NEW Toyota GR Yaris: DRAG RACE & review!

Say hello to the all-new Toyota GR Yaris!

Well, we say all new - it’s actually just a mid-life facelift. However, there are so many changes that we think it may as well be an all-new car!

So let’s take a look around and see what’s different. For starters, there are several changes to the exterior. There’s an all-new bumper at the front of the car, with both the shape and design different to the previous version. There are also new vents flanking either side of it. Along the side, you get the same sloping roofline, and around the back, there’s a revised spoiler, while the fake diffuser has also been removed. The car is now also available in a new grey colour.
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Step inside and the changes are a lot more noticeable, with the entire dash having had an overhaul! The analogue dials have been replaced with digital ones, now allowing the driver to see more information on the screen. The infotainment screen has also been lowered and repositioned to now face the driver, which not only makes it easier to use but also improves visibility! Driving mode and stability control buttons have been moved up on the centre console so they’re easier to access, and the seats up front have also been slightly lowered.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine as before. However, the power output has been increased, with 261hp rising to 280hp, and 360Nm bumped up to 390Nm.

But that’s not all, the GR Yaris is no longer available with only manual transmission - you can now also get one as an automatic!

The question is, are all the changes enough to convince Mat to sell his Gen One GR and swap it for the all-new edition? You’ll need to watch this video and find out for yourself!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:48 Design
02:15 Interior
05:35 Back Seats
05:46 Boot
06:12 Old GR - Drive
08:04 Chief Engineer Chat
12:57 Engine
13:24 New GR - Manual Drive
16:41 Auto Transmission
20:56 New GR - Auto Drive
22:24 Old v New DRAG RACE
23:23 Old v New 0-60mph & 1/4-mile
26:02 Verdict

[FullTimeGT]

Chairman push the car to its limits, break it, improve it, replay. Respect to Toyota. It's all about passion. Wish other major brands could learn from that.

[mehVhem]

Absolutely love the way they put the broken pieces on the table, so much respect to Toyota for being willing to do that !

[ericvermeulen]

As a current GR Yaris owner, i find it amazing that Toyota is actually listening to their customers and the boss that destroys them for the sake of improvement 😀😀

[GamerGius]

The chief engeneer is so cool, he came here to argentina, to a car meet, and asked the actual yaris gr owners what they like, what they dont, what would they change, if they tested the car on track, etc. You can see how he is really involved with the project and wants to make a fun car (not really common these days).
Big respect for him

[kamata]

Man making the front bumper in three sections to reduce cost and make life easy…. Give the people who came up with this and approved it a medal!

[MdAminulIslam-unpi]

Imagine breaking your car engine to find limitations, The level of dedication of Toyota for customers is beyond imagination. Respect.

[Reder]

Nice to see Toyota executives are drivers, and actually working to help improve their cars. Seems like great upgrades for the new gen.

[cristiancristi]

I love it when a manufacturer makes changes "BECAUSE IT IS BETTER" instead of "BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER to make"
Well done Toyota

[krrk]

I love how Toyota's making the antithesis to Tesla design's philosophy (besides from EV) . Ergonomics driven, makes it tougher, easier to fix, cares for the customers, even if it more difficult for them to do the mass production.

[longlowdog]

Saito San is the humblest expert out there. With his abilities he could be sat on a cloud but his feet are still firmly on the ground. His sense of humour is evident and his laughter is very genuine. I'm pleased there are still men like him in the motor industry when bean counters and lawyers are usually dictating the final product. You have my bow Saito San.

[ilmangiamandragole]

The fact that they did such good improvements and that they listen to their costumers, make them such an amazing company and car manufaturer. If I had the money it would be the first car I would buy in my life

[carsaregood]

I never thought this car would get an update but it did, Toyota is incredible

[robertarmstrong]

This is just incredible- So much respect for what Toyota are doing at the moment . A GR revolution

[josephkelly]

What an amazing manufacturer, to actually show a table of failures to show they are always improving, kaizen started at Toyota and they are still the masters. Thank you Toyota, your customers appreciate all your innovation and dedication.

[SerbanTV]

Wow, these guys actually listen to customers and iterate faster. Much respect to Toyota Racing team. I would buy the face lift in an instant.

[TheBlueCreeper-]

Morizo might be the coolest CEO of any car brand right now. Dude is just out there testing the sh*t out of the cars himself knowing damn well that one wrong move and he could get seriously hurt or worse, but he still does it bcs he's genuinely passionate about driving and he wants his cars to be the best they can be.
Toyota got blessed when he stepped in.

[johnnyresistance]

Mat: 'I'm going to lift the auto box and hurt myself'
Polite Toyota Engineer: 'Please no Mat'

[spicysugar]

The new dash is awesome. At first glance it feels very old school retro feeling, but then knowing that it’s designed for driver focus and mimicking actual rally car dash, now it feels super hardcore!
Also I like how Saito san explain the reason they build automatic transmission is to let “people like me” who only has automatic license to enjoy the fun. This completely speaks to my mind ❤
Thanks you carwow for this interview!

[bcrlxi]

The changes they've made are insane!! And the fact they want to make a great car even better is pretty cool

[siraff]

I love that.
"Here are all the parts we managed to break by hammering it mercilessly for ages - now we made them even better".
That says a lot. Impressive they are happy to show what others would cover up.