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.
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.
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
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.
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.