Toyota South Africa is proud to announce the arrival of the updated GR Yaris – an exceptional performance vehicle developed with direct input from the World Rally Championship (WRC). Now, for the first time, the GR Yaris is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience.
From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road. Developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing and refined through rigorous testing on some of the most demanding rally stages in the world, the GR Yaris reflects Toyota’s commitment to building ever-better cars through motorsport.
Precision Meets Convenience
One of the most notable enhancements to the updated GR Yaris is the introduction of the all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid, responsive shifting and allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input – particularly in dynamic driving scenarios.
Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris’ transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance-oriented.
This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship. It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards, while maintaining the vehicle’s renowned mechanical reliability and heat resistance – essential for spirited and sustained driving.
World-Class Engineering, Now More Accessible
By introducing the new automatic transmission option, Toyota has made the GR Yaris more accessible to those who seek high-performance motoring without compromising on convenience or control. Whether driven in urban conditions or pushed to its limits on a track, the updated GR Yaris delivers an experience that is both exhilarating and refined.
Enhanced Power and Control
The updated GR Yaris benefits from increased engine output, now producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine – reaffirming its place as a leader in the performance hatchback segment. Paired with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance and agility across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel, or public roads.
Driver-Centric Design
Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places a greater emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance. The vehicle also offers selectable drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use.
GR YARIS PRICING
The GR Yaris is available in Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red. It’s priced at R897 400 (Manual) and R925 300 (Automatic). All models come standard with a 90 000km (9 services) service plan and a 3 year/100 000km warranty.
MyToyota
All Toyota owners can sign up for a personal MyToyota profile. MyToyota is designed by Toyota SA to provide a platform for owners to quickly and conveniently access all information and services related to their vehicle(s). Additionally, all new Toyota vehicles are fitted with a device that opens up a whole new world of features. Simply opt in and you have access to in-car WiFi capability (with a complimentary 25Gb), along with a host of supplementary Connect services.
