Toyota is nothing if not true to its word. It often likes to talk of how Gazoo Racing’s motorsport activity is constantly improving the road cars, and here we are - less than 15 months after the Gen 2 GR Yaris’s introduction - with another significant update. No more power this time around, but plenty to be encouraged by nonetheless; Toyota reckons this refresh ‘elevates driving performance, strengthens the connection between driver and car, and further amplifies the GR Yaris fun-to-drive sensation.’ And it was hardly doing bad beforehand.
The recently introduced eight-speed auto has been subject to a few changes, perhaps in response to some reviews that haven’t adored the torque converter. There are now ‘detailed improvements to gear selection control’, said to be focused on speedier driving, so hopefully the auto will be a tad more decisive when it really counts. There’s also a larger footrest, oddly, to ‘enhance the two-pedal driving experience.’ But no need for a footrest, really, when your left foot is there for braking like a proper rally driver…
Speaking of braking, we must discuss the new, optional handbrake. Available for both auto and manual GR Yarises, Toyota suggests it’s been influenced by rally (of course) and promises all sorts of hilarity off the public road. Or away from prying eyes, at least. Certainly no danger of anyone missing that lever, either…
Like all the very best Japanese icons (think GT-R, Evo and the like), the latest package of GR improvements sound modest, and don’t make the car look any different - but sometimes seemingly minor changes can make a meaningful difference. There’s mention this time around of an ‘evolved sense of oneness’ thanks to better steering response (already improved for the Gen 2) and straight line stability. That’s been achieved with new suspension settings and ‘higher fastening rigidity’ bolts. Some existing bolts have been tightened up with more torque.
Alongside further optimisation of the dampers, retuning of the electric steering and the input of racing driver Kazuya Oshima, Toyota has really invested some time in making ‘the sensation of a 1:1 relationship between steering wheel input and wheel response’ as good as it can be. With meaningful progress already made in that regard with the Gen 2, hopes must be high for this revised version. So perhaps that makes it Gen 2 Evo, or Gen 2.5.
Whatever the official name, though, best not get too excited about UK availability. Because we ain’t getting it. For whatever reason, Europe will get this enhanced spec of GR Yaris, complete with suggestive handbrake option, while the UK makes do with the current Gen 2 spec. Which seems even harder to get hold of than ever. Perhaps the aftermarket will be able to incorporate some of these improvements in time. For now, much like the Corolla and Supra Final Edition, this Yaris will be another GR gem denied to enthusiasts over here. Pity.
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