ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW TOYOTA YARIS GR SPORT

Ten Million cars and counting, the success story for the Toyota Yaris, designed and built in Europe; a hugely popular small hatchback which has developed to meet the needs of a variety of customers.

Headlining the range is the rally bred GR; a baby supercar if ever there was one, and  now Toyota has added to the GR family with a Sport version. This is a clever move by the giant Japanese carmaker, not only does it further broaden the appeal of the Yaris, which is perhaps aimed at the young set and, may I add, the young at heart!  I have always enjoyed a small sporty hatchback, one that I can associate to my first love, that of motorsport. I recall wishing and hoping to own a Mini Cooper or S; but one thing got in the way like a road block, the high cost of insurance, so I settled for a Mini 1275 GT, a car probably best forgotten. With the new Yaris GR Sport, insurance should be a lot easier to obtain, especially for the young driver.

The GR Sport arrives on the scene in company with an uprated range and it is has 129bhp to work with; fifty percent less than big brother, the GR. After having spent some time behind the wheel of the Sport and recalling my days spent with the full blown GR I was having every bit as much fun. Just like the GR, the Sport does attract attention. Powering the GR and the special Premiere Edition is the 1.5 litre full hybrid electric system which delivers leading fuel and emissions efficiency and its ability to go further and for longer in an all-electric EV mode. I must point out that different markets use different names/grades. The key change is the introduction of a new hybrid transaxle with a more powerful electric motor-generator (output up from 59kW to 62kW), together with adjustments to the software and hardware in the power control unit. The result is a 12 per cent uplift in total system output, from 114bhp (116 DIN bhp/85kW) to 129bhp (130 DIN bhp/96kW) and maximum torque from the MG2 electric motor is increased by 30 per cent, from 141Nm to 185Nm, available across the entire rev range. This delivers faster acceleration, half a second quicker to bring the 0-100kph (62mph) benchmark down to 9.2 seconds and most welcome more rapid performance at overtaking speeds, with 80-120kph (50-75mph) accomplished in 7.5 seconds. This engine is from the same TNGA family as the two litre four-cylinder unit featured in the Corolla. Worthy of note is the fact that the rest of the Yaris range will have basically the same engine with 114bhp. I did have the opportunity to try it also, and I have no doubt that it will be choice of the majority of buyers.

With the new range comes an improved user experience with digital technology, extending from driver information to on-board entertainment and connectivity and even access to the vehicle. Depending on the grade chosen, a seven or 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument display is fitted, with sharply defined full colour graphics that are easy to read in all lighting conditions. The 12.3 inch version on the GR Sport can be customised to suit the driver’s preference for information content and presentation style. With no fewer than twelve display pattern options, with left, centre, and right-side multi-information displays. The central multi-information display is dedicated to the most frequently used information, such as advanced safety system status, settings, and driver alerts, while the left and right displays details such as journey information, fuel consumption, audio and navigation details. Widgets can also be added to the left and right displays to access more information. Those who enjoy in car technology will really appreciate what Toyota has done.

Returning to the GR Sport, it manages to deliver styling that captures the spirit of Toyota’s multiple World Championship-winning motorsport operation, Toyota Gazoo Racing. You get exclusive 18 inch machined alloys with highlighting red deco lines, front sport seats with red upholstery and trim stitching, sports pedals, perforated leather steering wheel trim and GR badging on the seats, starter button and steering wheel. The Dynamic Grey exterior colour is also exclusive to the grade with GR Sport badges on the front and rear of the car, as well as G-shaped front grille motif for a standout look. It’s no surprise Toyota has alos given its new Yaris range quite a palette of safety and security features. Behind the wheel of the GR Sport and I can promise you I managed a broad smile; this little rally lookalike gives a firmish ride, comfy even for its small dimensions, has good steering feel and handles in a confident manner.

Summing up them this os  another winner from Toyota, who can seem to do no wrong with their Yaris line-up. Often I am asked to the origin of the name a car manufacturer selects for a new car; in this case, Yaris is derived from Charis, the singular form of Charites the Greek goddesses of charm and beauty.

Ian Lynas