Experience the adrenaline: the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally offers unmatched power and handling

Need a track toy that’s also an everyday runabout? Then the updated Toyota GR Yaris Rally is just the right thing.

Taking feedback from owners and Toyota Gazoo Racing, the hatchback pocket rocket that accounts for 38 percent of all GR model sales locally, delivers more power, better handling and advanced driver-focused technology.

Automatic gearbox

It features a new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission that was developed for performance driving and tested under demanding rally conditions, including the Japan Rally Championship.

Toyota says it delivers rapid, intelligent gear changes that anticipate driver behaviour and adapt to the intensity of driving, and its predictive software optimises shift timing under full-throttle acceleration.

These are the same cars that we have been racing in the GR Cup this season, and from personal experience, I can tell you that it’s not an idle boast.

The box is super slick, and when you're doing 225km/h before stomping on the brakes to go into a sharp right-hander at the East London Grand Prix circuit, it blips down to the correct gear before smoothly changing up and down again around the track. 

You also have the option of using the paddle shifters.

Potent three-cylinder engine

Our cars have the same updated three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 210kW and 400Nm paired to the GR-Four all-wheel drive system, and it’s an absolute peach. 

Suspension and cooling systems have also been refined for improved stability and durability.

There’s also a six-speed manual gearbox with an updated clutch system.

Exterior

Externally, it gets a new steel mesh grille that improves cooling, a canard-style front bumper to increase downforce, and revised LED headlamps.

The front bumper has been divided into two sections, making it easier and more affordable to replace only the damaged part after an incident.

At the rear, integrated combination lamps, improved airflow openings, and enlarged exhaust outlets contribute to both form and function.

Interior

The cockpit has been tweaked to be more driver-centric with key controls and displays repositioned for better accessibility and visibility.

It gets a 12.3-inch GR full-colour TFT meter with performance graphics, revised seating position lowered by 25mm for improved control, updated display audio angled toward the driver and selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport and Eco) that tailor steering, throttle, and transmission responses.

The newly sculpted sport seats are manufactured from Brin Naub upholstery and there are a number of trim details unique to the GR Yaris.  

Driving

Having only experienced our stripped down race cars before getting into a standard GR Yaris, I was intrigued to see what a “regular” one drives like.

Bear in mind that the GR Cup cars have been completely stripped inside, fitted with a racing seat, five-point harness, semi-slick tyres, rollcage and have an upgraded exhaust, brake lines and racing brake pads.

The rest is as you would buy it off the showroom floor.

The seats are super comfortable and with rake and reach adjustment it’s easy to find the perfect driving position.

On start-up it’s obviously a lot more subdued and I would have preferred a more aggressive tone.

We drove a handful of hotlaps around Swartkops Raceway and having raced there earlier in the season and a few days before our final round, I was familiar with the braking and turning points so I had a ball throwing it around the track in Sport Mode.

In standard trim it’s obviously not as nimble but it’s still a ton of fun.

The gearbox is effortless, and steering inputs are direct with a decent amount of feedback, as you would expect from a car bred to perform.

Out on the road, it’s just as much of a hoot.

There’s a slight burble from the twin exhausts as you accelerate, and on the highway, it cruises comfortably with very little wind and road noise.

In Normal Mode, around the suburbs, it idles around comfortably with the suspension easily taking care of road imperfections and speed bumps.

The Toyota GR Yaris is definitely a pricey niche car, but for those who enjoy a thoroughly engaging drive either on the track or on the road, there’s very little to beat it.

It comes with a nine-service/90,000km service plan and a three-year/100,000km warranty. In addition, customers can purchase service, maintenance or warranty extensions via the Toyota dealer network.

Pricing

• GR Yaris Rally MT: R942 200.
• GR Yaris Rally AT: R971 300.