Reviews vs reality: GR Yaris 2021
Discussion
2121: we all spend a lot of time reading about rather than driving cars.
I read the frothy reviews of the GR Yaris and I thought "Wow - once in a generation deal breaking opportunity - let's drive one!"
Test driving the GR Yaris yesterday I thought "Loved it. Excellent, 9/10: rear biased, lively and agile. BUT compared to my Golf R 7 manual not THAT different. I drove the same roads as the test drive in my car - and I'd say 8/10. The GR Yaris is a full 1/10 better"
Question: are we all spending hours frothing at the mouth with nothing better to do? Are we seeking minor differences for the sake of one-up-manship? Are the reviewers here describing small nuances with loud voices to sell new metal?
I accept the alternative possibilities, including:
1) I have no judgment
2) The test drive was too short etc
I am perplexed. I look forward to sobering up and reading your replies.
I read the frothy reviews of the GR Yaris and I thought "Wow - once in a generation deal breaking opportunity - let's drive one!"
Test driving the GR Yaris yesterday I thought "Loved it. Excellent, 9/10: rear biased, lively and agile. BUT compared to my Golf R 7 manual not THAT different. I drove the same roads as the test drive in my car - and I'd say 8/10. The GR Yaris is a full 1/10 better"
Question: are we all spending hours frothing at the mouth with nothing better to do? Are we seeking minor differences for the sake of one-up-manship? Are the reviewers here describing small nuances with loud voices to sell new metal?
I accept the alternative possibilities, including:
1) I have no judgment
2) The test drive was too short etc
I am perplexed. I look forward to sobering up and reading your replies.
brightmotiv said:
Question: are we all spending hours frothing at the mouth with nothing better to do? Are we seeking minor differences for the sake of one-up-manship? Are the reviewers here describing small nuances with loud voices to sell new metal?
1) In my case, yes. I still trawl through the classifieds and magazines even though I have a car I really like. Whatever we have, we want more of, or something newer. We follow the shiny things and tend to compare what we have to what other people have, for good or ill. It is, as Lincs said, human nature, and not necessarily modern consumerist human nature. I am quite sure that Mr. Grug in his cave was immensely jealous when he learned Mr. Ug in the cave next door had the new-for-this-year club, or a nicer mammoth-skin carpet. Those of us who are happy with our cars but not happy with how they are will no doubt be working on them if they have the time, space and money (pick two, usually).2) Probably. Keeping up with the Joneses has long been a thing. If you look on Google maps at a satellite image of Clive Road in Esher, you'll see that quite a few houses have swimming pools. Chances are they weren't all built like that, but one day Mr. Smith looked over his fence to find that Mr. Clarke had a new swimming pool, and Mr. Smith, not wanting to be the laughingstock of Clive Road, decided to have one put in as well. Then Mr. Brown looked over his fence and saw that Mr. Smith and Mr. Clarke had swimming pools, and not wanting to be considered a poor disadvantaged soul, promptly had two swimming pools put in his back garden. Rinse and repeat. Lots of people look for ways (little or otherwise) to stand out from the crowd or display their 'status' - a nicer watch than your colleagues, a nice car, whatever it is.
3) Don't know. I haven't driven a current Golf GTI or a GR Yaris, or had the opportunity to compare any other cars in a similar fashion, I'm afraid. Part of me says that some - not all - reviews are bigger pieces of marketing w
k than the adverts, but equally, cars and other things - watches, firearms, food, whatever, are subjective. What I like, you might hate. Perhaps most modern cars in any given class are so similar to one another that the nuances are the only thing that separate them. I genuinely don't know enough about the face of modern car journalism (or old car journalism, or any journalism for that matter) to have a strong opinion either way.No one wants to say it - the problem is the 3-cylinder engine. Yes it's (probably) the best 3-cylinder ever made for a road car but it's still short on oomph .. and it's not exactly cheap per cylinder! Why does it matter you say? It's still a cracking car in a world of mediocre hatches with front-biased AWD systems. Yes, but on the road a Golf R or its mini-brother Audi S1 will feel better to drive most of the time and you'll feel less short-changed. It's no Subaru WRX STi.
fido said:
No one wants to say it - the problem is the 3-cylinder engine. Yes it's (probably) the best 3-cylinder ever made for a road car but it's still short on oomph .. and it's not exactly cheap per cylinder! Why does it matter you say? It's still a cracking car in a world of mediocre hatches with front-biased AWD systems. Yes, but on the road a Golf R or its mini-brother Audi S1 will feel better to drive most of the time and you'll feel less short-changed. It's no Subaru WRX STi.
Have you driven it? Or sofa reviewer?For me 4WD is awesome when it is raining or when you can't find any grip...however for the rest of the time I'd personally rather be having fun in either a RWD or FWD car. That is just me though. 
Would I take a GR Yaris out for a drive just for the sake of it...probably not rightly or wrongly. However I did absolutely love the drive I had in a Mitsubishi Evo 8 years ago because it made me feel like an absolute driving god(I'm not), but I did really enjoy driving it though for sure.
It is a tough question to be fair.
Would I take a GR Yaris out for a drive just for the sake of it...probably not rightly or wrongly. However I did absolutely love the drive I had in a Mitsubishi Evo 8 years ago because it made me feel like an absolute driving god(I'm not), but I did really enjoy driving it though for sure.
It is a tough question to be fair.
I would have loved a GR Yaris if I was able to afford it (and if I had somewhere to keep it!) - What puts me off though is that I don't believe it's a car for a late 30s slightly achy man , it's either a second / weekend / track car , or an only car for a younger person, I don't see many older people buying it as their only car. It may be the "husbands" (or car enthusiast woman 
) car in a two car household but I don't see it being used often especially with kids etc - and of course many people will have one eye on investment / resale value and will keep their miles down, of course to add to that I can't see many peoples partners being happy with someone spending "35 grand on a YARIS?!?! with a silly bodykit" (according to my Wife)
I haven't driven one but I would imagine it's rather similar to a Golf R (which I have driven) - perhaps the Yaris is a little bit more playful (but only slightly) - and no doubt it has many good gadgets (the adaptive cruise control etc) but in a more cramped and less comfortable package than a Golf R, for (sort of) similar money, with a bit less performance.
The new Mk8 Golf R comes with LSD front and rear also, more power, granted it's a bit heavier, but it's a lot nicer inside and a nicer "day to day" car (at least this is based on the video reviews I've watched)
That being said I am really glad the GR exists because I would dare say it's going to be the last "proper" hot hatchback we have before the Environmentalists get involved, and it really does look like a little rally car.
Regarding sound I've not heard one in the flesh but I've seen some videos from Youtube reviews and I think it sounds pretty good!
) car in a two car household but I don't see it being used often especially with kids etc - and of course many people will have one eye on investment / resale value and will keep their miles down, of course to add to that I can't see many peoples partners being happy with someone spending "35 grand on a YARIS?!?! with a silly bodykit" (according to my Wife)I haven't driven one but I would imagine it's rather similar to a Golf R (which I have driven) - perhaps the Yaris is a little bit more playful (but only slightly) - and no doubt it has many good gadgets (the adaptive cruise control etc) but in a more cramped and less comfortable package than a Golf R, for (sort of) similar money, with a bit less performance.
The new Mk8 Golf R comes with LSD front and rear also, more power, granted it's a bit heavier, but it's a lot nicer inside and a nicer "day to day" car (at least this is based on the video reviews I've watched)
That being said I am really glad the GR exists because I would dare say it's going to be the last "proper" hot hatchback we have before the Environmentalists get involved, and it really does look like a little rally car.
Regarding sound I've not heard one in the flesh but I've seen some videos from Youtube reviews and I think it sounds pretty good!
Edited by 320d is all you need on Saturday 17th April 01:34
Day to day you’ll be better off, more often in your Golf R.
You will though lose the ability to brag that Chris Harris said it was the best car in years on Top Gear when someone asks why you are driving a Yaris though.
To be honest these GR Yaris look an absolute hoot to drive on the limit, but when do we really drive on the limit these days? 5% of the time? It’s probably a great second car I’d think, but I’d rather have something a little out of the ordinary as a second car.
Alas I’m too old for one of these. If used as a daily would rather have the car that is the better all rounder, with much more in the way of creature comforts these days.
I’ve even bought my first EV as a toy. Although it doesn’t weigh anywhere near 2.5t, weighs far less than a Yaris.......and literally has no power.
You will though lose the ability to brag that Chris Harris said it was the best car in years on Top Gear when someone asks why you are driving a Yaris though.
To be honest these GR Yaris look an absolute hoot to drive on the limit, but when do we really drive on the limit these days? 5% of the time? It’s probably a great second car I’d think, but I’d rather have something a little out of the ordinary as a second car.
Alas I’m too old for one of these. If used as a daily would rather have the car that is the better all rounder, with much more in the way of creature comforts these days.
I’ve even bought my first EV as a toy. Although it doesn’t weigh anywhere near 2.5t, weighs far less than a Yaris.......and literally has no power.
Picked mine up Thursday, yes it is fantastic especially when you push on through the lanes, bends even roundabouts.... the noise inside is good (I know it’s not real but it does sound good) I had an alpine a110 which was similar but the Yaris is better and manual, feels very solid, no squeaks or rattles and the interior is a nice place to be. I’m 5’6 so no height issues and the car play is very good. No real gripes other than the odd ping telling me the speed limit!!! Need to read the manual to work out if it can be turned off. Definitely power to weight is noticeable which makes for a very engaging drive. 
From what I understand this car is a genuine rally car with a nice daily drive interior, seats and carpets.
It IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
It IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
hotwheels23 said:
Picked mine up Thursday, yes it is fantastic especially when you push on through the lanes, bends even roundabouts.... the noise inside is good (I know it’s not real but it does sound good) I had an alpine a110 which was similar but the Yaris is better and manual, feels very solid, no squeaks or rattles and the interior is a nice place to be. I’m 5’6 so no height issues and the car play is very good. No real gripes other than the odd ping telling me the speed limit!!! Need to read the manual to work out if it can be turned off. Definitely power to weight is noticeable which makes for a very engaging drive.
That does look very smart. 
I haven't seen one out on the road yet, and that has surprised me because they seem very popular on here and lots of people have bought one.
Lincsls1 said:
From what I understand this car is a genuine rally car with a nice daily drive interior, seats and carpets.
It IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
The middle paragraph here is the critical one for me. It IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
I love what the GR stands for conceptually. It’s unheard of these days for a manufacturer to build something with that level of focus. There is always a law of diminishing returns when it comes to marginal automotive gains. Is a GT3 RS worth £50k more than a GT3? Is a Speciale worth £100k more than a 458? These are tough arguments to make objectively. But subjectively, as a thing to own...I love something built with minimal compromise or a genuine motorsport link.
So that’s why I’ve put my money where my mouth is and have a GR being delivered in two weeks. It will be my daily, replacing a Megane RS265 RB8. Is it £25k better? Probably not but I think it’ll be worth it.
Lincsls1 said:
From what I understand this car is a genuine rally car with a nice daily drive interior, seats and carpets.
It IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
I don't think Chris Harris was being literal - Hence why I suspect round any track outside of a Go-kart circuit the M3 would be significantly fasterIt IMO would run rings around any car mentioned above barring a straight line and even then it'll hold its own.
It has a super strong chassis, it is seam welded and re-enforced, has carbon fibre panels, huge brakes (especially so for its size) and the super clever 4WD system. Toyota have let their very best engineers loose on this.
Chris Harris said it would drive around the outside of the lastest M3 on a bend, this is the point!
You're buying the current best! Yes it will be wasted on 99% of its buyers, but that can be said about so many other things in life, such as a £4k divers watch for example.
Some hyperbole is common in motoring journalism
I think it's the way it is nowadays.
Social media hype, Manufacturers giving cars to these online reviewers because it sells the product, and it does...
In my short time in the GR I thought it was a great car, after every drive I got out saying "that's a good car"
And I'm sure it'll be the last of it's type before everything goes Hybrid.
I loved the way the engine charged towards the red line, that's missing in a Golf R.
And for those that have commented about it being 3 cylinder, I had reservations also, but it doesn't feel like a 3 cylinder when driving, please don't let that put you off if you haven't tried one.
The Golf R is a good, very fast, family car.
Even though the Yaris isn't as quick it feels more special. (The brakes, carbon roof, limited edition, current desirability)
Social media hype, Manufacturers giving cars to these online reviewers because it sells the product, and it does...
In my short time in the GR I thought it was a great car, after every drive I got out saying "that's a good car"
And I'm sure it'll be the last of it's type before everything goes Hybrid.
I loved the way the engine charged towards the red line, that's missing in a Golf R.
And for those that have commented about it being 3 cylinder, I had reservations also, but it doesn't feel like a 3 cylinder when driving, please don't let that put you off if you haven't tried one.
The Golf R is a good, very fast, family car.
Even though the Yaris isn't as quick it feels more special. (The brakes, carbon roof, limited edition, current desirability)
Edited by Trevor555 on Saturday 17th April 17:24
Having these thoughts myself at the minute.
The yaris gr should be the perfect second garage car for me, and not having driven one I think I want one. But my head tells me from experience I've always enjoyed rwd over the outright progress of the subaru/evo back in the day another few grand has a lightly used m2 comp, which I have driven and is absolutely superb, and a lot of fun.
The yaris gr should be the perfect second garage car for me, and not having driven one I think I want one. But my head tells me from experience I've always enjoyed rwd over the outright progress of the subaru/evo back in the day another few grand has a lightly used m2 comp, which I have driven and is absolutely superb, and a lot of fun.
Gassing Station | Toyota | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff