The Toyota GR Yaris is expected to receive an update in the near future that will see the long-awaited addition of an automatic gearbox and a bump in power that will bring it in line with the recently launched GR Corolla.
This is according to the Japanese auto publication BestCar, which reported that the revised performance car will go into production as soon as January 2024, with deliveries expected to take place only a few months later.
Originally intended to be limited to only 25,000 units ever as part of Toyota’s efforts to comply with World Rally Championship (WRC) regulations, the first batch quickly sold out to eager fans and the automaker decided to capitalise on that enthusiasm and make the GR Yaris a permanent fixture in its catalogue, with this being its second iterative update since release in 2021.
What to expect
The GR Yaris is one of the most prominent players in South Africa’s small but highly sought-after hot hatch segment, boasting a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with 198kW and 360Nm.
At the moment, this drivetrain is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, which links to a GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.
The 2024 model will allegedly gain a power boost to put it on the same level as the newer GR Corolla, which makes use of the same 1.6-litre motor, but has an output of 221kW and 370Nm.
For reference, the Yaris currently has a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds, so there’s a very good chance the new model will be even faster.
The other big change to the line-up will be the addition of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which owners will be able to take full advantage of thanks to a pair of paddle shifters on the sport steering wheel.
Smaller tweaks include revisions to the suspension and brakes, based on customer feedback, and the hatchback is also expected to receive a subtle facelift, adding new bumpers and a larger rear spoiler.
The interior will remain largely the same, minus the lack of a clutch pedal on the new auto variants, but the one major change buyers can expect is a 12.3-inch digital driver display lifted from the Corolla, rather than the current model’s analogue dials.
Other than that, the facelifted model will likely retain the equipment from the current iteration, meaning owners should be able to look forward to a set of 18-inch forged alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a heads-up display, keyless entry and start, automatic LED lights with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, active noise cancellation, dual-zone climate control, and a 7.0-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Right now, the Toyota GR Yaris has a starting price of R840,200, so expect the updated version to be priced north of this when it makes its debut next year.
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