Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Pack vs. Ford Fiesta ST Edition | PistonHeads

There wasn't a hot hatch more eagerly anticipated in 2020 than the Toyota GR Yaris. It's lived up to those expectations, too: it looks great, drives brilliantly and - given the performance potential on offer - good value as well.

But that's all been in isolation, so it's time for some competition. And no hot hatch rival comes more formidable than the Fiesta ST, especially in Edition spec with coilover suspension. The Ford is cheaper and much less powerful, undoubtedly, though it's forged quite the reputation over recent years for hot hatch entertainment like no other. So, is the Yaris its equal? Over to Dan...

[jryalls]

The fact that the circuit pack is £4, 000 more than the standard car but the wheels alone are £1, 600 each makes it great value for money.

[kristianhobson]

This is by far the best review of the GR Yaris I’ve seen! Brilliant little car. I own a MK8 fiesta ST and have spent about £450 on an induction kit and a Revo stage 1 remap. The car has gone from 197bhp 290 nm torque to now producing 249bhp and 361nm torque! This has definitely delt with the problem you brought up in the video! Subscribed

[philipc]

Professional car revieewers: like it more playful
Mass majority of drivers on the road: the rear steps out suddenly resulting a massive crash and burn

[achillescarchatter]

Had to re post this comment from my main channel, "Joe Achilles" comments have been made invisible for some reason;
Another brilliant video Dan and Co 👌🏼Personally love the Yaris, but this makes a VERY good case for the Fiesta, especially when you can pick up a 12 month old delivery millage ST for half the money of a base GR.... Happy New Year and look forward to more content in 2021!

[Freddanrocco]

I had the ST200 with some good tires on it and now I have the GR Yaris Circuit Pack. They are really not comparable. The Fiesta is fun in the way that it feels faster than it is and the lift off oversteer is great. The Yaris is as playful. You just need to go 30% faster. Unbelievable in the wet!

[zonda]

I’m sure that if you put the GR in the sports setting with 70/30 rear You would have just as much fun or even more then the Ford!

[trundle_bliss]

Fab - I'm so glad the Yaris exists: We need more petrol head obsessed car CEO's to produce crazy things for us to enjoy.

But as a Fiesta ST fanboy (I adore my 2016 model) - I whooped for joy when I saw Prossers big grin 2 seconds into the ST part of the video. How can a Fiesta be this much fun!

[davidkelly]

What a fantastic review. This is exactly how these cars will be used. No silly launch control and willy waving. Captured the detail and feeling of both cars. Well executed 👍

[bozzy-]

The rear view mirror on the GR Yaris is double hinged and can adjust out of your eyeline if it's in the way.

[DethThrasher]

surprised at the lack of driving mode talk and going through the different modes

[chirpywiggins]

I had a 2015 Mini JCW which was rapid and good on back roads but traded for a new ST with the Performance pack and I can tell you that despite losing 30hp in the process the Fiesta kicks its ass on a back road for handling and fun !!

[vphotoworks]

Great review but why not change the drive mode on the Yaris to get it a bit more playful?

[Petrolheadd-uu]

If you like the yaris people give it a thumbs-up 👍

[Lemming]

Had an ST3 for over a year now, Love it. One of the most fun cars I've driven.

[skudaaron]

This guy has stepped up since his first Evo Magazine review. Way better. I watched it it the end. Great review and well done.

[Zsword]

Chris Martin has a real knack for car reviews!

[tomplester]

Great review. Nice to see someone review these cars who is a keen driver and knows what they are talking about. Also great to see a review on the road in real world situations, rather than on a track.

[MiggyMndza]

Have you actually messed with the GR Yaris' drive modes? You can set the power distribution to 50-50 or 60-40 or even 70-30 afaik. I think you kinda missed the chance to really have "fun" with the GR Yaris.

[SrchangwaytogoC]

Dude with the playfulness, it is a car derived from rally series! If it is pinned to the road it is freakin' perfection

[DreamCarGarage]

When exactly did we move away from an Evo or WRX type plantedness to the road as a benchmark of true handling to this obsession the auto journalists have of defining a car as having 'good handling' if the back wheels can easily lose traction and slide the rear end out. Apart from people on car shows, no regular person in real life is seriously looking for that quality from a car. The more wheels firmly planted to the road the better in my book.