The Toyota GR Yaris came as a big surprise when it debuted in 2020. It’s far from the most thrilling model in the Toyota lineup, and it’s the last on our list of models we expect to become the basis for a sporty car. However, the automaker was able to build a stunning little performance vehicle that had all the ingredients it needed to become an icon of the future.
The heart of the car is a 1.6 liter three-cylinder engine. It produces 257 horsepower (189 kilowatts) and 266 pound-feet (360 Newton-meters) of torque in Europe. The JDM spec car produced 286 hp (210 kW). Toyota is sending all that power via a six-speed manual to both axles, but an automatic transmission is in development.
37 Photo
The high-powered three-door hatchback isn’t available in America, so US consumers won’t be able to enjoy the runabout. However, Toyota will sell us the larger GR Corolla. It’s a little more powerful than the smaller Yaris, but much more practical with two additional doors and more space between the wheels. The GR Corolla is the same engine as the Yaris, but produces 300 hp (224 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque.
The Corolla may have more power, but a new video from CZ’s Corners YouTube channel shows that the Yaris can have fun without its big brother watching over it. This short video shows how to safely push a small car over its limits at a relatively low speed. Lots of throttle input paired with aggressive use of the handbrake through corners and high-speed entry helps the car slide through turns.
The GR Yaris can sprint to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in under five seconds, and Toyota electronically limits top speed to 143 mph (230 kph). Those aren’t supercar figures, but they’re impressive nonetheless. Despite having an all-wheel-drive system, the sporty Yaris weighs just 2,822 pounds (1,280 kilograms), helping its performance capabilities. It also has two Torsen limited slip differentials, a wider rear track and a lowered roof.
