Award-winning Toyota GR Yaris now even better

Launched in 2021, the Toyota GR Yaris achieved worldwide acclaim for its combination of performance, driver engagement and motorsport-infused pedigree. Having raked in a raft of awards, including multiple car of the year and performance car of the year trophies, across global markets – it became an overnight motoring sensation.
Due to the high demand, production has been increased and a second allocation of GR Yaris units for South Africa (limited numbers) has been announced.

Single grade for enthusiasts

Following market feedback, the lineup has been reduced to a single model, the ‘top-spec’ Rally variant.

As before the Rally model is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential on both the front and rear axle, performance-tuned suspension, revised power-steering assistance and 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels – shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres.

In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the Rally model also boasts combination leather/Alcantara sports seats in the front with enhanced bolstering, leather rear seats, Heads-up Display (HUD), the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety suite and Active Noise Control. Active Noise Control amplifies the engine sound by cancelling out opposing frequencies – adding a vocal soundtrack.

Specification levels

Standard specification includes keyless entry with push start, LED-headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL) and auto function, LED foglamps, heated and power-retractable exterior mirrors, plus rain-sensing wipers. On the inside, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, multi-information display (MID), 12-volt power outlet and a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column deliver on convenience.

A 6-speaker touchscreen audio system is standard on all models, and features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality for smartphones as well as Bluetooth and USB inputs.

New for 2022 is the addition of a reverse camera and rear park distance control (PDC).

Compact powerhouse

The GR Yaris’s engine is a three-cylinder turbocharged unit that benefits from motorsport technologies to maximise performance, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. Displacing 1 618cc, it produces a maximum output of 198kW and 360Nm.

Compact and lightweight, the DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll, ball-bearing turbo and large intercooler to maximise performance. Emphasis was placed on the response of the engine package, while delivering excellent cooling performance. An integrated oil-cooler and high-volume cooling system help maintain engine operating temperatures during enthusiastic driving. Toyota’s D-4S; direct and port-injection system, is utilised for maximum efficiency. Fuel consumption is listed as 7.6l/100km with CO2 emissions registering 172g/km.

The engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels. It features a short and light shift throw, while a motorsport-style clutch provides smooth yet solid engagement.

GR-Four: New all-wheel drive system

The GR Yaris’s performance is supported by a new GR-Four all-wheel drive system designed to optimise drive power to each wheel, while also being simple and lightweight. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling.

The ingenious system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive). This flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD on-demand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential. The GR-Four system is also considerably lighter in weight.

The driver can adjust four-wheel drive performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. In normal mode the base front/rear torque distribution is 60:40; in Sport mode the balance shifts to the rear, with a 30:70 split to achieve a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits; and in Track mode the base setting is 50:50 for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

Performance braking system

The performance braking system features large, 356mm grooved front discs with four-pot callipers, engineered to cope with rigorous demands of high-speed track and special-stage driving with high-level heat capacity. Notably, the front brake discs are larger than those fitted to the GR Supra – a further endorsement of the GR Yaris’s high-performance credentials.

Safety systems

A full suite of active and passive safety features includes ABS, EBD, brake assist (BA), VSC and hill assist control (HAC). A four-wheel tyre pressure monitor system acts as both a safety and performance feature.
The TSS-package adds pre-collision system (PCS), automatic high beam (AHB), lane trace assist and adaptive cruise control.

Model lineup and pricing

Toyota GR Yaris Rally – R 761 200 inclusive of a 9-service/90 000km service plan (intervals set at 10 000km) and 3-year/100 000km warranty. Customers can also purchase a variety of service and/or warranty add-ons at their local dealership.

Toyota offers a comprehensive list of driver training courses via the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driving Academy. Interested parties can obtain more information here

More content can be found on the GR Yaris webpage.

Source: MotorPress