Toyota South Africa has announced the arrival of the updated GR Yaris – an exceptional performance vehicle developed with direct input from the World Rally Championship (WRC).
From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road, developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
What is new?
Now, for the first time, the GR Yaris is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience.
The gearbox:
One of the most notable enhancements to the updated GR Yaris is the introduction of the all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid, responsive shifting and allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input – particularly in dynamic driving scenarios.
Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris’s transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance-orientated.
This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship. It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards, while maintaining the vehicle’s mechanical reliability and heat resistance – essential for spirited driving.
Engine:
The updated GR Yaris benefits from increased engine output, now producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. Paired with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance and agility across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel or public roads.
Interior:
Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places more emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance.
The vehicle also offers selectable drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use.
Price:
The GR Yaris costs R897 400 (Manual) and R925 300 (Automatic).
VSL Manufacturing officially unveiled its new R750 million, purpose-built manufacturing facility adjacent to the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) assembly plant in Struandale, marking a major milestone for South Africa’s automotive value chain, black industrialisation, and the Eastern Cape’s manufacturing ecosystem.
FAW Trucks Southern Africa recently welcomed the extended Southern African regional dealer network and teams as well as country managers, sales directors and technical heads from across the continent to its flagship manufacturing facility in the Coega Industrial Development Zone for the 2025 Export Dealer Conference.
With a passion for the brand and a commitment to delivering the best service and community involvement, MG’s new flagship dealer in Fourways is ready to take the iconic nameplate to new heights.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
With Dongfeng entering South Africa a couple of weeks ago and with four dealerships operational now, it is interesting to look at the Chinese brand and its joint venture with Nissan (Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company - DFN), launching the new Teana at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China for the Chinese market.
Nissan Egypt is redefining sustainable mobility in Africa with the introduction of its third-generation e-Power technology used on the Nissan Qashqai and the opportunity to test drive the iconic new Patrol for the first time in Africa.
Nissan’s new Navara bakkie has been unveiled in Australia, and not in the cards for South Africa.
