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Red-hot hatch now sends 210kW of power to all four wheels via clever transmission.
The Toyota GR Yaris clad in Midnight Grey paintwork. Picture: Toyota
The World Rally Championship-inspired Toyota GR Yaris has arrived in South Africa.
And for the first time, this hot hatch is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience.
From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road.
Developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing and refined through rigorous testing on some of the world’s most demanding rally stages, the GR Yaris reflects Toyota’s commitment to building ever-better cars through motorsport.
The all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a standout feature.
This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid and responsive shifting.
It allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input, particularly in dynamic driving scenarios.
Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris’ DAT transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance-oriented.
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This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship.
It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards while maintaining the vehicle’s mechanical reliability and heat resistance, essential for spirited driving.
By introducing the DAT option, Toyota has made the GR Yaris more accessible to those who seek high-performance motoring without compromising on convenience or control.
Whether driven in urban conditions or pushed to its limits on a track, the updated GR Yaris delivers an exhilarating and refined experience.
The updated Toyota GR Yaris benefits from an increase in engine output. Its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine now produces 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
It is up from 198kW and 360Nm and reaffirms its place as a leader in the performance hatch segment.
Paired with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance, and agility on track, gravel, or public roads.
The updated interior further enhances the driving experience by placing a greater emphasis on driver ergonomics and control.
A revised seating position, a newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance.
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The updated Yaris also offers three drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use.
The Toyota GR Yaris is available in Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red.
The manual costs R897 400, and the DAT costs R925 300. All models come standard with a 90 000km (nine service plans) service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
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