TOYOTA is giving one of its most popular models a “big mid-life refresh”.
It has been four years since the Toyota GR Yaris was produced and it is finally getting a haul of upgrades.
The little hot hatch has been a hit with motorists and there’s been no shortage of demand for the Japanese manufacturer.
The new GR Yaris will have a lot more power than the original – with the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder now outputting 300bhp.
However, European cars will have less due to stricter emission regulations.
Fans of the Toyota GR Yaris will now get to choose between a manual or the highly anticipated DAT automatic.
The automatic version is said to be faster than manual cars, according to Toyota.
It comes after Toyota tested the automatic GR Yaris in the fifth round of the Japanese Super Taikyu series.
The automatic eight-speed torque converter box will reflect “the driver’s intentions and, thus, leading to gear selection that is similar to how professional drivers shift gears”.
Toyota says the automatic gearbox is “optimised for sporty driving”.
The new GR Yaris will have significant design changes – largely with function in mind.
Huge intakes have been installed at the front of the car to improve the cooling.
Toyota redesigned the undertray which they claim will enhance the aero.
The Japanese manufacturer also lowered the LED stripping, “giving a near-seamless lightbar effect”.
Motorists can add a “Cooling package” when purchasing GR Yaris which sees an intercooler system added with motorsports use in mind.
To improve responsiveness, Toyota changed the design of its chassis.
Instead of one, there are now three bolts attached to each shock absorber.
The interior will now feature an all-digital driver’s display and the infotainment system will be tilted 15 degrees towards the driver for easier use.
It’s currently unclear how much the new GR Yaris will cost in the UK but expect it to be over £30,000.
It is set to go on sale across Europe in the summer of 2024.
This car will feature as a permanent fixture in the Yaris line-up, says Toyota – as long as emissions regulations allow for it to be built.
It comes after a social media group revealed the most luxurious Toyota with state-of-the-art technology.
And, Toyota drivers have only just found this “hidden” button that could save you in an emergency.
