/Alcantara sports seats in the front with enhanced bolstering, leather rear seats, Heads-up Display (HUD), the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety suite and Active Noise Control. Active Noise Control amplifies the engine sound by cancelling out opposing frequencies – adding a vocal soundtrack.
Specification Levels
Standard specification includes keyless entry with push start, LED-headlamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and auto function, LED foglamps, heated and power-retractable exterior mirrors, plus rain-sensing wipers. On the inside, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, Multi-Information Display (MID), 12-volt power outlet and a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column deliver on convenience.
A 6-speaker touchscreen audio system is standard on all models, and features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality for smartphones as well as Bluetooth and USB inputs.
New for 2022 is the addition of a reverse camera and rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Recap of Features:
Exterior Design
The GR Yaris has a unique design with a three-door body and lowered roof – creating a coupe silhouette. Frameless doors add to the coupe look, while improving aerodynamic performance and reducing weight.
At the front, the grille design and spoiler express the car’s authentic GR status featuring the signature GR “functional matrix” design.
Cooling air is fed to the radiator, intercooler and engine compartment through a large, rectangular lower grille with a wide honeycomb mesh inset. The grille is flanked by large vertical inlets for the brake duct and intercooler, with circular LED fog lights positioned at the far edges of the bumper.
The prominent lower spoiler has a downforce-generating shape, with a raised centre section that controls the flow of air beneath the vehicle. At the rear, the tapering of the roof and rear pillars and the addition of the deep, high-mounted spoiler, enhance downforce and aerodynamic performance. The wide track and flaring of the rear wings emphasise the car’s wide and low silhouette.
GR badging is featured on the lower grille, the front fenders and back door. Four paint finishes that match TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s competition colours are available to choose from: Glacier White, Platinum White Pearl, Emotional Red and Lunar Black.
Interior Design
The interior reflects a driver-oriented design. A twin-hooded binnacle frames easy-to-read analogue instrumentation which features a 4.2-inch TFT colour multi-information display in the centre. The MID features an all-wheel drive indicator showing the torque distribution, mode selected for the GR-FOUR system and a turbo pressure monitor.
The gear shift lever has a high position on the centre console, raised by 50 mm and set close to the steering wheel, helping the driver make quick shifts. The GR-FOUR selector control is placed just forward of the gear shift, for easy changes between Normal, Sport and Track modes. A ‘racy’ GR-branded, 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching, circular hub and conveniently-placed steering switches maximise driving pleasure.
The interior is finished in black with Smoked Silver trim details around the door handles, centre console, steering wheel and side air vents. The GR Yaris Rally features a synthetic leather/Alcantara combination (depending on model grade) paired with Alcantara door inserts. Red stitching and GR-branding is applied throughout for a sporty touch. A special WRC commemorative plaque is fitted to the centre console of each GR Yaris – signalling its pedigree.
Compact Powerhouse
The GR Yaris’s engine is a three-cylinder turbocharged unit that benefits from motorsport technologies to maximise performance, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. Displacing 1,618cc, it produces a maximum output of 198kW @ 6500 rpm and 360Nm of torque between 3000 and 4600 rpm.
Compact and lightweight, the DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo and large Intercooler to maximise performance. Emphasis was placed on the response of the engine package, while delivering excellent cooling performance. An integrated oil-cooler and high-volume cooling system help maintain engine operating temperatures during enthusiastic driving. Toyota’s D-4S; direct and port-injection system, is utilised for maximum efficiency. Fuel consumption is listed as 7.6l/100 km with CO2 emissions registering 172 g/km.
The engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels. It features a short and light shift throw, while a motorsport-style clutch provides smooth yet solid engagement.
Power-to-weight Ratio
Achieving a strong power-to-weight ratio was a key objective to help meet the GR Yaris’s performance targets. The body shell is constructed predominantly from lightweight materials, including a new carbon fibre polymer for the roof that can be compression moulded (a first for Toyota). Aluminium is used for the bonnet, doors and tailgate.
As a result, the GR Yaris has the power of a C-segment performance hatch but the weight of a B-segment machine (kerb weight of just 1,280kg). Its power-to-weight ratio of 0,154 kW per kg helps deliver a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.
GR-Four: New all-wheel drive system
The GR Yaris’s performance is supported by a new GR-Four all-wheel drive system designed to optimise drive power to each wheel, while also being simple and lightweight. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling.
The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive). This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR-Four system is also considerably lighter in weight.
The driver can adjust four-wheel drive performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. In normal mode the base front/rear torque distribution is 60:40; in Sport mode the balance shifts to the rear, with a 30:70 split to achieve a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits; and in Track mode the base setting is 50:50 for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.
Dedicated Platform and Suspension
The GR Yaris employs a double wishbone set-up at the rear, with every element optimised for performance, while the proven MacPherson strut system is used at the front.
Performance Braking System
The performance braking system features large, 356mm grooved front discs with four-pot callipers, engineered to cope with rigorous demands of high-speed track and special-stage driving with high-level heat capacity. Notably, the front brake discs are larger than those fitted to the GR Supra – a further endorsement of the GR Yaris’s high-performance credentials.
Safety Systems
A full suite of active and passive safety features includes ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), VSC and Hill Assist Control (HAC). A four-wheel tyre pressure monitor system acts as both a safety and performance feature.
The TSS-package adds Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Trace Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Model Line-up and Pricing
Toyota GR Yaris Rally – R 761,200
Peace of Mind
All GR Yaris models are sold with a 9-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 10 000 km) and 3-year/100 000km warranty. Customers can also purchase a variety of service and/or warranty add-ons at their local dealership.
TGR Driving Academy
Toyota offers a comprehensive list of driver training courses via the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driving Academy. Interested parties can obtain more information here
More content can be found on the GR Yaris webpage.
