TOYOTAGR Yaris 2024 - Present

　　Toyota introduced a refreshed version of the Yaris at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, improving the car in many aspects and continuing the successful story of this small-sized hot hatch.

　　When the Japanese automaker introduced the GR Yaris on the market in 2019, the world was stunned to see such a small-sized vehicle competing against much more acclaimed sports cars. And yet, thanks to the technology carried over from rally racing, the tiny hot hatch proved to be a tough nut to crack on a race track or gravel road. But then, the automaker unveiled a better version of it in 2024, developed together with the Gazoo Racing engineers, improving the car in all areas: exterior, interior, and drivetrain.

　　The GR Yaris was more than just a car; it was a go-fast, small-sized hot hatch where every detail served a purpose. As a result, the front fascia was altered compared to its predecessor. Its bumper was made from removable parts, so in the event of a damaged area, customers could change just that chunk. Furthermore, the engineers noticed that they had to improve cooling, so they rearranged the radiators behind the side scoops placed on the front apron, ditching the fog lamps in the process.

　　From its profile, there were no changes. Toyota even used the exact light alloy wheels as on the 2020 Yaris, but the rear end was revised. There, the LED taillights followed a new pattern, with a red stripe that crossed the tailgate. In addition, the third brake light migrated from the roof spoiler lower, between the taillights. The automaker didn’t care too much about investing in the car’s exterior look since it knew that the GR Yaris’ customers were more attracted to practical upgrades, not aesthetical ones.

　　The car’s interior was vastly improved. It featured a new dashboard with a large console that integrated the instrument cluster and the center console tilted towards the driver. The high-bolstered seats were similar to the ones before, but they were mounted into a lower position. As a result, the car offered better feedback to the one behind the wheel. Another significant change was the integration of the infotainment’s system touchscreen onto the center stack instead of the free-floating system used on the 2020 GR Yaris. On the center console, in front of the gear selector, Toyota placed the turning knob for the drivetrain control system. At the push of a button, it set the car in track mode, so the driver didn’t have to go through different menus to reach it.

　　But the most significant changes happened under the car’s skin. The 2024 GR Yaris featured torque-sensing front and rear differentials and a re-calibrated suspension. Furthermore, they added a six-speed automatic transmission to the options list, while the base model was fitted with the same six-speed manual. Toyota’s racing engineers studied the previous version and improved the gear-selector linkages.

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