Two years after its debut in 2020, Toyota has given the Japanese-spec GR Yaris a performance update. It is now capable of making 390 Nm of torque, which is 20 Nm more than the previous output of the 1.6-liter turbo inline-3 engine powering the Japanese market model.
The Japanese-spec Toyota GR Yaris
As to how the additional torque was achieved, this was done by releasing the GR Yaris Performance 2.0 Software. But while its torque output was improved via the software update, the Japanese GR Yaris still retains its 268-horsepower rating.
Peak torque with the new software is also achieved within the same torque range before the upgrade. Specifically, the enhanced 1.6-liter engine’s 390 Nm of twisting force is still squeezed out from 3,200 rpm to 4,000 rpm.
What’s great about this particular update is that current owners of the Toyota-made hatch can actually install the said software on their units. But to do so, one has to fork out the equivalent of around Php 58,500 at current exchange rates. This sounds a bit expensive, but gaining 20 Nm from that amount might be worth it for those who are serious about performance.
For an extra Php 5,600 (again at current exchange rates), one can also acquire the aid of “specially trained GR consultants.” These folks will then help you tune your GR Yaris’ all-wheel-drive system, steering system, and accelerator.
This is likely needed since the additional 20 Nm of torque will have a noticeable impact on the car. But if one wants, a tune can also be personalized to suit your preferred driving style.
The update primarily concerns performance, and the interior of the GR Yaris in Japan remains unchanged
As we’ve mentioned above, the software update was released for the Japanese-spec Toyota GR Yaris. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) in turn, is yet to mention anything about bringing it in for the local market.
Do remember also that the Philippine-spec GR Yaris can currently make up to 257 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. That’s slightly less even than the pre-updated Japanese-spec GR Yaris.
The new output figures for the Japanese-spec GR Yaris also puts it on par with the special edition GRMN Yaris which could also make 390 Nm of torque. Figuratively, this does leave our version of the GR Yaris in the dust when performance is concerned.
But in the case that TMP does bring in this new software update for the GR Yaris, will current owners fork out additional dough on top of the costs of their rally-bred rides?
For more car industry updates and the latest car releases, keep it here on the Philippine’s largest automotive portal.
Know more about Toyota GR Yaris 2024
The Toyota GR Yaris Philippines is a subcompact hatchback belonging to the hot hatch or sports compact category. It is offered in the Philippines with one variant only which is priced at Php 2,940,000. Powering this Japanese hot hatch is a 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged inline-3 gasoline engine that is capable of generating 257 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful commercially available three-cylinder engine to date. Only a 6-speed manual is the sole transmission option with an all-wheel-drive system.
Dimensions-wise, the GR Yaris comes with a length of 3,995 mm, a width of 1,805 mm, and a height of 1,455 mm, including ground clearance and wheelbase rated at 124 mm and 2,560 mm, respectively. Locally, Gazoo Racing's hot hatch is competing against the Honda Civic Type R.
Toyota GR Yaris Launch
The XP210 Yaris was initially introduced in 2019 via a simultaneous launch event in Japan and the Netherlands, eventually going on sale in Japan in 2020. The performance-oriented GR Yaris was then unveiled at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon and has already been available in several markets including the UK. Recently, Toyota Motor Philippines announced that the GR Yaris will also be sold locally starting August 14, 2021.
Toyota GR Yaris Exterior
As a sporty model, the GR Yaris sports functional design elements. The large grille is meant to provide optimal cooling, and the car also gets a carbon fiber roof to ensure a lower center of gravity. It also comes standard with a set of 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. For visibility, it comes standard with a pair of 3-tier LED headlamps, LED taillights, and front foglamps.
Toyota GR Yaris Interior
On paper, the GR Yaris can fit up to five occupants. The front seats are clad in a combination of leather and suede, whereas the rear seats are covered in leather. As expected, the front seats of the car get a lot of bolstering.
To keep its occupants cool, the model also comes standard with an automatic climate control system. The driver also has access to a hand-operated parking brake, tilt-and-telescopic multi-function steering, and a leather-wrapped gear shift lever.
Technology & Safety Features
Dominating the dash is a touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In terms of safety, the model also comes with standard features you’d expect on many roadgoing cars. It has anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, six airbags, stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist, among others.
In addition, the GR Yaris also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist suite. This kit includes automatic high beams, lane trace assist, and a pre-collision collision system.
Platform & Chassis
As mentioned, the GR Yaris is based on the XP210 series Yaris that’s available in other markets. To be more specific, however, this hot hatch uses a modified version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The front half of the car uses the TNGA GA-B, while the rear comprises the TNGA GA-C. This spliced TNGA chassis was decided upon by Toyota and Gazoo Racing, in order to accommodate the GR-Four 4WD system.
Suspension-wise, it also differs from the regular XP210 Yaris in that the GR Yaris has a beefier double wishbone suspension layout. The latter is also much lighter due to its aluminum hood, trunk lid, and door panels. And lastly, it also has a front and rear torsen limited-slip differential.
Toyota GR Yaris Engine
Under the hood of the GR Yaris is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-3 DOHC gasoline engine, capable of up to 257 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission, which sends power to all of its wheels via the GR-Four 4WD system.
The only car that can be compared to the Toyota GR Yaris in the Philippines is the Honda Civic Type R. Toyota's hot hatch offers AWD, while Honda's model is designed with a front-wheel-drive system.
Available colors for the Toyota GR Yaris Philippines are Super White II, Emotional Red. and Precious Black.
Toyota GR Yaris Pros & Cons
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