Toyota GR Yaris Review: Performance and Engineering Excellence

The Toyota GR Yaris has captivated car enthusiasts worldwide with its exceptional blend of performance, engineering, and driving pleasure. From its humble beginnings to the highly coveted GRMN version and the latest generation, each iteration of the GR Yaris has pushed the boundaries of what a compact performance car can achieve. In this review, we will dissect each model, providing a thorough analysis based on real-world testing and driving experiences.

1. The Evolution of the Toyota GR Yaris

The Original GR Yaris

The original GR Yaris set the stage for what would become a celebrated lineage of performance-focused hatchbacks. Launched with a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo engine, this model was designed with agility and power in mind.

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo
• Power: 272 HP (Japanese spec), 257 HP (European spec)
• Torque: 370 Nm (Japanese spec), slightly less for European models due to emissions regulations
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Drive: Switchable four-wheel drive with Torsen LSDs front and rear

The driving experience in the original GR Yaris is exhilarating. The switchable four-wheel drive system provides remarkable grip and control, making it a joy to navigate through twisty circuits. The power delivery is smooth, and the turbocharged engine feels lively, especially when pushing through the gears.

Performance Metrics:

• Lap Time: 42.81 seconds
• 0-62 mph: 5.36 seconds

Testing the original GR Yaris on Toyota’s newly opened Shimoyama Proving Ground, which simulates the demanding conditions of the Nürburgring on a smaller scale, provided insights into its handling prowess. The course, with its sharp turns and elevation changes, was an excellent proving ground for this nimble machine.

The GR Yaris GRMN

The GR Yaris GRMN (Gazoo Racing, tuned by the Meister of the Nürburgring) is a rare gem, with only 500 units produced exclusively for the Japanese market. This version takes the original GR Yaris and elevates it with significant performance enhancements and weight reductions.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1,280 kg (20 kg less than the standard GR Yaris)
• Power: 272 HP
• Torque: 390 Nm
• Transmission: Close-ratio 6-speed manual
• Drive: Mechanical differentials instead of Torsen
• Suspension: Bilstein adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, 10 mm lower ride height

Design Enhancements:

• Exterior: Carbon roof, rear spoiler, bonnet
• Interior: Low-mounted racing bucket seats, Alcantara on the steering wheel and gear knob

Driving the GRMN is a revelation. The car feels distinctly sharper, more responsive, and exceptionally well-balanced. The lowered seating position and superior bucket seats enhance the driver’s connection with the car, making it feel like a true race car. The steering is precise, and the suspension setup allows for flatter cornering and improved stability.

Performance Metrics:

• Lap Time: 40.25 seconds
• 0-62 mph: 5.22 seconds

The New Generation GR Yaris

The latest generation of the GR Yaris builds on the success of its predecessors with a host of upgrades aimed at improving performance, comfort, and drivability. Available in both manual and automatic versions, this model caters to a wider audience while retaining its performance edge.

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo, uprated to 300 HP in Japanese spec
• Torque: 400 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
• Drive: Revised all-wheel drive system
• Suspension: Stiffer with new geometry
• Weight: Increased due to additional features, yet still focused on lightweight performance

Design Enhancements:

• Interior: 20 mm lower seating position, revised dashboard with digital dials
• Exterior: Improved cooling, aerodynamic tweaks

The new GR Yaris feels more mature and refined while still delivering thrilling performance. The additional power is noticeable, and the revised suspension setup offers better handling and stability. The new seating position is a welcome change, providing better driver engagement and comfort.

Performance Metrics:

• Lap Time: 41.58 seconds (manual)
• 0-62 mph: 5.26 seconds (manual)

The automatic version, equipped with an 8-speed torque converter, offers quick shifts and ease of driving, making it suitable for both track and everyday use. Despite the slight increase in weight, the new GR Yaris remains agile and responsive.

3. Performance Metrics

To provide a clear comparison of the different models, we’ve compiled a table highlighting their key performance metrics.

4. Engineering and Design

Weight Reduction and Aerodynamics

A significant focus for the GR Yaris models has been weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. The GRMN stands out with its extensive use of carbon fiber for the roof, rear spoiler, and bonnet. This not only reduces weight but also lowers the center of gravity, enhancing handling.

The new generation continues this trend with a slightly higher weight due to additional features, but compensates with better weight distribution and aerodynamic tweaks. These enhancements improve cooling and reduce drag, contributing to the car’s overall performance.

Suspension and Chassis

The suspension setups across the GR Yaris models have been meticulously tuned for performance. The original GR Yaris features a switchable four-wheel drive system with Torsen LSDs, providing excellent traction and stability.

The GRMN takes this further with Bilstein adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, and a 10 mm lower ride height. The result is a car that feels more planted and responsive, especially in high-speed cornering.

The new generation GR Yaris incorporates lessons learned from its predecessors with a stiffer chassis, revised suspension geometry, and improved all-wheel drive settings. These changes result in a car that feels more solid and responsive, making it a joy to drive on both road and track.

5. Interior and Comfort

Seating and Ergonomics

The interior of the GR Yaris models is designed with the driver in mind. The original model features comfortable yet supportive seats, while the GRMN upgrades to racing bucket seats with Alcantara trim. These seats provide better support and a lower driving position, enhancing the driver’s connection with the car.

The new generation GR Yaris continues this trend with a 20 mm lower seating position and improved ergonomics. The dashboard has been revised to include digital dials, providing better visibility and easier access to information.

Technological Enhancements

While the GR Yaris models are primarily focused on performance, they do not skimp on technology. The new generation features a host of technological enhancements, including:

• Digital Dials: Provide clear and concise information.
• Automatic Gearbox: Offers ease of use with quick shifts and manual mode.
• Drive Modes: Allow for customization of throttle response, torque split, and suspension settings.

These enhancements make the new GR Yaris not only a performance machine but also a practical and comfortable daily driver.

6. Special Editions

The Rampa and OA

Toyota has also released special editions of the new GR Yaris, known as the Rampa and OA. These models are limited to 200 units each and offer unique features and styling cues.

Rampa Edition:

• Exterior: Distinctive paint and decals.
• Interior: Enhanced with exclusive trim and badges.

OA Edition:

• Exterior: Similar to Rampa but with different color options.
• Interior: Unique materials and finishes.

Despite their exclusivity, both editions come with a hefty price tag of around £60,000, which raises the question of value compared to the standard new generation GR Yaris.

Comparative Analysis

While the Rampa and OA editions offer unique features and styling, they do not significantly enhance performance over the standard new generation GR Yaris. The additional cost may be justified for collectors and enthusiasts, but for most buyers, the standard model provides better value.

7. Conclusion

The Toyota GR Yaris lineup represents a remarkable achievement in the world of performance hatchbacks. From the original model to the GRMN and the latest generation, each iteration has pushed the boundaries of what a compact performance car can achieve.

The original GR Yaris set a high standard with its agile handling and turbocharged power. The GRMN elevated the experience with significant performance enhancements and a more race-focused design. The new generation builds on these successes with improved power, handling, and comfort, making it a versatile and exciting option for drivers.

In summary, the Toyota GR Yaris is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to engineering excellence and driving pleasure. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of performance cars, the GR Yaris offers an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

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