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Toyota GR Yaris Review: Is this the best hot hatch available in the UK?


Introducing Toyota GR Yaris

The hot hatch that needs no introduction, Toyota GR Yaris was first launched in September 2020 as a bespoke, high-performance variant of the Toyota Yaris hatchback. It was designed as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship (WRC) meaning this model was registered for road use to allow Toyota to enter the WRC. The GR Yaris was significantly updated in 2024, with a new driver focused interior, stiffened chassis, introduction of an automatic transmission and special editions curated by Ogier and Rovanperä WRC drivers. The GR Yaris is produced in a dedicated GR Factory with a dedicated line staffed by master craftsmen, some of which helped to manufacture the Lexus LFA.

Discover Toyota GR in more detail by clicking below.

Discover GR

GR Yaris Emotional Red
GR Yaris Emotional Red


Toyota GR Yaris Specifications

GR Yaris features the world’s highest performance three-cylinder engine in production with 276bhp and 390Nm of torque. Not only is this engine extremely powerful giving an authentic race car feel, but it is also extremely durable – having been tested to breaking point and then improved and upgraded again to improve reliability.

To provide exceptional braking power, ready to take on any circuit the GR Yaris has 356mm ventilated front discs with high friction pads and red callipers featuring the GR logo.

During the recent update, the already rigid body was stiffened further with a 13% increase in spot welds to provide excellent handling in any situation. Whilst the use of material such as forged carbon and aluminium keep weight down and aid stiffness.

Click below to get in touch with our sales teams regarding the GR range. 

Get In Touch


Toyota GR Yaris Exterior Design and Features

GR Yaris only shares three external design elements with the regular Yaris Self-Charging Hybrid hatchback; the headlights, door mirrors and roof antenna. GR Yaris is a model in its own right with an eye-catching bespoke design, with every element designed to achieve optimum downforce, grip and driving performance. At the front of the car is an aggressive bumper featuring a large opening to maximise air flow into the engine. Whilst the 18” BBS alloy wheels are lightweight and shod with Michelin Pilot 4S tyres designed for extra grip at high speed. At the rear a new light bar features along with an opening in the rear bumper to reduce drag and disperse heat from the exhaust system.

GR Yaris is available in four colours: Precious Metal, Emotional Red (which our car featured), Precious Black and Platinum White Pearlescent.

Click below to view our used cars in stock. 

Used Cars

GR Yaris Emotional Red
GR Yaris interior


Toyota GR Yaris Interior Design and Features

Updated for 2024, the GR Yaris features a driver’s interior co-designed with input from race and rally drivers, resulting in an interior unrecognisable from the standard Yaris hatchback.

Controls used in competition driving such as the intercooler spray, driving modes and hazard lights have been moved closer to the driver, whilst the driver’s field of vision has been improved by moving the touch screen down. There is a new 12.3” digital combi meter for the dials which is fully configurable to show exactly the info required by the driver.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, whilst the driver’s seat has been lowered by 25mm to provide an even more authentically sporty feel.

Click below to discover the Toyota new car range.

Discover the Toyota range


Toyota GR Yaris Automatic Gearbox

Originally GR Yaris was only introduced as a manual, however in 2024 an automatic transmission was offered with eight gears. Developed by Gazoo Racing who focused on providing the fastest possible downshift speed, with the concept of allowing the driver to focus more on braking and steering.

The new transmission can sense how the driver is using the brakes and accelerator to anticipate when a gear change may be required before it is necessary. This provides an responsive and dynamic feel, with the car always set-up for the situation.

The TGR World Rally Team fully tested the new gearbox in a range of conditions to ensure continued reliability and fast gear changes.

In addition to the new eight speed automatic gearbox, GR Yaris remains available with the six-speed manual.

Click below to get in touch with our sales teams regarding the GR range. 

Get In Touch

GR Yaris engine
GR Yaris interior


Rally Driver Versions of GR Yaris

There are two unique specifications available for GR Yaris, which have been created by Toyota’s rally drivers. Sébastien Ogier’s Matt Stealth Grey GR Yaris features a large rear spoiler, a unique 4WD setting and cool blue details. Whilst the more extroverted Kalle Rovanperä gets special graphics, a racing-inspired rear wing and a 4WD mode.

Discover the different versions of GR Yaris available on our model page. 

Discover GR Yaris


GR Yaris Summary

GR Yaris is a Toyota like no other, designed to allow the brand to enter the WRC, the GR Yaris is a road car with motorsport credentials providing an exceptional driving experience. Launched in 2020, this was a hot hatch rivalled by none, which has been continually improved over its lifecycle with substantial upgrades in 2024. Getting behind the wheel of the GR Yaris is addictively engaging and makes every journey one to look forward to – what more can you ask of a hot hatch?

Arrange a test drive by clicking below.

Book A Test Drive

GR Yaris Emotional Red
GR Yaris Emotional Red

Introducing Toyota GR Yaris

The hot hatch that needs no introduction, Toyota GR Yaris was first launched in September 2020 as a bespoke, high-performance variant of the Toyota Yaris hatchback. It was designed as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship (WRC) meaning this model was registered for road use to allow Toyota to enter the WRC. The GR Yaris was significantly updated in 2024, with a new driver focused interior, stiffened chassis, introduction of an automatic transmission and special editions curated by Ogier and Rovanperä WRC drivers. The GR Yaris is produced in a dedicated GR Factory with a dedicated line staffed by master craftsmen, some of which helped to manufacture the Lexus LFA.

Discover Toyota GR in more detail by clicking below.

Discover GR

GR Yaris Emotional Red

Toyota GR Yaris Specifications

GR Yaris features the world’s highest performance three-cylinder engine in production with 276bhp and 390Nm of torque. Not only is this engine extremely powerful giving an authentic race car feel, but it is also extremely durable – having been tested to breaking point and then improved and upgraded again to improve reliability.

To provide exceptional braking power, ready to take on any circuit the GR Yaris has 356mm ventilated front discs with high friction pads and red callipers featuring the GR logo.

During the recent update, the already rigid body was stiffened further with a 13% increase in spot welds to provide excellent handling in any situation. Whilst the use of material such as forged carbon and aluminium keep weight down and aid stiffness.

Click below to get in touch with our sales teams regarding the GR range. 

Get In Touch

GR Yaris Emotional Red

Toyota GR Yaris Exterior Design and Features

GR Yaris only shares three external design elements with the regular Yaris Self-Charging Hybrid hatchback; the headlights, door mirrors and roof antenna. GR Yaris is a model in its own right with an eye-catching bespoke design, with every element designed to achieve optimum downforce, grip and driving performance. At the front of the car is an aggressive bumper featuring a large opening to maximise air flow into the engine. Whilst the 18” BBS alloy wheels are lightweight and shod with Michelin Pilot 4S tyres designed for extra grip at high speed. At the rear a new light bar features along with an opening in the rear bumper to reduce drag and disperse heat from the exhaust system.

GR Yaris is available in four colours: Precious Metal, Emotional Red (which our car featured), Precious Black and Platinum White Pearlescent.

Click below to view our used cars in stock. 

Used Cars

GR Yaris interior

Toyota GR Yaris Interior Design and Features

Updated for 2024, the GR Yaris features a driver’s interior co-designed with input from race and rally drivers, resulting in an interior unrecognisable from the standard Yaris hatchback.

Controls used in competition driving such as the intercooler spray, driving modes and hazard lights have been moved closer to the driver, whilst the driver’s field of vision has been improved by moving the touch screen down. There is a new 12.3” digital combi meter for the dials which is fully configurable to show exactly the info required by the driver.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, whilst the driver’s seat has been lowered by 25mm to provide an even more authentically sporty feel.

Click below to discover the Toyota new car range.

Discover the Toyota range

GR Yaris engine

Toyota GR Yaris Automatic Gearbox

Originally GR Yaris was only introduced as a manual, however in 2024 an automatic transmission was offered with eight gears. Developed by Gazoo Racing who focused on providing the fastest possible downshift speed, with the concept of allowing the driver to focus more on braking and steering.

The new transmission can sense how the driver is using the brakes and accelerator to anticipate when a gear change may be required before it is necessary. This provides an responsive and dynamic feel, with the car always set-up for the situation.

The TGR World Rally Team fully tested the new gearbox in a range of conditions to ensure continued reliability and fast gear changes.

In addition to the new eight speed automatic gearbox, GR Yaris remains available with the six-speed manual.

Click below to get in touch with our sales teams regarding the GR range. 

Get In Touch

GR Yaris interior

Rally Driver Versions of GR Yaris

There are two unique specifications available for GR Yaris, which have been created by Toyota’s rally drivers. Sébastien Ogier’s Matt Stealth Grey GR Yaris features a large rear spoiler, a unique 4WD setting and cool blue details. Whilst the more extroverted Kalle Rovanperä gets special graphics, a racing-inspired rear wing and a 4WD mode.

Discover the different versions of GR Yaris available on our model page. 

Discover GR Yaris

GR Yaris Emotional Red

GR Yaris Summary

GR Yaris is a Toyota like no other, designed to allow the brand to enter the WRC, the GR Yaris is a road car with motorsport credentials providing an exceptional driving experience. Launched in 2020, this was a hot hatch rivalled by none, which has been continually improved over its lifecycle with substantial upgrades in 2024. Getting behind the wheel of the GR Yaris is addictively engaging and makes every journey one to look forward to – what more can you ask of a hot hatch?

Arrange a test drive by clicking below.

Book A Test Drive

What is the GR Yaris horsepower?

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The GR Yaris was launched with 257hp and upgraded to 276hp in 2024. The model also has 390Nm of torque.

What is the GR Yaris 0-60mph time?

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The GR Yaris can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.

Does the GR Yaris come with an automatic gearbox?

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The GR Yaris is available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox alongside a six-speed manual option.

What is the GR Yaris price?

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The GR Yaris starts from £46,045 for the GR Yaris 1.6 Turbo Manual, the automatic version costs £47,545, whilst the special editions cost from £61,570.

Is there a GR Yaris waiting list?

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No there is not a GR Yaris waiting list, due to exceptional demand the GR Yaris is currently unavailable to order. The team at Steven Eagell Group can keep you updated or help you source an approved-used model.

What is the difference between a GR Yaris and Yaris GR SPORT?

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Whilst they have similar names, the GR Yaris and Yaris GR SPORT are completely different models. The Yaris GR SPORT is simply the top of the range grade available on the Yaris Self-Charging Hybrid and is no more powerful than any other Yaris hybrid, but does offer desirable features such as GR alloy wheels, GR body kit and GR touches inside. The GR Yaris is the three-door Yaris hot hatch, with the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine and input from Toyota motorsport professionals.

What is the Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Pack?

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The circuit pack specification is now standard on all UK supplied new GR Yaris cars, it refers to a range of upgrades and motorsport derived features which are now included. All help to ensure a memorable and dynamic driving experience.