2021 Toyota GR Yaris: Possible engine specs, pricing in the Philippines

Updated Mar 30, 2021 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

It’s essentially a road-legal rally car that’s cute as a button.

At the start of 2021, we knew all along that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will be introducing several new models.

Several weeks ago, the Japanese brand launched the Vios GR-S, which is essentially a sportier-looking version of the said sedan model. Back in February, the facelifted Innova was also introduced.

On March 26, Toyota then posted a short video showcasing the upcoming GR Yaris with the caption saying that it’s coming soon. This of course was met with excitement as many have been waiting to see this sporty hatch in the metal.

A picture of the Toyota GR Yaris on the road

The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris

So, what can we expect from this upcoming model? 

Well for starters, the GR Yaris trim uses the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) but with a twist. The normal XP210 Yaris that the GR Yaris is based on, uses the TNGA GA-B. The GR Yaris however, uses the TNGA GA-B for its front half, and the TNGA GA-C for most of its rear end. 

The GA-B is commonly used for affordable subcompact cars like the XP210 Yaris and the Yaris Cross. The GA-C in turn, is currently utilized by larger compact cars and crossovers. With this combination, the GR Yaris has a light overall curb weight relative to its power output.

It is, however, a tad stronger since there are more weld-points, and most of its other parts like the hood and the doors are made out of aluminum.  This chassis configuration also provides more space for a reinforced rear multi-link suspension. Also notable are the large 14-inch front disc rotors, and the 18-inch set of alloy wheels.

A picture of the Toyota GR Yaris performing a power slide

It can indeed, go sideways 

Under the hood, the GR Yaris currently uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine. In fact, this mill is currently the world’s most powerful three-banger as it can make up to 257 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel drivetrain.

For transmissions, the GR Yaris’ inline-3 powerplant is mated to a six-speed intelligent manual transmission. The GR Yaris RS however does get a continuous variable transmission. Hopefully, both of these will be available locally. 

As a road-going hot hatch though, the upcoming GR Yaris also comes with some creature comforts. The Australian version for example is equipped with leather seats, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-piece JBL speaker system, among others.  

In terms of safety, the Toyota-made hatch also has a number of driver-assist features, six airbags, and parking aids. It even has ISOFIX child seat tethers.

>>> Related: GR Yaris, Vios GR-S, other Toyota vehicles coming to PH in 2021: Report

A picture of the GR Yaris' interior

Inside the GR Yaris

With those specs, the GR Yaris is essentially a road-legal rally car. Do note that it was supposedly a homologation model for the FIA World Rally Championship. That plan however was scrapped due to a variety of reasons. Oh well, the WRC’s loss is our gain.  

Then again, we do harbor some reservations regarding the aforementioned specs. Toyota after all has been known to water down more some global models that were released locally before. Hopefully, the Philippine-spec GR Yaris is on-par with the ones already being sold in other markets.  

More importantly, it's confirmed that the upcoming Toyota GR Yaris will be sold in select Toyota dealerships. Toyota confirmed that the GR Yaris will be priced at Php 2,650,000. This means that it might be targeting the Honda Civic Type R, several Mini 3-door models, among others. 

A picture of the Toyota GR Yaris' rear end as it drives on a road

The GR Yaris looks great from any angle

These aforementioned details and specs are yet to be confirmed by TMP. For the official specs of this upcoming model, we’ll have to wait for its Philippine launch sometime around July.

For more updates on the Toyota GR Yaris, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Toyota Yaris 2024

Toyota Yaris

Like its brothers in other Southeast Asian markets, the Philippine-spec Toyota Yaris is a five-door subcompact hatchback based on the Toyota Vios sedan. Locally, it is available in two variants: the Yaris E 1.3 AT and the Yaris S 1.5 AT. Toyota Yaris price Philippines starts at ₱973,000 for the entry-level E 1.3 AT, while the top-of-the-line Toyota Yaris S 1.5 AT is priced at ₱1,114,000

Both trims of the 2023 Toyota Yaris Philippines utilize a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. For both Yaris variants, both come with a continuously variable transmission with a paddle shifter manual-mode. 

Size-wise, the Toyota Yaris measures 4,140mm long, 1,730mm wide, and 1,500mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,550mm, and a ground clearance of 140mm. 

In the local market, the Toyota Yaris’ competitors includes the likes of the Volkswagen Santana GTS, Honda City hatchback, Mazda2, Suzuki Swift, etc. 

₱ 973,000 - ₱ 1,114,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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