The Toyota GR Yaris is undeniably a blazing little number on the tarmac, but it might be a little too much to expect the same thrills from its more mainstream derivatives. While the GR moniker promises near-motorsport levels of performance, the relatively mundane GR Sport manages the equivalent of an automotive cosplay by comparison.
The European version of Toyota's Yaris GR Sport uses the same TNGA-B architecture as the GR Yaris
Case in point: Toyota recently launched the Yaris GR Sport in Indonesia, based on the XP150 series marketed in our country. That particular edition brings a full body kit, GR Sport branding, and not much else, retaining the engine and drivetrain of the standard model. Things are a little different in Europe, where the carmaker unveiled another Yaris GR Sport.
Apart from the two additional doors, the European version hews much closer to the performance-oriented GR Yaris, as both models use the XP210 series as the base. While there are still no changes to the powertrain, the dressed-up Euro Yaris benefits from slightly more substantial tweaks.
A new T-shaped diffuser reflects the dress-up hatchback's sporty aspirations
But first, what does this Yaris GR Sport bring to the table in terms of looks? An exclusive Dynamic Grey hue, accompanied by a bi-tone treatment with black accents. The fascia presents a mesh-backed grille wearing the GR badge. There’s a new T-shaped diffuser to evoke athleticism, along with custom 18-inch wheels featuring red accent line segments.
The GR branding motif extends into the cabin, with the seat headrests, engine start button, and instrument panel all peppered with the motorsport division’s logo. Touch points such as the door trim and center console feature gunmetal silver finishing, a GR Sport exclusive. Available Ultrasuede heated seats carry red stitching that’s echoed on the steering wheel and gearshift lever.
All that buildup leads to a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion, as the Yaris GR Sport still relies on the same 1.5-liter engine as the stock version, offered either in standard or hybrid guise. The former comes with an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), while the makes do with a continuously variable transmission.
Save for the GR branding and different interior trim, the cabin is the same as on the standard XP210 Yaris
Some consolation can at least be found. The front shock absorbers are now optimized for increased responsiveness at lower speeds, while the rear springs control wheel lift under acceleration and braking. Updates have been introduced to the power steering mechanism to reduce steering input delay and enhance steering feel, while the Yaris GR Sport’s chassis has been braced to increase rigidity and stability.
The Toyota Yaris GR Sport is expected to hit European showrooms by the first quarter of 2022, with no pricing information available yet. For those who feel they’re not quite ready yet for the GR Yaris Philippines, this might be a more tepid (but no less tempting) alternative.
We cover the latest news on releases big and small at Philkotse.com.
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
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
₱ 2,740,000
Explore
Recent posts
- Toyota GR Yaris hydrogen-powered version Dec 03, 2021
- Toyota Yaris GR Sport Feb 24, 2022
- 2021 Toyota GR Yaris launch Jul 21, 2021
- Toyota GR Yaris dealerships philippines Apr 21, 2021
