Toyota GR Yaris Now More Potent Than Ever – With Automatic Option
Toyota South Africa has introduced the updated and more powerful GR Yaris, and for the first time ever, it’s available locally with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission. This exciting addition brings motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience.
Aggressive Design, Enhanced Features
The exterior of the GR Yaris remains as menacing as ever. It features a roof lowered by 91mm, a revised lower grille and front bumper, revised taillights, striking 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer roof for improved weight distribution and handling. Buyers can choose from a bold range of colours: Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black, and Fierce Red.
Driver-Focused Interior
Inside the cabin, updates focus on driver ergonomics and overall control. The new seating position offers better visibility and command of the road, while key features include:
A redesigned 12.3-inch digital infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
● Heads-up display
● Reverse camera
● A Type-C USB port
● Enhanced audio
● A revamped 4.2-inch full-colour TFT multi-information display
Toyota has repositioned several controls, inspired by rally cars, to make the cockpit feel even more performance-oriented. You also get Adaptive High-Speed Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts throttle inputs as needed. Drivers can select between three driving modes—Sport, Normal, and Eco—each adapting the throttle, steering, and transmission responsiveness.
Advanced Safety and Drive Support
For those opting for the automatic variant, a suite of driver assistance features is included:
● Lane Trace Assist
● Vehicle Stability Control
● ABS with Hill Assist Control
● Intelligent Clearance Sonar
● Front and Rear Park Distance Control
● Active Noise Control (Available in the automatic variant)
These systems enhance both safety and comfort, particularly in daily driving or urban conditions.
More Power Under the Hood
The updated GR Yaris receives a power bump, now delivering 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine—up from the previous 198kW and 390Nm. This results in a 0–100km/h time of just 5.5 seconds, making it a serious contender in the hot hatch segment.
Rally-Inspired Engineering
The GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal grip, balance, and agility whether you’re on tarmac, gravel, or twisty backroads. The addition of the all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission offers lightning-fast gear changes, thanks to predictive software that learns your driving style and adjusts accordingly. Unlike traditional automatics, this gearbox prioritises performance and responsiveness, giving you more control during spirited driving.
Pricing (South Africa)
● GR Yaris Manual – R897,400
● GR Yaris Automatic – R925,300
Each model includes a 90,000km service plan (9 services) and a 3-year/100,000km warranty.