By Malusi Msomi

We recently welcomed the updated Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-FOUR Rally auto into our garage, and it remains one of the most unique hot hatches on South African roads right now. Those in the know recognise it instantly. Everyone else is left peeking out their windows trying to figure out what just flew past.

The GR Yaris was never meant to be just another fast hatch. It was born out of Toyota’s return to the World Rally Championship, developed as a homologation special to meet WRC regulations. That meant it was engineered with rallying in mind from the start, not adapted from a regular Yaris after the fact. With its bespoke three-door body, lightweight construction and GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, the original GR Yaris quickly earned a reputation as something properly special.

This updated version builds on that same rally-bred formula, sharpening the edges without losing the character that made the first one such a cult favourite.

Visually, the facelifted GR Yaris looks even more purposeful than before. The sharper, more aggressive front and rear bumpers are not just for show. They serve a functional purpose, improving airflow and cooling. The widened rear gives it real presence and hints at its rally-bred DNA. It looks compact, but serious.

Step inside and things are fairly simple and driver-focused. It may not feel flashy for a car that sits just under the R1 million mark, but that is not the point here. The improved seating position makes a noticeable difference, and the new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is clear and configurable. Rally-inspired controls and the driver-oriented dashboard layout reinforce that this is a car built around performance. Drive modes including Sport, Normal and Eco adjust the car’s responses depending on your mood.

Under the bonnet sits a potent 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 210kW and 400Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, paired with an eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. The gearbox shifts seamlessly in daily driving, making this version surprisingly easy to live with. Push harder and the GR Yaris comes alive, offering impressive grip and confidence through corners. That said, we still believe the manual remains the more engaging choice for purists.

On the road, the GR Yaris feels genuinely special. It strikes a decent balance between performance and usability. Ride comfort is better than expected for something this focused, although the stiffness does creep in over rougher surfaces.

Fuel consumption, however, is not its strongest suit. With mixed driving, we managed 10.8 L/100 km. At one stage we saw a best of 9.5 L/100 km, which is closer to Toyota’s claimed 9.1 L/100 km, but overall it is not the most fuel-efficient hot hatch in everyday conditions.

Pricing for the Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-FOUR Rally auto starts at R942,200. It is not cheap, but it is also not trying to be ordinary. In a market filled with increasingly sanitised performance cars, the GR Yaris remains raw, characterful and unapologetically driver-focused.