The eagerly awaited facelift of the Toyota GR Yaris has had its pricing and specifications revealed ahead of its official launch in South Africa.
Originally expected to hit local showrooms by the end of March, the release of Toyota’s hot hatch has faced a quiet delay, with no confirmed date for its arrival. Despite the hold-up, fresh details have emerged, giving eager fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
Pricing
Motoring insider Zero2Turbo has shared that the new GR Yaris will start at R897,400, reflecting a price increase of R40,300 over the outgoing model’s R857,100.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected pricing:
| Model | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally Manual | R897,400 |
| Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally Auto | R925,300 |
As with the previous generation, the updated models are likely to include Toyota’s 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-service/90,000km service plan, though official confirmation is still pending.
Performance Upgrades
While this update isn’t a full model overhaul, Toyota has still managed to squeeze more power out of the GR Yaris’s renowned 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. The revised powerplant now generates 210kW and 400Nm of torque — a boost of 12kW and 40Nm over the outgoing version. Interestingly, this gives the GR Yaris more torque than its bigger sibling, the GR Corolla.
Although Toyota has yet to release updated performance figures, the pre-facelift model was capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h. With the extra power, these numbers could improve slightly.
A major addition to the line-up is the introduction of an automatic transmission variant, which joins the familiar six-speed manual rather than replacing it. The auto setup features a brand-new eight-speed transmission, giving drivers more flexibility depending on their driving preferences.
Handling has also seen a significant upgrade thanks to a reinforced chassis, improved electronic stability control, and the inclusion of a limited-slip differential. Additional bolts have been fitted to the shock absorber mounts to reduce alignment shifts during dynamic driving and sharpen the steering feel.
Another noteworthy upgrade is the introduction of Circuit Mode. This mode optimizes the car’s performance by reducing turbo lag, boosting cooling fan output, and fine-tuning the shift indicator to encourage more precise gear changes.
Design Tweaks & Interior Improvements
Toyota has refined the GR Yaris’s design, with changes inspired by customer feedback. One of the most practical updates is a redesigned lower front bumper that can now be removed separately, reducing repair costs after minor damage. Larger side grilles have also been added to enhance cooling and airflow.
The hatch now rides on new forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, paired with ventilated disc brakes — larger at the front than at the rear — for improved stopping power.
Inside, the cockpit has been modernized with a newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the previous standalone floating touchscreen. The infotainment screen is now neatly integrated and angled toward the driver for better ergonomics.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Power Output | 210kW & 400Nm |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual / 8-speed Automatic |
| 0-100 km/h Time (Pre-facelift) | 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 230km/h (estimated) |
| Suspension | Enhanced shock absorber mounting & reinforced chassis |
| Driving Modes | Includes new Circuit Mode |
| Wheels & Tyres | Forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs (Front larger than Rear) |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch digital cluster with integrated screen |
| Safety & Comfort | Adaptive Cruise, Lane Keep Assist, Reverse Camera, Keyless Entry, Auto Climate Control |
The refreshed Toyota GR Yaris builds on an already thrilling package by adding more power, refined tech, and sharper handling, all while staying true to its rally-bred DNA. With the addition of an automatic variant and several performance-focused tweaks, it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling hot hatches on the market.
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