4 key features of the much-awaited Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota Gazoo Racing fans will definitely rejoice with the imminent arrival of the Toyota GR Yaris. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has confirmed that the GR version of the urban hatchback will also be available in the country shortly after the launch of the Toyota Vios GR-S.

The GR Yaris originated from the battleground of the World Rally Championship (WRC). The vehicle was developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing in collaboration with Tommi Makinen Racing.

Last month, TMP revealed that the Toyota GR Yaris will be retailed at P2,650,000. Before its debut in the local market, let’s take a look at the key features of this much-awaited hatchback that will surely bring an exciting driving experience both on track and on the road.

Refined design

The GR Yaris features a lower, wider, and edgier stance as compared to the traditional hatchback. The body is made of 10% aluminum which helps to make it lightweight yet rigid. The vehicle features the Gazoo Racing’s “Functional Matrix” grille which is exclusive for the GR lineup. It is designed with a large bezel that houses the supplementary brake duct and intercooler. It also comes with a large front under spoiler with a raised center part that keeps the dynamic look and regulates the airflow below.

The GR Yaris is designed with a lower carbon fiber roof for better aerodynamic performance. It is also equipped with a rear dual muffler and 18-inch forged alloy rims.

To accommodate the dynamic driving experience, the GR Yaris comes with premium sports seats, leather-wrapped GR steering wheel, and aluminum sports pedals. It is also equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen with red pointers and red zone markers that vividly display turbo boost pressure, torque distribution, and warnings.

Newly developed 1.6L three-cylinder turbo engine

Under the GR Yaris’ hood is a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine that generates a maximum power output of 261ps at 6,500rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm between 3,000 to 4,600rpm. The powertrain is mated to a six-speed gearbox with Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The game-changing engine enables the GR Yaris to produce a top speed of 230kph and accelerate from zero to 100kph in just 5.5 seconds.

GR-Four 4WD system

The GR Yaris uses the all-new GR-Four system as a nod to the iconic Celica GT-Four high performance coupe. It comes with three 4WD modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. To ensure the its optimum control, the vehicle is also built with front and rear Torsen Limited-slip Differential (LSD).

For better handling and high-speed performance, the GR Yaris features a performance-tuned suspension system with MacPherson strut up front and double wishbone in the rear.

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)

The GR Yaris comes with a set of intelligent safety features that will let you enjoy a worry-free driving experience. These include the pre-collision system (PCS) that oversees and decreases the possibility of frontal collision. The driver is notified by the system visually and audibly. The system also enables auto brake to alleviate or prevent an accident.

The vehicle also comes with dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC) that adjusts the cruising speed while keeping distance from the preceding car when driving on a straight road. If ever the preceding car drives more slowly than your set speed and you reach the set distance, DRCC will automatically adjust your speed without deactivating cruise control.

Another TSS feature on the GR Yaris is the lane departure alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA). This feature makes use of the camera sensor and millimeter wave radar to avoid unintentional drifting across the lanes. Meanwhile, the LTA function helps the car to stay in the center of the lane. If ever the system detects that the vehicle is straying from its lane, the driver will be notified through an alarm and minor steering adjustments to realign the vehicle.

The GR Yaris is also equipped with automatic high beam (AHB) which is automatically activated at night and toggles between low and high beams according to the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. This feature provides better visibility for early pedestrian or obstruction detection.

To learn more about this highly anticipated sports hatch, check out its main specs on the chart below.

SPECIFICATIONS	Toyota GR Yaris
Overall Length (mm)	3,995
Overall Width (mm)	1,805
Overall Height (mm)	1,455
Wheelbase (mm)	2,560
Tread (mm)	Front: 1,536 Rear: 1,572
Kerb Weight (kg)	1,280
Minimum Turning Radius (m)	5.31
Fuel Capacity (L)	50
Engine Model	G16E-GTS
Engine Type	Three-cylinder, In-line, DOHC, Intercooler Turbo
Displacement (cc)	1,618
Maximum Power Output (ps / rpm)	261 / 6,500
Maximum Torque (Nm / rpm)	360 / 3,000-4,600
Acceleration (0-100 kph)	5.5 seconds
Top Speed (kph)	230 (Limited)
4WD Mode Switch	Normal, Sport, Track
Transmission	Six-speed Manual Transmission with Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
Drive System	GR-Four Full-time Sports 4WD System
Gear Ratio	First: 3.538 Second: 2.238 Third: 1.535 Fourth: 1.162 Fifth: 1.081 Sixth: 0.902 Reverse: 3.831 Final Drive: 3.941 (First to Fourth); 3.350 (Fifth to Sixth, Reverse)
Differential	Torsen Limited-slip Differential (LSD)
Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer (Performance Tuned) Rear: Double Wishbone with Stabilizer (Performance Tuned)
Tires and Rims	225/40 R18 with BBS Forged Alloy Rims and Michelin PS4S Tires
Brakes	Front: Two-piece Ventilated and Slotted Disc with Four-piston Monoblock Calipers Rear: Ventilated and Slotted Disc with Two-piston Monoblock Calipers
Steering	Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Spare Tire	Tire Repair Kit
Headlamps	LED Headlamps with LED Turn Signal Lamps
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	LED Type
Fog Lamps	Front: LED Type Rear: LED Type
Rear Combination Lamps	LED Type
Wing Mirrors	Auto Retractable with Turn Signal Lamps
Rear Spoiler	With
Roof	Carbon Fiber
Exhaust System	Dual Sports Muffler
Wipers	Automatic with Rain Sensor
Seats	Front: Semi Bucket Seat with Red Stitching Rear: 60:40 Split Fold
Audio System	Display Audio with Seven-inch Capacitive Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready Connectivity, USB, and Bluetooth
Speakers	Six
Inside Rear View Mirror	Electrochromic Mirror
Smart Entry and Start System	With
Air Conditioning System	Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
Multi-information Display (MID)	4.2-inch Color
Heads-up Display (HUD)	With
Steering Wheel	Leather Wrapped, Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Steering Wheel Switches	With
Shift Lever Knob	Leather Wrapped
Aluminum Foot Pedals	With
Power Window	Auto Up / Down with Jam Protection
Driving Video Recorder	With
Pre-collision System (PCS)	With
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)	With
Lane Departure Alert (LDA)	With
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)	With
Auto High Beam (AHB)	With
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)	With
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)	With Brake Assist (BA)
Parking Sensors	Rear
SRS Airbags	Six (Driver, Front Passenger, Front Side, and Curtain)
Seatbelts	Front: Three-point ELR (x2) with Pretensioner and Force Limiter Rear: Three-point ELR (x2)
Seatbelt Reminder	Front and Rear
Isofix	With
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	With
Window Tint	Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film
Alarm	Immobilizer, Siren, and Intrusion Sensor
Vehicle Telematics System (VTS)	Optional
Available Body Colors	Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, and Precious Black

 

Photos from Toyota