Review of 2021 GR Yaris Rallye reveals one of the best cars Toyota has produced
From Toyota’s world of stability and commonsense comes a raucous offering worthy of being labelled a modern classic. Meet the GR Yaris Rallye.
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Rewind to September 2020. The pandemic had taken hold and uncertainty was a way of life.
Marketing gurus would have been wary about launching a new sports model – one which targets those with reasonable disposable income and a niche audience.
When the Gazoo Racing (GR) Yaris books opened 1000 models were sold within a week. The drive-away price of $39,950 had enthusiasts clamouring for a slice of the action.
Since that moment Toyota has battled to meet demand even with prices climbing.
There’s now a lengthening queue for the rally-bred models which come in two flavours – one standard another hardcore variant which our family put to the test.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: This from Toyota? The same company which gives us the Camry, Corolla and sensible fuel efficient hybrids.
GRANT: Crazy times indeed. I reckon Toyota executives wouldn’t even buy a lottery ticket because they are so risk averse. Yet the GR Yaris shows a motorsport passion fire burns within.
KEL: You say it’s a Yaris, but it looks nothing like anything I’ve seen before with that badge.
GRANT: Only three parts are shared with the vanilla Yaris – lights front and back along with the mirror caps.
KEL: Those awesome pumped-up wheel arches and the sculpted bonnet, it looks angry and fast.
GRANT: While there is a standard GR version, this Rallye model turns the screws even harder. Among the inclusions are track-tuned suspension, front and rear limited-slip differentials, improved front brake cooling and lightweight wheels that have Michelin Pilot Sport rubber usually found on Porsches and Ferraris.
KEL: Three pedals … it’s been a while since we have had a manual.
GRANT: Automatic gearboxes are nowhere to be found in the GR Yaris range. This is proper driver territory, and it has been developed as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship – so in short Toyota have to make them as production models to go racing.
KEL: Nothing’s cheap when it comes to motorsport. What’s the damage?
GRANT: Well, that’s a tough question at the moment. Toyota has put a pause on all future orders, but previously it was positioned at $56,200 drive-away for the first 200 before settling at $54,500 plus on-roads. We’ve since seen low kilometre versions for sale at about $65k.
KEL: That’s a massive investment for a small sports car.
GRANT: Whether they will rise in value like the old Ford Falcons developed for Bathurst remains to be seen, but Toyota hasn’t put a cap on numbers so only time will tell. Key current rivals are the Hyundai i30N or its new sibling the i20N, Ford Fiesta ST or a Renault Megane RS.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Within the cabin it sounds like a genuine race car. Initially I found it quite noisy.
GRANT: Welcome to racing. The GR Rallye feels raw and exciting, with sports seats that have suede inserts, sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals.
KEL: I’m used to life’s luxuries nowadays so it was good to see dual-zone climate control, JBL stereo, heated seats and a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satnav and rear camera.
GRANT: There are even dual cup holders and bottle slots in the doors. One USB and 12-volt plug are also in the console, but a phone holder desperately needs a grippy surface as your device flies off at the first sight of bend.
KEL: Other areas around the cabin used the same hard plastics.
GRANT: Taller drivers have complained about the seating position. Many struggle to get the driver’s chair low enough, but neither of us had issues behind the wheel.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: Plant your foot and it’s a wild ride. It feels really quick and that notchy gearbox is fun.
GRANT: The 0-100km/h test has it pegged at about five seconds, which is pretty rapid. It feels quicker due to the low ride height, mechanical theatrics and the roty exhaust soundtrack.
KEL: Around town it can cruise nicely but it gets angry quickly.
GRANT: Sending power to all four wheels is an insane turbocharged three-cylinder engine which pumps out an astounding 200kW and 370Nm. Those figures would have outgunned the HSVs of the 1990s.
KEL: It’s not quite the same as a V8.
GRANT: No, this is true. It’s down on torque, but the GR Yaris weighs less than 1300kg so when you look at the power to weight it’s a lethal compact weapon.
KEL: Despite the racing credentials I was impressed to see the adaptive cruise control which maintains a safe distance from other vehicles as well as lane keeping technology.
GRANT: That’s standard, so there certainly is a sensible element among the craziness.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Weekly groceries proved interesting. That boot is miniature.
GRANT: Even without a spare under the boot, it only has repair goop. It’s just 140 litres of space.
KEL: Picking up the kids from school was a challenge, just managing to fit three large backpacks.
GRANT: The rear seats fold 60-40 so there is some flexibility.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Let the fun begin. This is a car where keen drivers would search for twisty terrain or gravel roads.
GRANT: Normal, sport and track driving modes alter the percentage of front and rear wheel bias. Track sends up to 70 per cent of drive to the rear, while sport has an even 50-50 split.
KEL: It really takes off once you push past 3500rpm.
GRANT: And it will rev right up to the redline. The grip is outstanding, with sharp steering delivering outstanding cornering accuracy and confidence.
KEL: When you’re not pushing the boundaries the ride is firm.
GRANT: But the trade-off rewards are immense. Few cars can match the GR Yaris for all-round dexterity.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Being a three-door certainly limits the appeal. School pick-ups were more difficult having to roll the seat forward for rear seat access, especially in the rain.
GRANT: Back seat space is confined with compromised head and legroom.
KEL: Does all that racetrack ability mean reduced warranty coverage?
GRANT: That remains the same as all Toyotas at five years and unlimited kilometres, but servicing intervals are short at every six months or 10,000km. Each service is capped at $260 for the first six but expect that to climb thereafter.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Fun and excitement in cars seems to be a rarity nowadays. While the GR Yaris Rallye wouldn’t suit my daily family needs, I could certainly see the appeal as the second car for those who love to drive.
GRANT: One of the best cars of 2021, it is a modern hero of the Toyota range. The grip, acceleration and overall performance is nothing short of brilliant.
AT A GLANCE
TOYOTA GR YARIS RALLYE
PRICE About $60,000 drive-away (serious coin)
WARRANTY/SERVICING 5-year unlimited km warranty (fine); services $3744 for 5yrs (hefty and short intervals)
ENGINE 1.6-litre 3-cyl turbo, 200kW and 370Nm (crazy performance, and quick)
SAFETY 6 airbags, AEB, active cruise, lane keeping assistance, speed sign recognition, blind-spot warning (OK)
THIRST 7.6L/100km (8.3 on test)
SPARE Repair kit (not great)
BOOT 141 litres (small, rear seats do fold)
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