The Toyota Yaris was born out of a passion for rallying from none other than CEO Akio Toyoda. A small, highly potent three door, it has been brought to market with the assistance of the company’s Gazoo Racing division.
I reported some time ago on the automatic version of the GR Yaris, but recently the opportunity came to get behind the wheel of a manual version; which accounts for the bulk of sales. Designed primarily to meet homologation rules of the World Rally Championship, this four wheel drive from Toyota has certainly scored to great effect in the global rally series. Many manufacturers have used the words hot hatch to describe their small sporty hatchback offerings. In some cases it’s justified, while others fall well short.The GR Yaris, however, certainly fits the bill and a friend has described it as a rally car for the road; it’s certainly not one for the faint hearted. Should you desire a rush of adrenaline, just take the wheel of one, you will not be disappointed.
The GR Yaris was all down to Toyota and Gazoo Racing, unlike the 86 which was a joint venture with Subaru and the GR Supra, which was a joint effort with BMW. The brief was to produce a car capable of winning the World Rally Championship, but also one for everyday driving, and a former four time winner of the World Rally Championship Tommi Makinen was a key member of the team. Since its first appearance in 2020, the GR Yaris has scored on both accounts and is highly sought after by private buyers. The heart of the car, a new engine, a new electronic all-wheel drive system and a tailor-made chassis were all part of the plan. Power aplenty from the turbocharged three cylinder engine increased to 276bhp and torque to 390Nm. Looking at performance, rest to 100kph (62mph) takes just 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 230kph (143mph). Testing was to breaking point in race and rally competition to ensure durability and the reward is an outstanding package; its success has even astounded Toyota.
With the six speed manual version, changes to the transmission’s clutch system and a new dual mass flywheel means it can accommodate the increase in maximum torque to 390Nm. The clutch characteristics have been tuned for controllable performance when making a rapid start and in competition driving and clutch pedal operation has been adjusted with the peak pressing force set relatively high to achieve the kind of feedback that is appropriate for a sports car. If you have ever been lucky enough to drive a competition car, that is the feel that is transmitted when you drive this version of the GR Yaris; desire a smoother drive than go for the automatic version; you will not be disappointed which ever you might select. High levels of grip and traction are achieved with the GR-FOUR electronically controlled, permanent all-wheel drive system with the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling, while two Torsion limited-slip differentials manage the split between the left and right-side wheels to give natural and direct car control. Increased body rigidity delivers even better chassis and steering response. The purpose-designed chassis combines elements of the company’s GA-B and GA-C platforms and the suspension has been strengthened to enhance performance under high loads. The steering is engineered for high control and linear feedback, contributing to how you feel delivering a great sense of connection to the car, and to the road. The steering stroke ratio is 13.6:1 and the steering wheel takes 2.36 turns lock to lock. Eighteen inch BBS alloy wheel with a ten spoke design, shod with Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres aid road holding in no small way.
The cockpit is another key area and with the aid of competition drivers was redesigned with key controls repositioned for quick, intuitive operation. The driver’s field of vision from the wheel has been improved by lowering 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 is a 12.3 inch fully digital combimeter with two layout modes, normal and sport, the latter providing a sports performance-focused data display and the design is free of any superfluous ornamentation, so graphics are clear and information can be instantly viewed and understood.
Summing up, the GR Yaris let it be the automatic or manual version is the real thing; for me I would have to favour the automatic version.
Ian Lynas
Categories