THE VERY SPORTY TOYOTA GR Yaris certainly gained attention when it was released and about the only downside was limited supply.
Now there’s an even more desirable model heading for showrooms.
Building on the proven credentials of the 200kW GR Yaris three-door hatch, the new Rallye edition introduces lightweight components and performance parts, specifically designed for drivers who want to experience a higher level of performance.
Key upgrades include circuit-tuned GR suspension, Torsen limited-slip differentials on the front and rear axles, an ultra-light high-performance wheel-and-tyre package, and improved front brake ducting to improve cooling.
The GR Yaris Rallye exterior is distinguished by bespoke Frosted White crystal pearl paint and bright red brake callipers bearing the Toyota Gazoo Racing logo.
Inside, the Rallye supports enthusiastic driving with synthetic leather-accented sports front seats that feature large bolsters, red stitching and perforated Ultrasuede inserts.
A uniquely numbered GR Yaris Rallye plaque adorns the centre console with an additional Rallye badge on the rear hatch.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the GR Yaris Rallye is a potent demonstration that motorsport is at the heart of the GR brand.
“GR Yaris has delighted enthusiasts since its launch last year as a road-going sports car developed from Toyota’s championship-winning World Rally experience,” Mr Hanley said.
“Now, GR Yaris Rallye dials up the focus on performance, delivering even sharper response and more precise handling, agility, stability and control due to its optimum torque distribution, stiffer suspension and prodigious grip.
“In fact, GR Yaris Rallye is almost the closest you can get to the Yaris World Rally Car without joining our World Rally team.”
The two Torsen limited-slip differentials on the GR Yaris Rallye control torque distribution between the left and right wheels to deliver natural and direct car control with enhanced stability, cornering performance and grip.
To further improve handling and traction, the GR Yaris Rallye is equipped with lightweight, high-strength 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design.
They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance 225/40ZR18 tyres, designed for extra grip, stability and control during high-speed driving.
The front MacPherson strut suspension from the GR Yaris has been upgraded with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars to realise the new model’s full performance potential.
Delivering exceptional performance, the GR Yaris Rallye is powered by the same 200kW/370Nm 1.6-litre single-scroll turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the GR Yaris, propelling the car from standstill to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
GR Yaris Rallye achieves high-performance efficiency with a stop-start system helping it meet Euro 6 standards, returning combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 172 grams/km.
All that power is delivered to all four wheels through the clever GR-FOUR all-wheel drive (AWD) system via a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox (iMT) with rev-matching on up and down shifts.
GR-FOUR AWD is designed to optimise torque through a high-response coupling and an electronically controlled multiplate clutch located ahead of the rear differential.
It features three driver-selectable modes – Normal, Track and Sport – that apportion different ratios of front and rear drive according to the mode selected with maximum 60/40, 30/70 and 50/50 splits respectively.
GR Yaris Rallye features the same three-door body shell as the standard GR Yaris with its purposeful design and lightweight architecture including a carbon-fibre roof and aluminium panels for the doors, bonnet and tailgate.
The sculpted, aerodynamically-designed, lightweight body parts along with several weight-saving mechanical parts ensure the car achieves a kerb weight of just 1280kg.
GR Yaris Rallye features the latest Toyota Safety Sense technologies including a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, intersection assistance, high-speed adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist and road-sign assist.
Other safety features include ventilated disc brakes, emergency steering assist, auto high beam, blind spot monitor, head-up display, reversing camera and six airbags.
The driver-focused cabin is fitted with a small-diameter leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip controls, leather-wrapped short-throw gear shifter and handbrake, and aluminium pedals.
Large speedo and tacho dials sit either side of a 4.2-inch multi information display that offers an array of details including turbo pressure and gear-shift indicators.
The adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering column contribute to an ideal seating position.
Two rear seats feature ISOFIX anchor points and are split 60/40- to expand the 141-litre luggage space to a maximum 737 litres when the seats are folded.
Standard premium equipment includes dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, smart entry and start, 8-speaker JBL audio, an advanced multimedia system and a 7-inch touchscreen display.
GR Yaris Rallye is covered by the five-year Toyota Warranty Advantage, seven-year Toyota Warranty Advantage Extended Engine and Driveline, and capped-price servicing for the first six services within a 6-month/10,000km interval at $260 each.
Meanwhile, Toyota has reported more than 2200 orders for both the GR Yaris and GR Yaris Rallye. They expect more than 2000 to be filled by the end of 2021, with the balance arriving in early 2022.
GR Yaris Rallye pricing
Recommended driveaway price (for first 200 vehicles sold) is $56,200. After that, the price will revert to $54,500 (plus on road costs).
Once we have tested and assessed the new Toyota GR Yaris and GR Yaris Rallye, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.