2021 Toyota GR Yaris Officially Launched In Europe As A Rally-Bred AWD Hot Hatch

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2021 Toyota GR Yaris Officially Launched In Europe As A Rally-Bred AWD Hot Hatch
Carscoops

BY MICHAEL KARKAFIRIS |
NOVEMBER 10, 2020

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the new Toyota GR Yaris is one of the most hotly anticipated hot hatches in Europe this year, and probably one of the best things that happened in 2020 altogether.


The time for Toyota Europe to introduce their rally-bred hot hatch in the Old Continent has finally arrived and hopefully, the GR Yaris will prove to be as special in reality as it is on paper.

By now, you must know most of the details: power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 257 HP (261 PS) and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque, sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Toyota’s first original all-wheel-drive system in 20 years. This is the most powerful three-cylinder engine currently in production.

0-62 mph (100 km/h) comes in less than 5.5 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph (230 km/h). The permanent GR-Four AWD offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track, splitting the torque between the axles by 60:40, 30:70, and 50:50, respectively.

Since there isn’t a three-door body for the current Yaris, Toyota had to essentially design and produce one just for the homologation of next year’s WRC car, turning the GR Yaris instantly into a much more special thing, even if its production run won’t be limited to the usual low numbers.

The new GR Yaris largely shares the same underpinnings with the regular Yaris but the rear end is completely bespoke, featuring double wishbones instead of a torsion beam. The roof is lower by 95 mm and made out of carbon polymer while the wings, tailgate, and bonnet are made out of aluminum. The official weight figure is 1,280 kg (2,822 lbs).

Toyota will offer customers the option of the Circuit Pack, which adds performance goodies like front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials in addition to a set of lightweight 18-inch forged alloys shod in Michelin Pilot 4s tires, a retuned suspension, and red-painted brake calipers.

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[VS Ute 5Litre]

Looks a little odd from some angles but pretty hot nonetheless

That rear 3/4 is probably its best angle

[91fairladyZ]

Weird that Toyota is one of the few in this spot. Ford is barely there and GM has been absent for a while now.

[mbukukanyau]

That is a lot of power from a 3 banger

[BlackGTP]

Not a looker to me, but I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun to drive.


That's getting close to $40k in USD. For that price I'd much rather have a pony car and probably exactly why they don't sell cars like this in the USA.

[sdotjeezy]

Looks pretty freaking slick...and w/ AWD, this thing would look bonkers w/ some 9.5-10" wide rear wheels

[BlackGTP]

Who is the customer for cars like these in Europe? They are pricey, meaning something only an older person can afford, but to me they don't look like someone over 25 will be stepping out of.

[VS Ute 5Litre]

I wouldnt call this expensive at all

However straight exchange rates never work when comparing car markets

Different pricing for different markets

Someone mentioned a pony car for the same price but that doesnt work out in the UK market for example this would be 7k pounds cheaper

Thats a lot of coin

[1958carnut]

One thing for sure, it has a well planted look or stance to it, especially from some angles.

[big swede]

The more fun cars to drive and less boring SUV's the better in my book.

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