FIVEDRIVES campaign with the Toyota GR Yaris - Part 3
So far, two legendary drivers have taken on two of South Africa’s most iconic racecourses with Toyota GR Yaris. The highly quick GR Yaris has been pushed to all limits, but it seems that a local rally racing legend by the name of Serge Damseaux aims to test it even further. Serge is of course no stranger to high powered 4WD Toyota's as he has steered two generations of Toyota Conquests.
The AE82 Toyota Conquest 4x4 Turbo was produced locally and became an instant favourite due to its wild acceleration and four-wheel powerslides. Its competition at the time was the international Audi Quattro, which at the time caused a major stir in the rally racing community. The Castrol-liveried AE92 proved to be one of the most successful rally cars, helping Serge get an impressive total of 74 National Rally Championship wins.
The Toyota GR Yaris was built as a rally car for the most, meaning that the spirit of the Celica GT-Four and locally produced Conquest 4x4 Turbo lives on through it.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota GR Yaris cost in South Africa?
The Toyota GR Yaris starts from around R799,900 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive hot hatches you can buy locally, but also one of the most capable with its rally-bred pedigree and genuine four-wheel drive system.
Q: Is the Toyota GR Yaris worth buying?
The Toyota GR Yaris is absolutely worth buying if you want a proper rally car for the road and have the budget, as it delivers 200kW of power, genuine AWD performance, and represents the closest thing to a modern Conquest 4x4 Turbo that money can buy in 2024.
Q: How fast is the Toyota GR Yaris?
The Toyota GR Yaris rockets from 0-100kph in just 5.5 seconds thanks to its 200kW turbocharged three-cylinder engine and intelligent AWD system, making it quicker than most sports cars costing twice the price.
Q: What makes the Toyota GR Yaris special compared to other hot hatches?
The Toyota GR Yaris is the only true four-wheel drive hot hatch available in South Africa, built specifically for rallying with a carbon fibre roof, wide body, and rally-tuned suspension that puts it in a league of its own compared to front-wheel drive alternatives.
Should You Buy It?
The best rally-bred hot hatch under R900,000 in SA is definitely the Toyota GR Yaris at R799,900, and yes, you absolutely should buy one if you can afford it. This isn't just another hot hatch with a big engine, it's a genuine homologation special that brings proper rally car DNA to your daily commute. With 200kW, intelligent AWD, and the ability to do proper four-wheel powerslides like Serge Damseaux's old Conquest, the GR Yaris delivers an experience no Golf GTI or Civic Type R can match. Sure, it's expensive for a Toyota, but you're getting a piece of rally history that'll hold its value better than a boerewors roll at a braai.
