It's been quite a while since a car has caused such a ruckus. In the weeks' leading up to its launch, the Toyota GR Yaris was the topic of many an internet debate. While many couldn't quite wrap their head around paying R606 600 (R715 600 for the Rally derivative), fans of the little hot hatch came to its defence, trying to explain to the masses why the GR Yaris is worthy of its price.
So what makes the Japanese pocket rocket so special? Let's start with the powertrain. Under the bonnet lives a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol with 198 kW and 360 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Developed in a joint effort between Toyota Gazoo Racing (think AMG but for Toyota) and Tommi Mäkinen, the little Yaris is constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre. Courtesy of this lightweight construction, the GR weighs just 1280 kg. This gives it a rather impressive 0-100 km/h time - 5.5 seconds. The top speed is pegged at 230 km/h.
But the GR Yaris isn't just about straight line speed - far from it, in fact. For example, the Yaris is fitted with 356 mm grooved front disc brakes. Fitted with four-pot calipers, they're even bigger than those fitted to the Supra sports coupé.
At R606 600, the base model receives an impressive amount of features. Naturally, alloy wheels are standard, but LED headlamps and keyless entry are part of the package. The slightly pricier Rally derivative is more comprehensively equipped, sporting niceties such as a heads-up display and adaptive cruise control. However, a number of performance enhancing extras are fitted, too.
Forged alloys, a limited slip differential and active noise control are all part of the package.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota GR Yaris cost in South Africa?
The Toyota GR Yaris starts at R606,600 for the base model, while the Rally derivative will set you back R715,600, making it one of the pricier hot hatches on our shores.
Q: Is the Toyota GR Yaris worth buying?
If you're after a genuine WRC-bred hot hatch with proper racing pedigree, the GR Yaris delivers with its 198 kW three-cylinder turbo and all-wheel drive system, but you'll need deep pockets and a taste for exclusivity.
Q: How fast is the Toyota GR Yaris?
The GR Yaris rockets from 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds thanks to its lightweight 1280 kg construction and 198 kW turbocharged engine, with a top speed of 230 km/h.
Q: What makes the GR Yaris different from a regular Yaris?
The GR Yaris is essentially a different car altogether, built with aluminium and carbon fibre construction, a bespoke 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and bigger brakes than even the Toyota Supra.
Q: Should I buy the GR Yaris base model or Rally derivative?
The Rally derivative at R715,600 gets you forged alloys, limited slip differential, heads-up display and adaptive cruise control, making it worth the R109,000 premium if you're serious about performance driving.
Should You Buy It?
The best rally-bred hot hatch under R750,000 in SA is undoubtedly the Toyota GR Yaris, but it's not for everyone. At R606,600 for the base model, you're paying supercar money for what looks like a tarted-up city runabout. However, that's missing the point entirely. This isn't just a hot hatch, it's a homologation special built to go rallying, with genuine WRC DNA flowing through its lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre veins. The 198 kW three-cylinder turbo is a masterpiece of engineering, the all-wheel drive system is properly sorted, and those massive 356 mm brakes mean business. If you understand what you're getting and have the budget for it, absolutely buy one. If you're just after a quick daily driver, look elsewhere and save your money.
