Toyota has stated that the GR Yaris will launch in South Africa in mid-2021.
The company said it will be the first turbocharged all-wheel-drive Toyota model in South Africa and is the “spiritual successor to the Celica GT-Four”.
It will feature an impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine which puts out 200kW and 370Nm of torque.
“Along with an all-new platform, unique three-door body, aerodynamic styling, and a new GR-Four permanent all-wheel drive system, the GR Yaris has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 156kW/tonne and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds,” said Toyota.
Specifics of the local launch are yet to be finalised, and Toyota said that specifications, pricing, and model line-up information will be released closer to the introduction date.
Carbon roof and big brakes
As the GR Yaris has been created for the purposes of Toyota taking part in the World Rally Championship, the car is very much racing-orientated.
It comes in at 1,280kg, has a carbon-fibre roof, and packs a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox with rev-matching on up and down shifts.
Its powerful little engine then takes the GR Yaris to a top speed of 230km/h, while handling is taken care of by high-response shock absorbers.
“Large 356mm two-piece ventilated discs with four-piston callipers provide stopping power at the front, with 297mm ventilated discs and two-piston callipers at the rear, both designed to provide confident, stable, and fade-resistant braking performance,” said Toyota.
“The short-stroke brake pedal has been tuned to provide a linear feeling with solid feedback while the clutch also features a mechanism to ensure consistent pedal feel and compensate for wear over time.”
Toyota GR Yaris – Photos
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