WHEN is a Yaris not a Yaris? The reply to that’s easy; when it’s the 2021 GR Yaris. You see, it’s a Yaris in identify solely. As an alternative it’s a mash up of two separate platforms, the primary being the one we’ve named 50 occasions already, and the second being the Corolla.
The outcome, by the hands of Gazoo Racing (that’s the place the GR bit comes from), Toyota’s all issues motor sport and excessive efficiency arm, is a homologation particular, developed for world rally. There’s, in actual fact, little or no precise Yaris within the automotive.
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And that’s what makes it so thrilling. Nothing about this little beast is run-of-the-mill. Not the excellent suspension, or excellent drivetrain, or the way in which it eats up twisty roads. Let’s begin with the 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine beneath the hood.
It produces a staggering 200kW of energy and 370Nm of torque. That’s paired with a 6-speed guide transmission and GR-4 all-wheel drive. It runs 98 RON premium unleaded and delivers claimed gasoline financial system of seven.6-litres/100km (9.0-litres in testing).
The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris additionally affords three drive modes, with every impacting the front-to-rear energy cut up. Regular sees a standard 60:40 cut up, with Sport holding 30 per cent on the entrance and throwing 70 to the rear. Observe mode brings the right steadiness at 50:50.
There are twin exhaust pipes, and the sound of the motor is pumped into the cabin utilizing a complicated noise administration system (it’s not pretend, for the report). Weight is saved by way of an aluminium bonnet, doorways and rear hatch, and just about each single mild is LED.
As you learn this, you’ve most likely began drooling slightly. Throw within the truth it ideas the scales at simply 1,280kg, has Enkei 18-inch alloy wheels, and a carbon-fibre bolstered polymer roof and also you’re now positively salivating. In the event you’re not, you rattling nicely ought to be.
It’s a two-door four-seater that’s simply dying to be pushed arduous. The brake discs are ventilated entrance and rear, with fastened calliper 4-pots on the entrance, and two pots on the rear. The mixture is paired with ABS, stability management and brake help.
It has MacPherson entrance and wishbone rear suspension, that’s merely dialled in. The GR Yaris will actually choke down no matter you possibly can throw at it; it’s fast on the straights, nimble within the bends, and downright excellent at full noise, leaning right into a hairpin.
The inside options aluminium pedals, leather-based wrapped shifter and heated steering wheel, a comfortable contact instrument panel, cut up fold rear seats and GR sports activities seats up entrance. These are heated too, trimmed in suede and leather-based, and are fairly cozy.
There’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a bit small) that options Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite tv for pc navigation with SUNA reside visitors updates, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition Siri Eyes Free and an 8-speaker JBL sound system.
You’ll additionally discover good entry and push button begin, a head-up show, and computerized local weather management air-con. Security hasn’t been forgotten both. Lane hint help, intersection flip help, pace signal recognition are all customary.
Toyota’s pre-collision security system with autonomous emergency braking affords pedestrian and daylight bicycle owner detection, with excessive pace lively cruise management, blind spot monitoring, traction management and hill begin help additionally included.
Nothing is ideal although, and this wouldn’t be a automotive evaluation with out declaring a few of the disappointing issues concerning the GR Yaris. Amongst them is the pricing construction from launch to now. You see, when this automotive first hit showrooms, it was $39,990 drive away.
That was for those who had been fast sufficient to purchase one of many first 1,000 examples. When these bought out very quickly flat, Toyota Australia supplied one other 100 examples at $44,990 drive away. These went fast too. Now you’ll must pay $49,500 plus on-roads for one.
We also needs to point out that the GR Yaris is in actual fact the bottom mannequin, and there’s additionally a Rallye version, which will get the significantly cool bits that this variant misses out on, together with 18-inch BBS cast alloy wheels shod with 225/40/R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
That model additionally grabs high-performance suspension and entrance and rear Torsen restricted slip differentials. That rubber is a reasonably respectable leap too from the 225/40/R18 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 supplied on the usual GR Yaris.
Proper now, behind your thoughts, you’re considering, rattling, that sounds even higher. You may be proper, however good luck getting your fingers on one. They’re even tougher to search out than this factor is.
Inside, there’s a number of arduous plastic, and the just about parcel shelf like rear seat and severely restricted boot house (141-litres) can have you questioning its day by day driver capabilities when you’ve got a small household.
It’s a fairly primary inside really, and there’s not a number of digital wizardry both. That’s one thing we struggled with, together with the fairly glitchy security know-how, which appeared to have a thoughts of its personal, as a rule.
Points apart, the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris is a very distinctive little bit of scorching hatch package. On the premise of its efficiency alone, you could must personal one.
Must you resolve that it, somewhat than say the bigger Honda Civic Kind R or dearer Golf R, is for you, then you possibly can select it in three colors, together with Glacier White, Feverish Pink and Tarmac Black (as examined).
It comes with a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee, and capped worth servicing. There’s a slight downside although, must you need this pint sized pocket rocket proper now. Toyota Australia has run out of automobiles.
To make sure they will ship the entire 2021 GR Yaris automobiles already bought, they’ve quickly paused availability. Don’t panic although, as quickly as they safe extra, you’ll be capable of purchase one.
Our take a look at automobile was equipped by Toyota Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris, contact your native Toyota vendor. Photos courtesy of Mitch Zeinert Pictures.
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