“Heated” Toyota Yaris GR Sport for Europe: factory tuning without an increase in power

Last updated Apr 15, 2022

Toyota is expanding its range of Yaris sedans in Europe: a youth sports modification GR Sport has appeared with a modified suspension, a more rigid body and aggressive decor.

The fourth-generation Yaris debuted in October 2019 and proved to be a great success: the Japanese sedan was named Car of the Year 2021 in Europe and became the best-selling B-Class model in the region: 163, according to analytical agency JATO Dynamics. In the first ten months of this year, there were sold 826 copies. But the struggle for leadership is stubborn: Dacia Sandero is in second place (162,220 units sold), Renault Clio is third (160,709 units), Peugeot 2008 is fourth (160,600 units), Peugeot 208 is fifth (159,459 units.).

Earlier last year, Toyota introduced the all-wheel drive 3-door hot hatch GR Yaris with a 1.6-liter petrol “turbo-tee” (272 hp, 370 Nm) and a 6-speed “mechanics”. It immediately became a favorite of the oilmen and significantly improved the image of the Yaris model and Toyota in general, because today in Europe no one offers anything like this: everyone has switched to electrification and scrupulously calculates CO2 emissions. The return of the European version of the GR Yaris, by the way, was reduced to 261 hp and 360 Nm for environmental reasons, but it is still the most powerful B-class engine on the market. And in Japan, the GR Yaris has a light version, with a body from a hot hatch, but without a turbo engine.

Now Toyota is offering a simpler “sport” in Europe, namely the Yaris GR Sport, and this is not the same as the Japanese “light” GR Yaris. The GR Sport version differs from the regular 5-door Yaris with a G-like mesh grille pattern, a more contoured rear bumper with a chrome tailpipe, and specially designed 18-inch alloy wheels with red accents.

Inside, red stitching on the steering wheel and seat upholstery, aluminum pedals, silver inserts on the dashboard and numerous GR badges, and for a fee, sports front seats with developed lateral support and suede upholstery are offered.

The all-round suspension features new dampers, while the rear suspension also features stiffer springs to reduce body roll. The electric power steering received more “sharp” settings. Two struts were added to the body in the floor area, which made it more rigid, which also had a positive effect on handling. Coatings have been added to the wheel arches to reduce aerodynamic losses.

The powertrains of the Yaris GR Sport are standard: a 116-horsepower hybrid based on a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a CVT, or the same petrol engine but mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The second option is clearly more interesting, since here the engine power is 125 hp and 153 Nm, and the gearbox is equipped with the function of automatically adjusting the engine speed to optimal values u200bu200bwhen changing both low and high: it makes movement faster and smoother. The Yaris GR Sport accelerates to 100 km / h in 9 seconds on the “mechanics”, the maximum speed is 180 km / h. In terms of dynamics, this is far from the ultimate dream, but for everyday driving it is quite suitable, and filigree turns do not need much power – here the modified chassis should show itself in all its glory.

The Toyota Yaris GR Sport will go on sale at European dealerships next spring, pricing has yet to be announced. A hot Toyota GR Yaris sedan costs 34,000 euros in Germany.