Toyota has created a seductive homologation special for upcoming WRC competition, but American purchasers most certainly won’t ever be able to purchase it. What a way to round up the work week.
Toyota debuted the GR Yaris, a hot hatch with specifications to make American enthusiasts envious, on Friday at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
A 1.6-liter inline-3 turbocharger with 268 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque is located under the hood. For those keeping score, Toyota claims that the direct-injected turbo-3 is the most potent production 3-cylinder ever found in a vehicle. A single-scroll, ball-bearing turbo is used to fuel a DOHC 12-valve engine.
Each horse must carry 10.8 pounds because the car weighs only 2,821 pounds overall. It has an electronically controlled speed limit of 142 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than 5.5 seconds.
All-wheel drive distributes power to all four wheels using a 6-speed manual transmission. The GR Yaris may be driven with either the front, rear, or all four wheels thanks to the varied gear ratios and multi-plate clutches on the front and rear axles, which enable the torque balance to vary from 100/0 front/rear to 0/100 at any time.
According to Toyota, AWD is more lightweight than equivalent twin-coupling or permanent all-wheel-drive systems. It can be managed with a 4WD mode dial. The power is divided 60/40 when in Normal mode. The torque split is changed to 30/70 on the sport model. Power is distributed 50/50 in track mode, which is intended for racetracks or rally stages. Additionally, the technology automatically modifies the power split to suit the traction circumstances.
The GR Yaris is constructed on a modern, international platform that won’t be sold in the United States. Double wishbone suspension has replaced the torsion rear beam suspension of the basic Yaris, and MacPherson struts are employed up front.
The Yaris GR immediately stands out as not being your typical economy hatchback. The frameless doors have been added, and the three-door body and roof have both been reduced by a total of 3.6 inches. Gaping intakes at the front of the vehicle feed the turbo-3. The roof is carbon fiber, while the upper body, hood, trunk, and door panels are composed of aluminum.
The Yaris GR has 2-piston calipers in the back and 4-piston calipers up front to control its speed. The front brake rotors are 14 inches and have slots in them.
There is a touchscreen entertainment system, sport seats with what appears to be synthetic suede, metal-covered pedals, and a three-spoke steering wheel in the interior, which Toyota did not describe in depth. In the instrument panel, there are two analog gauges and a color information screen sandwiched in between. JBL speakers can also be seen in photos.
The GR Yaris was created by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division using information gained from its involvement with Tommi Mkinen Racing in the World Rally Championship. The Toyota Gazoo WRC team will use the hot hatch as a homologation model and to support the development of a new race vehicle.
Although the full specifications and choices for the vehicle haven’t been revealed, the Circuit Package includes 18-inch forged alloy wheels fitted with 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a performance-tuned suspension, and front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.
At Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan, the takumi, or master craftspeople, will construct the Yaris GR. The LFA supercar was created by the same individuals.
The GR Yaris is currently available for pre-order through Toyota, and each one will cost 3.96 million yen, or around $36,000.
In This Article...
A Toyota Yaris has four wheels, right?
2020 Tokyo Auto Salon was dominated by GR Yaris, which caused a sensation in North America because to its absence. And it’s clear why. The unconventional hot hatch GR Yaris has a track-tested suspension, a rally-derived GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive system, and an all-new 268 horsepower, turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. The engineering behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s success in the World Rally Championship is the same. Even though the GR Yaris won’t be arriving in the United States, perhaps it’s time for the country to have its own Toyota hot hatch. one that keeps raising the bar for performance. Additionally, one that is exclusive to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Have you joined us?
How many wheels does the Toyota Yaris have?
The clever all-wheel-drive system of the Toyota GR Yaris is one of the features that make it so remarkable. Depending on how they are using the car, drivers can select one of three modes to control how much torque is sent to the front and back wheels. However, there are some issues with the system.
Can the Toyota Yaris sedan handle snow?
The Yaris handles snow well, but it’s not an SUV or pickup; it’s a subcompact. This indicates that the amount of snow you may travel through in your Yaris is limited.
In fact, your little Yaris probably won’t be able to manage more snow than two inches.
A larger vehicle like a Highlander or even an Avalon sedan is preferable to a Yaris if you reside in a region that frequently receives significant amounts of snow. If not, you run the risk of getting buried in snow.
Why was the Toyota Yaris canceled?
In Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mazda started producing the Mazda2 in 2014 for a number of North and South American countries.
[20] The vehicle would be offered in Mexico as the Yaris, in the United States as the Scion iA[21], and in Canada as the Yaris sedan. This facility would make a variant of the Mazda2 for Toyota with minor cosmetic changes, it was announced during the 2015 New York International Auto Show in April of that year. [22] Toyota announced in July 2015 that the vehicle would be marketed as the Yaris R in Mexico. [23]
The automobile was renamed the Toyota Yaris iA starting in August 2016 for the 2017 model year, following the discontinuation of the Scion brand in the United States.
[24][25] It was given a mild facelift with a redesigned grille insert and trim revisions for the 2019 model year and renamed once more to the Yaris sedan in the US. [26][27] The 2019 and 2020 Yaris sedans were sold in L, LE, and XLE trim levels with a broader number of interior and exterior options, in contrast to the previous versions, which only provided exterior colors and a choice between a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission as factory options[28].
The XP130 Yaris Liftback was replaced in the United States and Canada for the 2020 model year by a Mazda-built Yaris hatchback that was rebadged as a Mazda2 and had a front fascia identical to the Yaris sedan’s. It made its premiere at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April of that year.
[30]
[31] On April 1, 2019, its official pictures were made public. [32] The Yaris hatchback was available in LE and XLE trim levels in the US and Canada. Sales of the hatchback started in October 2019 in the US.
Due to new rules and weak sales, both Mazda2-based Yaris models were terminated in the United States in June 2020.
[33]
[34] Toyota announced in July that sales would also cease in Canada. [35] In August, the cars were likewise phased out in Mexico, leaving only the XP150 series Yaris and Yaris Sedn imported from Thailand as direct substitutes. [36]
A 2WD Toyota Yaris?
You are covered by the Yaris Cross GX. You can unwind and take use of features like Apple CarPlay[C12] and Android Auto thanks to the vehicle’s extensive list of features, which includes Toyota Safety Sense[S1], Reversing Camera, and 8 airbags .TM[C13]
Fuel Economy
- 1.5-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and automatic CVT:
- 2WD (front-wheel drive) or
- Toyota 1.5L Hybrid System with Automatic CVT:
- All-wheel drive electric (AWD)
- 16 “alloy rims
- 16 Optional “only 2WD hybrids with steel wheels
- Android AutoTM [C13] and Apple CarPlay [C12], 7 “Bluetooth and six speakers for display audio[B5]
- Complimentary Access to Toyota Connected Services for 3 years, which includes Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Automatic Collision Notification, and SOS Emergency Call[CS1]
- Toyota Safety Sense features include
- Pre-Collision Safety System with Nighttime and Daytime Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (day only)
- Help with intersection turns
- Road Sign Support
- Lane Detection Assist
- Cruise Control Active
- camera for reverse
- a steering wheel trimmed with leather
- climate control that is automatic Conditional air
- SRS airbags in 8
- Smart Start and Entry
- 16 “Steel rims
Does Toyota offer an AWD vehicle?
This Toyota’s LE AWD-e and XLE AWD-e * grades are excellent for impromptu excursions. Discover cutting-edge technologies and a simple driving experience right away. This Toyota car is as adaptable as you are thanks to the optional AWD.
What is the Toyota Yaris’s problem?
Its inconsistent speed control, which typically starts acting up at about 22,000 miles, is one of its most noticeable issues. Some owners have reported that their vehicles occasionally accelerate unexpectedly. They have also mentioned that sometimes when they press the brake pedal, nothing happens.
Which Toyota Yaris model is the best?
The Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid CVT Active 5dr is both the most economical and least expensive hybrid model, with a reported 76.3 mpg. Larger wheels mean Design, Design Bi-Tone, and Excel versions return less, while Icon and Icon Tech versions return the same number.
The Yaris is already a reasonably family-friendly five-door vehicle, but this version wins for its excellent power-to-efficiency ratio (0-62 mph in 11.0 seconds and 55.4 mpg) and selection of practical safety and convenience features (front parking sensors and a sat nav on top of standard Icon’s reversing camera, air conditioning, and road sign assist feature).
Only 80 of the Yaris’ high-performance models were imported to the UK, and they were swiftly sold out, so your search for one will be in fruitless. They do, however, occasionally show up on the used market. Along with a potent 210hp engine, it has retuned suspension, a lower ride height, and bigger tires.
While the 1.5 VVT-i Icon is only somewhat more expensive, the 1.0 VVT-i engine is weak and Icon Tech trim drives up the price.
With a distinctive X-shaped grille and a variety of engines, including a 1.0 VVT-i, 1.33 VVT-i, 1.5 VVT-i hybrid, and a 1.4 diesel, the 2014 Yaris was introduced in July. Recall for 2014 Yaris hybrids built in April to check the brake fluid Wheel hub checks are required for 2015 models constructed between September 2014 and January 2015; the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features is an option on all variants. bar Beginning in August 2016, the Yaris lineup will get updated equipment at all trim levels, including a temporary spare wheel on every model. Top-spec Design will take the place of Sport trim. Excel is now only graded in hybrid. The engines are unchanged from previously. A 1.8 VVT-i hybrid engine was introduced with the orange special edition. A recall has been issued due to potential directional control and rear seat belt failure. 2017 A new 1.5 gasoline engine will replace the 1.33 engine. Now available are the 1.0 VVT-i, 1.5 VVT-i, and 1.5 VVT-i hybrid engines. Existing Active, Icon, Design, and Excel trims are combined with Icon Tech and Design Bi-Tone, which has a different color scheme for the body and roof. Released was the 2018 Yaris GRMN limited edition. There were just 80 transported to the UK. With sporty appearance and suspension, the 2018 Yaris GR Sport 1.5 VVT-i hybrid was introduced. Launch of the Y20 special edition in honor of Yaris’ 20th anniversary.
Understanding Toyota Yaris car names
Yaris
The Yaris lineup features three important engines. Like in this example, the names of each normally start with the engine capacity (1.5 litres in this case), then VVT-i, which stands for variable valve timing and injection (simply, it aids efficiency and economy). The 1.5 VVT engine also comes in a hybrid variant known as VVT-h.
Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT for short, is an automatic transmission. There are also options for five- and six-speed manual transmissions, however hybrid variants can only be had with a CVT.
There are seven standard trim levels, ranging from the entry-level Active to the top-of-the-line Excel and the sporty GR Sport, which is only offered with the hybrid powertrain.
Is the Toyota Yaris suitable for winter driving?
Over 11 years have passed since this article was published. Some information might not be up to date anymore.
I reside in Montreal and was wondering if you might suggest some inexpensive little cars that perform well throughout our chilly, snowy winters in Quebec. Do you have any opinions on the Toyota Echo? My sister suggested it, so should I buy one? in Montreal, Jane
People as far down the eastern coast as Florida may be asking this same issue in light of the recent cold spell. Naturally, the winters in Montreal are often harsh, therefore it’s crucial to pick a car that can handle the weather.
These days, every new automobile sold in North America has through thorough winter testing, although some models are better suited for winter driving due to specific characteristics. Your concentration should be on automobiles that address the fundamentals: dependability, safety, and economy, since you won’t be dealing with the luxury end of the market if you plan to stay in the subcompact category. Here are some recommendations and factors to assist you make your decision:
Unfortunately, you might not be able to get the small vehicle you want with some of the characteristics that are most helpful in winter weather. In slick weather, all-wheel drive is king, but it’s uncommon in subcompacts. Even some of the most well-known major automakers in recent years have demanded additional fees for features like the antilock braking system (ABS), which ought to be included in every car.
ABS is particularly crucial while attempting to stop on snowy roads. The 2011 Yaris includes traction control, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and ABS as standard equipment. When trying to speed on slick roads, traction controlwhich is optional on some carsis useful. Power is given to the wheel with the most traction if one wheel loses traction. You are essentially driving a one-wheel drive car without traction control.
A crash prevention technology called electronic stability control (ESC), which Transport Canada has considered necessary for all vehicles produced after August 31, 2011, aids you in maintaining control of the car when you have to swerve or brake quickly.
According to Michel Trepanier of St. Leonard Toyota in Montreal, “In Canada, ESC has been found to minimize up to 60% of accidents.” “I’ve been driving in the winter for the past 15 years, and ever since I started using ESC, I feel safer on the road. Any vehicle with ESC makes for excellent winter driving.”
Though you might not get extra winter equipment like heated seats, mirrors, or a heated steering wheel with some of these cheap automobiles, you might add an aftermarket remote starting. With heated seats and mirrors available as options and AWD standard on the top-trim model, the Suzuki SX4 stands out in this class.
Safety should also be considered. For instance, in the rollover, frontal, and side impact tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, the 2009 and 2010 Yaris models scored four out of five stars. On some of the tests, the Yaris hatchback performed even better. At safercar.gov, you can look up other automobiles’ ratings.
“The Yaris is an affordable vehicle. You’ll spend next to nothing on repairs. Given that Montreal’s current gas price is $1.30 and that the engine is 1.5L, this is advantageous for gas conservation. Any car you choose should have a solid pair of winter tires, and you should also be familiar with winter driving techniques. If you don’t know how to drive in the cold, it doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive. Driving schools provide instruction in winter driving that teach you how to control your vehicle while sliding “Trepanier says.
The Yaris is a great choice, but do your research beforehand. You can navigate the city in the winter with the newest subcompact models while saving money both up front and at the pump.