2020 Toyota GR Yaris: Three cylinder, all fury enthusiast edition
Toyota began the development of the GR Yaris solely to compete in the World Rally Championship. The project was led by renowned WRC driver Tommi Makinen, who also contributed to the development of the legendary Mitsubishi Evolution VI
Before 2020, Toyota's Yaris badge was always associated with small affordable commuter vehicles, or recently a crossover, which plainly was meant to move from point A to point B.
While the model did occasionally receive some special attention like with the 1500cc RS trims or the special supercharged GRMN edition Yaris in 2018, the world was yet to witness a new Yaris model that would shock the whole world.
In September of 2020, Toyota introduced us to a new GR Yaris– a new platform where Gazoo Racing, Toyota's motorsport division, went crazy with basically everything, redefining it as what is known as a 'hot hatch'.
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Toyota began the development of the GR Yaris solely to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC)– an international rally racing series which required meeting homologation rules and regulation. The project was led by renowned WRC driver Tommi Makinen, who also contributed to the development of the legendary Mitsubishi Evolution VI.
The final version of the Toyota Yaris is a three-door hatchback. However, Toyota originally wanted to approve only a five-door version. From a business point of view it makes more sense to make a car more practical. However, to keep the WRC aura around, a three-door variant was approved with a manual transmission only variant. The final output was a new pocket rocket hooligan.
While the model received a major facelift in 2024, for this feature, we took out the original GR Yaris and experienced it in Dhaka's streets.
At first glance, there is no way to mix a GR Yaris up with a regular Yaris. The flared fenders, draped by sharp bodylines, and tight headlight and tail lights give off a menacing aura. The weight saving bits and pieces added in the form of carbon fiber only adds to the car's character, especially the exposed carbon fiber roof which is standard across all trims.
On the other hand, the GR Yaris is not even a base Yaris underneath. While the front end of the car is practically a Yaris; the back-end gremlins, notably the multi-link suspension bits, have been adapted from a Toyota C-HR. This was done to introduce All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) to the Yaris, where the differentials configuration can be split as well.
The interior of the GR Yaris is well laid out in classic Toyota fashion. Even if the GR Yaris is all about being sporty, the cabin comfort seems to be uncompromised. Faux alcantara material is prominent through the whole interior and if opted for the Circuit pack, the rather snug Recaro bucket seats will be of leather.
The infotainment system, unlike many other Japanese Domestic Models, supports both Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto– more plus points for international buyers like us. The climate control is sandwiched right beneath the infotainment. The two bucket seats are quite comfortable and should provide adequate spacing for average Bangladeshi sized passengers. The rear sitting space however, is quite cramped but definitely usable for short distances for up to two passengers.
Under the hood, the GR Yaris packs its iconic turbocharged 1618cc inline 3-cylinder engine producing up to 268 horsepower and 370 Nm of maximum torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The car also comes with an intelligent AWD system with torque splitting through the differentials. This allows the GR Yaris to allocate power in various front-rear distribution ratios such as 30-70 split which makes the car tail happy, a 50-50 split which gives the car the most track focus, optimizing the balance of performance and drivability, or finally, a 60-40 split for economy purposes.
Although I could not drive the GR Yaris myself, I did manage to get a ride along on the passenger seat. From that standpoint, the nimbleness of the hatch could be felt instantaneously, especially at higher speeds. However, we could only go as fast as evening dhaka traffic allowed us, which in retrospect is not much; just a few pulls within empty alleys.
The suspension is tight, where any bump on the road is felt through the seats. The torque of the car though, is prominently felt when the gas pedal is pushed, the Michelin PilotSport 4S tires do a fantastic job in laying it on the tarmac.
The GR Yaris is a car desired by enthusiasts, designed for the enthusiast, by enthusiasts alike. The almost unassisted, yet, intelligent GR Yaris is a great hot hatch for thrill seekers as well as a "fast grocery getter", although one is much better off with a hybrid Yaris Cross for day-to-day activities. However, if you desire to own a homologated rally car, there is no better option than a 3-door GR Yaris– currently the ultimate modern Toyota to have.
Specification:
Engine: 1618 cc G16E-GTS turbo I3
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Max Power: 268 bhp
Max Torque: 370 Nm
Price starts at: Tk75 Lakh (Approx)
