The facelifted Toyota GR Yaris has been launched in Indonesia at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The revised rally-inspired über hatch makes its ASEAN debut with revised looks, more power, and a new automatic gearbox option.
The new GR Yaris is available in both 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission options. The manual transmission starts at 1,150,000,000 rupiah (approximately RM332,000), while the automatic transmission variant is priced at 1,198,000,000 rupiah (approximately RM345,900). It’s important to note that the GR Yaris is an indent order car, with a waiting period of at least three months depending on production capacity at the Motomachi plant in Aichi, Japan.
The Toyota GR Yaris receives a visual refresh for the new model year. This update includes a revised front bumper featuring a new design. The lower sections of the front bumper now utilize a separable structure, potentially simplifying repairs and replacements in the future. Additionally, the front bumper side vents have been enlarged compared to the previous version.
The GR Yaris’s rear lower garnish now features an opening at its lower edge. This opening allows air from beneath the floor to escape, potentially reducing aerodynamic drag and contributing to improved maneuverability and stability. Additionally, the redesigned tail lamp adopts a continuous design and has been consolidated, which may help prevent damage during motorsport activities and enhance visibility.
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The GR Yaris features a driver-oriented cockpit layout. The control panel and display have been angled 15 degrees toward the driver for improved visibility and accessibility. This design approach, inspired by the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship race cars, prioritizes ease of use during both spirited driving and everyday commutes.
The GR Yaris carries over the familiar G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine. However, this powertrain receives several revisions for potentially improved performance and durability. These revisions include a strengthened valvetrain, a new exhaust valve material, and a higher-pressure direct injection system. Additionally, new pistons with wear-resistant rings have been incorporated. These revisions translate to an output increase of 33 hp, reaching a new maximum of 305 hp. Torque figures also see a boost of 30 Nm, bringing the total to 400 Nm. This enables it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
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A significant addition to the GR Yaris lineup is the all-new 8-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission. This transmission departs from conventional automatic designs and is engineered to prioritize responsiveness. Features like heat-resistant clutch material, a new torque control system, and a compact, high-response linear solenoid aim to deliver rapid gear changes. Additionally, the transmission utilizes closely spaced ratios for a potentially smoother and more performance-oriented driving experience. Compared to the manual transmission option, the GR Yaris with the automatic transmission is claimed to achieve faster lap times.
This 6-speed gearbox receives a new dual-mass flywheel for potentially smoother operation. Additionally, the manual transmission retains the automatic rev-matching feature, as showcased by this Emotional Red model. The GR Yaris also features a revised drive mode selection system. The Sport, Normal, and Eco modes are now independent of the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, allowing for individual driver preference. For the automatic transmission variant, the Sport mode offers quicker gear changes and a more responsive throttle for a sportier driving experience.
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The GR Yaris receives an updated all-wheel-drive (AWD) system compared to the previous fixed torque distribution options (60:40, 30:70, or 50:50 depending on the drive mode). This new system offers variable torque distribution that adjusts based on the selected driving mode. For instance, in Track mode, the torque distribution can dynamically shift between a 60:40 front-to-rear bias on corner entry to a 30:70 bias on corner exit. This potentially allows for optimized traction and acceleration during performance driving scenarios.
The GR Yaris benefits from not only cosmetic enhancements but also chassis reinforcements. The connection between the body and shock absorbers has been bolstered with additional fasteners, potentially leading to improved responsiveness. Furthermore, an increase in spot welds throughout the chassis aims to enhance handling stability and ride comfort.
The arrival of the facelifted GR Yaris in Indonesia sparks speculation about its potential arrival in Malaysia. With the addition of a new automatic transmission option alongside the existing manual, the question arises: would Malaysian drivers opt for the convenience of the automatic or the traditional engagement of the manual? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
