Red-hot hatch now sends 210kW of power to all four wheels via clever transmission.
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 most demanding rally stages in the world, 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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Clever auto box
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 experience that is both exhilarating and refined.
The updated Toyota GR Yaris benefits from an increase in engine output and now produces 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. 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 across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel, or public roads.
GR Yaris interior updated
Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places a greater emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, 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. It costs R897 400 for the manual and R925 300 for the DAT. All models come standard with a 90 000km (nine services) service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
