By Otsile Kadiege

A couple of years ago, Toyota’s boffins at Gazoo Racing unleashed the rally-inspired GR Yaris which is powered by one of the world’s most potent three-cylinder engines. It immediately stole the mechanical hearts of petrol-heads around the world thanks to its thoroughbred performance and intimidating stance, making it one of the most sought-after cars in the world.

Fast forward a few years later, Toyota Gazoo Racing engineers, Master Drivers, and race and rally professionals gathered to perfect an already astounding performance car. So, what’s new?

Exterior nip and tuck

On the outside, the facelifted pocket rocket gets a bunch of functional cosmetic updates. At the front of the car there is a new steel mesh for the lower grille, optimised for the best balance of thickness, strength and weight reduction. The side grille has a larger opening and lower bumper has a new split-construction that makes it easier and less costly to repair or replace.

At the rear, an opening in the bottom edge of the lower garnish allows air from beneath the floor to escape, reducing drag, improving the car’s manoeuvrability and stability and dispersing heat from the exhaust system.The fog and reversing lights have been relocated, moving from the lower bumper to be integrated in the rear combination lamps, reducing the risk of damage. Similarly, the high-mounted stop light as been moved from the rear spoiler to lower down on the back door so that all rear lamps are aligned and in a clear line of sight for following drivers. Moving the stop light also makes it easier for the spoiler to be changed or customised.

The updated GR Yaris introduces a new exterior colour option, Precious Metal, in addition to the established signature shades – Emotional Red, Precious Black and Super White/Platinum White Pearlescent, representing the colours of the Toyota Gazoo Racing livery.

Significantly improved interior

Inside, the GR Yaris gets significant changes to give the driver’s cockpit an authentically sporty feel with a design that’s true to the “driver first” principles that define the car. Highlights include relocated switch-gear, improved driver’s field of vision thanks to the lowering of the top edge of the instrument panel by 50 mm, changing the position of the rear-view mirror and angling the control panel 15 degrees further towards the driver, a new 12.3-inch fully digital combi-meter with two layout modes – normal and sport, and lastly a re-worked driver seat which sits 25mm lower to give the driver the best posture.

Improved features

New equipment features include latest-generation Toyota Safety Sense systems, navigation and a digital key. The automatic model will provide a higher specification with forged wheels, rear and side monitors and premium JBL sound system.

Performance

At the heart of the pocket rocket is still a three-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with uprated power and torque figures. The three-pot engine now develops an eye-watering 224kW and 400Nm. As standard, it’s paired with a six-speed manual and now customers who aren’t a fan of the stick shift can opt for the newly developed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission which is a close ratio eight-speed auto gearbox.

Other highlights include increased body rigidity thanks to the strengthening of the chassis, a re-worked suspension system (front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones with trailing arms) with extra bolts added to the front shock absorbers, adjusted front and rear springs, and a new drive mode which tailors the car for both sports driving and everyday use.

Availability

Toyota South Africa is yet to announce the availability (most likely in limited numbers again) of the facelifted GR Yaris.