After much anticipation, Toyota has finally started sales of the spectacular GR Yaris

If we have to thank BMW for continuing to produce jewels on wheels such as the M2, we must also thank Toyota for gifting us a model like the GR Yaris, a car that has improved in every area in its update, even though it was already an almost perfect sports car developed based on the brand’s competition experience.

After the announcement of its development, we eagerly awaited the arrival of the new GR Yaris, and it seemed to take forever until the brand finally unveiled it earlier this year. Now, about five months after its debut, anyone who can afford this piece of toy can finally have one, because Toyota has started sales in Spain.

Let’s first recall, in broad strokes, that the Toyota GR Yaris improves in every aspect to make its driving as sporty, satisfying and efficient as possible. Its spectacular 1,600 cc three-cylinder engine receives a power increase of 15 CV and 30 Nm of torque, now reaching 280 CV and 390 Nm, accompanied by other components to increase its durability. This torque is sent to all four wheels through the six-speed manual gearbox, although if your thing is track driving, you can now optionally fit the new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Its design, besides looking even more aggressive, is focused on improving performance, as seen with the fitting of the new front bumper, which incorporates larger, improved air intakes and ducts to help cool the brake system, while engine cooling is now more effective thanks to the new auxiliary radiator it features. The main radiator now has a steel mesh grille that is easier to repair in case of a track impact and, in versions with an automatic gearbox, an air radiator is also fitted to cool the oil it carries.

Changes have also been made inside, some quite significant, such as improved ergonomics for the driver, whose driving position is now 25 mm lower for a more suitable track posture. The driver will also benefit substantially from the new dashboard design, as the car comes standard with a new digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch screen and configurable modes that display information according to the driving style.

The Toyota GR Yaris is a true beast even in its base RZ trim, featuring equipment such as a Torsen limited-slip differential, GR Circuit suspension, red brake calipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, dark synthetic leather upholstery with grey stitching, Cornering Anti-Collision Assist, Active Emergency Steering Assist and 10 years of online updates.

From this trim level onwards, Toyota lets you configure your GR Yaris according to the main use you plan to give it. If you want to slightly improve its performance, you can fit the Circuit Pack, with new 18-inch forged wheels, plus dark upholstery with contrasting stitching and red seatbelts. With both the RZ trim and the Circuit Pack, the GR Yaris is only available with a manual gearbox.

If, on the other hand, you want your Toyota GR Yaris to be a bit more comfortable, you can opt for the Touring Pack trim, which includes systems such as blind-spot detection, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel and front seats, and a premium JBL audio system with eight speakers. With this trim, Toyota lets you choose the GR Yaris with either a manual or an automatic gearbox.

Combining the Circuit Pack and the Touring Pack gives you the last available trim for the GR Yaris, the Touring Pack Plus. This trim adds the forged 18-inch wheels to the previous package, along with seats upholstered in synthetic leather with red stitching, a colour also used for the seatbelts. With this trim, the GR Yaris is only available with a manual gearbox.

As I was saying, the new Toyota GR Yaris can now be ordered at Spanish dealerships of the Japanese brand, with a price starting from 47,500 euros, which already includes a discount of 2,000 euros from Toyota.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackToyota Yaris9 versions · from 24,550 €