Toyota is readying to launch an all-new GR Yaris - and here it is in all its glory!
The GR Yaris is Toyota’s all-conquering hot hatch, first launched back in 2020 and which was promptly named ‘UK Car of the Year’ a year later in 2021.
Now the track-devouring supermini is set for a major refresh, with Toyota promising ‘significant enhancements’ for its ‘motorsport-bred high-performance hatchback’.
Let’s get the headline stats out of the way first.
The new Toyota GR Yaris, which will get a full launch in the summer of 2024, has been handed power of 280 hp and 390 Nm of torque; which is an extra 20 hp and an additional 30 Nm compared with the outgoing model.
As before, that considerable oomph comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Toyota isn’t revealing 0-62mph acceleration times just yet, but you can expect an improvement on the current 5.5 seconds.
The GR Yaris’ body rigidity has been improved and the suspension strengthened, making it even gnarlier on the race circuit.
Full-time ‘GR-FOUR‘ all-wheel drive remains the order of the day - as is the case with the existing GR Yaris - but Toyota has added new ‘Sport’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Eco’ selectable drive modes for added versatility in everyday use. There’s also a new eight-speed ‘Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission’, engineered for competition-fast gear changes.
Meanwhile Toyota has also tweaked the styling both inside and out, with the biggest changes seen at the front, where the GR Yaris gets an aggressive new grille with gaping air intakes. (Existing model, below, for comparison purposes!)
Here in the UK, the GR Yaris will be available in just one trim - the ‘Circuit’ specification - which includes a cooling performance pack with an additional radiator, intercooler spray and modified air intake.
Inside the cabin, lease customers will enjoy a new ‘competition-inspired driver’s cockpit’, says Toyota.
Controls that often need to be used in competition driving - such as intercooler spray, the 'VSC-OFF' button, and hazard lights - have been moved closer to the driver so they can be reached quickly and easily when using a racing harness. On the passenger side, the tray in the instrument panel has been made larger so there is space for extra meters or a co-driver’s monitor to be fitted.
The driver’s field of vision from the wheel has been improved by dropping the top edge of the instrument panel by 50mm, changing the position of the rear-view mirror and angling the control panel 15 degrees further towards the driver. There’s a new 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter with two layout modes – ‘normal’ and ‘sport’.
And the driver’s seat has also been lowered by 25mm - and the steering wheel adjusted accordingly - for an even more engaging ride.
A Toyota spokesperson tells us: “The GR Yaris met with such praise and enthusiasm on its launch, Toyota might have considered its work was done. Here was a car that at a stroke stormed to the top of the hot-hatch segment, a rally-born, thoroughbred machine that left all competitors in its wake. Think again: this was in fact just the start of the story. In the three years since the first car came off the line, intensive efforts have been invested in making it even better: more powerful, more responsive, more engaging and – believe it – more rewarding to drive.”
You can lease the current Toyota GR Yaris with Select Car Leasing from £426 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 15/01/24.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- SEAT Ibiza turns 40
- Kia joins forces with Uber to get more drivers in EVs
- First look at last-ever petrol VW Golf GTI
- SsangYong's high-tech future starts with a new brand name — KGM
- Honda debuts striking ‘0 Series’ concepts
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why
