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Review – The 100,000 euro Toyota Yaris tested: Toyota GR Yaris (2024)

August 7, 2024

Toyota GR Yaris is a jack-of-all-trades

Funny thing is that Toyota itself talks about “the Frankenstein car.
Nice touch, of course, because the Toyota GR Yaris is a jack-of-all-trades.
The front end is B-segment platform, the rear end is C-segment platform (C-HR base) and the engine comes from the GR Corolla.
In fact, Toyota took “the best bits” from several models to make a fantastic whole.

Second introduction

Of course, we drove the new GR Yaris in the snow before.
Back then, we were actually already sold on this crazy Yaris.
But of course, when Toyota asked if we wouldn’t like to try this car on the track as well, it was an easy decision.
Needless to say, we went along for the ride.
And the GR Yaris does not disappoint.
We even got the chance to drive on an official WRC track.
In short: the very terrain where this GR Yaris feels like a fish out of water.

Major concerns surrounding latest Toyota Yaris – TOYOTA GR YARIS (2024) – AutoRAI TV

A special

But what makes this Yaris so special?
First of all, the looks.
In fact, here we are looking at a street-legal rally car.
The total package is unique.
Four-wheel drive, a powerful three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, large track widths and aggressive design.
A recipe that enthusiasts can only savour.
And in the Netherlands you can also pay handsomely for it.
We put the prices one up.

Manual transmission -> 197 g/km

Automatic -> 215 g/km

Options:

The model is available in Emotional Red, Precious Black and Super White/Platinum White Pearlescent colors as well as the new Precious Metal.

PREMIUM EQUIPMENT (EXTRA OVER PERFORMANCE)

Deliciously composed

So a lot of money, but you also get rich equipment.
As Performance, the new GR Yaris features all the novelties: the new G16E-GTS engine 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 206 kW (280 hp) and maximum torque of 390 Nm, the new lowered seating position and 12.3-inch large digital instrument cluster and 8-inch large touchscreen for the Toyota Smart Connect Plus multimedia system.

Torsen Limited Slip differentials front and rear are standard, as are 18-inch black alloy wheels and sport seats.
The electronically controlled, permanent all-wheel drive system GR-FOUR has also been revised.

Driver assistance systems

As standard, the GR Yaris also features the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes Pre Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Trace Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC). Now, of course, those safety systems have no business in this car; this car is all about experience.

Just an awesome car

And fortunately, it’s right on that front.
This GR Yaris is one of the nicest cars Toyota has ever built.
The latest version is even sharper and, above all, more cleverly built.
The interior mirror is no longer in the way, as it was in the old one.
And you no longer sit “on the throne,” but nice and low in the car so that you can feel with your buttocks exactly what the car is doing.
Steering feel is also better and the three-cylinder has better throttle response.
And then that packaging: mouth-watering.

Best of all, you buy this rally car in the Netherlands with a 10-year warranty.
If you have the coins, this GR Yaris is a great treat for yourself and the perfect car to attack corners with, whether on snow, ice, gravel, a mountain road or on the track.
Our preference is the manual transmission, even though the new automatic is also an excellent choice thanks to quick shift times and the ability to change gears yourself.
The manual transmission simply gives more experience and involvement.

Powertrain Toyota GR Yaris 2024

* In Japan, the three-cylinder even kicks it up to 224 kW (304 hp) and 400 Nm. The lower engine output in Europe is due to stricter emissions requirements.

Still orderable?

The new Toyota GR Yaris can be ordered as long as production spots are available.
This does not apply to the Sébastien Ogier Edition and Kalle Rovanperä Edition.
Only one of each version of these special editions is coming to the Netherlands. Interested parties can contact the dealer to sign up for these models. Price tag: 102,895 euros.