By Malusi Msomi

Toyota South Africa has announced the arrival of the updated GR Yaris, now available with an automatic transmission for the first time. Developed with input from the World Rally Championship (WRC), the latest iteration of the GR Yaris brings motorsport-inspired performance to a broader audience.

Rally DNA

The GR Yaris was originally designed as a rally car for the road, developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing. The updated model continues this legacy, having been tested on demanding rally stages to refine both performance and durability.

New Gazoo Racing direct automatic transmission

A key update is the introduction of an all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This advanced system is engineered for fast, responsive gear shifts, enabling the driver to focus on steering and throttle control, especially during dynamic driving.

Unlike traditional automatics, this transmission incorporates predictive software that adjusts gear changes based on driving behaviour. Toyota says the result is a shifting experience that is both intuitive and performance-oriented. The system has been rigorously tested in competitive rally events such as the Japan Rally Championship, to ensure high-speed shift performance and long-term reliability under demanding conditions.

Enhanced engine performance

The updated GR Yaris now produces 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This power increase reinforces its position in the high-performance hatchback category. Combined with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle delivers strong grip and handling across multiple driving surfaces including gravel, track, and regular roads.

Improved driver-focused Interior

Interior updates include a redesigned seating position for improved ergonomics, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and rally-inspired repositioned controls. The cockpit is designed to enhance control and driver feedback. The updated GR Yaris also features selectable drive modes—Sport, Normal, and Eco—tailoring throttle response, steering feel, and transmission behaviour for various driving conditions.

Local availability and pricing

The GR Yaris is available in five colours: Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black, and Fierce Red. South African pricing is set at R897,400 for the manual variant and R925,300 for the automatic version.