Hold onto your hats, hot hatch fans! Toyota has just unveiled the updated GR Yaris in Japan, and it’s packed with upgrades that will leave anyone drooling. Get ready for more power, enhanced aerodynamics, and an automatic transmission that promises to impress (or will it?).
Engine, Transmission, and Chassis: The Enhanced Heart of the GR Yaris
Toyota didn’t hold back and made changes where it truly counts. The beast’s heart, particularly in the RZ High Performance version, remains the acclaimed 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, now delivering an insane 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s impressive power for such a compact car!
But the real star (or could it be controversial?) is the “enhanced” eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota promises it’s more responsive with quicker shifts, ideal for a sporty drive. Can it deliver the same thrill as the six-speed manual, which is still available for purists? We’ll have to test it to know for sure, but the promise sounds great. Reinforced bolts in the front and rear suspension aim to improve steering response and stability, while revised dampers and “recalibrated” adjustments seek the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
Striking Looks: The New Aero Performance Package for the GR Yaris
If you thought the GR Yaris was already aggressive, Toyota has prepared the Aero Performance Package. Available for the RC and RZ versions in Japan starting this fall, it transforms the car’s appearance with direct inspiration from the racetrack. This is aerodynamic functionality blended with plenty of style.
This package adds components that not only give the car an intimidating look but also optimize airflow. The goal is to keep the car glued to the ground while enhancing cooling. After all, with more power comes the need for more control and efficient cooling systems.
Components of the Aero Performance Package:
- Front spoiler (lip)
- Fender vents
- Ventilated aluminum hood
- Adjustable rear wing
- Ventilated rear bumper
- Optimized fuel tank cover
Safety and Details: What Else Has Changed in the GR Yaris?
Toyota also paid attention to other important details. The Toyota Safety Sense package, featuring driving assistants, is now standard across all versions. Safety is crucial, even in a car focused on driving fun.
Another welcome change, especially for those who enjoy controlled drifting (in appropriate areas, of course!), is the availability of the vertical handbrake in all versions, no longer exclusive to the RC version. In Japan, prices start at ¥3,560,000 (about $25,000) and go up to ¥5,330,000 (around $37,000) for the RZ High Performance version. It remains to be seen when (and if) these beauties will reach other markets.
Price Range (Japan):
| Version | Price (JPY) | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | ¥3,560,000 | $24,793 |
| RZ High Performance | ¥5,330,000 | $37,120 |
Improved Automatic? Did Toyota Get It Right This Time?
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: the automatic transmission in the GR Yaris. We know many enthusiasts are skeptical; after all, a true hot hatch should have a clutch pedal, right? Toyota claims this new eight-speed transmission is much sharper, almost telepathic in shifts during sporty driving. Is this the end of the annoying “delay” and slow shifts that sometimes haunt automatics under extreme use?
The promise of “better shift times” and “improved response” sounds fantastic, but we all know that the visceral connection of a manual transmission is difficult to replicate. On the other hand, a well-tuned automatic can be faster in many situations and more comfortable for everyday driving. Toyota appears to want to cater to both camps, offering both options. Kudos to them!
Frequently Asked Questions About the New GR Yaris
- Did the engine change a lot?
The RZ High Performance version has gained power, reaching 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. - Is the automatic transmission worth it?
Toyota claims it has been significantly improved for sporty driving, but the manual option remains for purists. - Is the Aero package just for looks?
No, it has real aerodynamic function, inspired by race cars to improve downforce and airflow. - When will it arrive in Brazil/Portugal/other countries?
There’s no official confirmation yet about this updated version reaching markets outside of Japan. - What is Toyota Safety Sense?
It’s a suite of driver assistance technologies, like automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts.
With more power, an aggressive look (with the Aero package), and the supposed option of a smarter automatic transmission, the Toyota GR Yaris promises to remain the king of pocket rockets. Let’s hope it makes its way to more markets soon!
So, what do you think about the updates to the Toyota GR Yaris? Does the automatic transmission win you over? Leave your comments below and share with your car-loving friends!
