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).
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
Audi is preparing to roll out its biggest SUV yet in the United States (US) this summer, betting that demand for high-end, three-row models will hold up even as trade tensions threaten to raise import costs.
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