One of the most exciting cars, from an enthusiast’s perspective, to be introduced this year is a little hatchback from Japan. Fans of performance motoring have been awaiting the rally-bred Yaris for months. Earlier today Toyota GR Yaris SA pricing was announced via the company’s website. Toyota SA confirms 200 units are initially destined for our market with more on the cards should there be an overwhelming response from buyers.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

Order from our online store and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

Race-bred

The Toyota GR Yaris was born out of lessons learned on the rally tracks of the World Rally Championship (WRC). In fact, the car was created to be the basis of the next-gen rally contender until a rule change within the series precluded it. Thankfully, this didn’t stop Toyota from producing a car that has received rave reviews from all and sundry.

Check out the SA hot hatch class of 2021 at this link.

Turbocharged all-wheel-drive

The GR Yaris marks the first official introduction of a turbocharged, four-wheel-drive Toyota sports model on South African soil. Under that short bonnet is a 1,6-litre in-line three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine. The best part, for those who enjoy the three-pedal tap dance, is that the engine is mated solely with a six-speed manual transmission.

Read our review of the GRMN Yaris, the GR Yaris’ predecessor.

Peak power from the little engine is rated at a whopping 200 kW along with 370 N.m of torque. Toyota says it will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5,5 seconds and that it has a top speed of 230 km/h. Neither of those stats are vitally important in a car that was designed to tackle corners at maximum pace.

A German company is creating an electric homage to the Audi Sport Quattrro, more here.

Two flavours

There are two derivatives for potential buyers to choose from. There is a ‘regular’ GR Yaris and a slightly more focused GR Yaris Rally version. The latter has the same powertrain but a few choice ingredients for even better dynamics. Among the upgrades are forged alloys wrapped in stickier rubber, limited slip differentials front and rear, retuned suspension and red painted calipers. There are some trim difference on the interior as well, such as different upholstery on the seats, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a heads-up display, which are all standard on the more expensive version.

Toyota GR Yaris SA Pricing

GR Yaris: R606 600

GR Yaris Rally: R715 600