Toyota GR Yaris review

Could it really be as good in reality as it appears on paper? Well yes, actually. I’ve driven it on the road and track and have no hesitation saying this is the most capable car of its kind I’ve ever driven. What’s more, and I drove it in some horrendous weather, there doesn’t seem to be any conditions to which it is not supremely well suited. As for that price, believe me it only seems expensive until you drive it.

But what I liked most about it is not the brilliant little triple motor under its bonnet, nor the way its suspension (highly modified Yaris at the front, highly modified Corolla at the back) and those diffs seem able to find grip when all logic tells you there should be none. It’s not even the way these factors combine to produce hypercar-humbling point to point pace on difficult, damp British A and B roads. It’s the fact the car is so damn usable.

It doesn’t try to deafen you, nor loosen your dental work. The interior is pretty plain and not exactly high quality, but it’s sufficiently well equipped for the Yaris to be a perfectly plausible daily driver. Indeed if I have a complaint it’s that  on the limit it can be a touch too sensible, keeping you straight when you’d rather be going sideways. But that’s about it. This is a cracking little car. For once you can believe the hype. The GR Yaris really is that good.

Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Pack

Engine: 1618cc, 3-cyl, turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4WD
Power: 257bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 266lb ft @ 2500rpm
Weight: 1280kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 201bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 143mph
Price: £33,495 (with Circuit Pack)

Ti rating: 9/10