The New Toyota GR Yaris 2024: Rally Royalty Rules the Streets – A Review
The Toyota GR Yaris isn’t just another hot hatch. It’s a homologation beast birthed from the fires of the World Rally Championship. With its aggressive looks, potent powertrain, and playful handling, it throws down the gauntlet in the compact performance arena. But does it reign supreme?
Rally-Bred Design with Street Cred:
The Toyota GR Yaris is a head-turner. Its wide arches, bulging hood, and massive rear wing scream “performance” even when parked. The carbon fiber roof and lightweight construction hint at its motorsport DNA. Inside, the cabin retains the Yaris’ basic layout but adds sporty touches like suede-clad seats and a chunky steering wheel. While not luxurious, it’s functional and focused on the driving experience.
Compact Fury Under the Hood:
Don’t underestimate the GR Yaris’ heart. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine punches out 261 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, propelling this lightweight hot hatch to 62 mph in a blistering 5.5 seconds. The punchy engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive, delivers driving thrills like few others. Every tap of the throttle throws you back in your seat, and the sharp handling allows you to carve corners with precision.
Facing the Performance Pack:
But the GR Yaris isn’t alone in the performance arena. Here’s a look at its worthy competitors:
- Ford Fiesta ST: A playful and affordable rival with a punchy 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder and a slick-shifting manual gearbox. While not as powerful as the Yaris, its playful handling and lower price tag might lure some buyers.
- Hyundai i30 N: Offers stunning performance with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The i30 N boasts superior refinement and technology, but lacks the raw, rally-bred feel of the GR Yaris.
- Volkswagen Golf R: The established king of hot hatches in Europe, the Golf R packs a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. While offering superb performance and technology, it’s larger and less playful than the GR Yaris.
The Verdict: A Raw Gem for Driving Purists:
The Toyota GR Yaris is a niche offering, a raw and thrilling hot hatch designed for driving purists. Its potent engine, sharp handling, and rally-bred pedigree make it a blast on the open road. However, its cramped interior, lack of refinement, and high price tag might deter some buyers. Compared to its rivals, the GR Yaris shines in its pure driving experience and unique heritage, but falls short in terms of everyday usability and technology.
Ultimately, the GR Yaris is a love letter to performance enthusiasts. It’s not for everyone, but for those seeking a visceral, rally-inspired driving experience, it’s a dream come true. So, if you crave raw power, playful handling, and a car with a true motorsport pedigree, the GR Yaris is waiting to unleash your inner rally driver.
