When the original Toyota GR Yaris arrived, it shocked the motoring world by being a bespoke, rally-bred homologation special hiding under a humble hatchback badge. Now, Toyota has updated its pocket rocket, and we got behind the wheel of the facelifted version to see if the addition of an automatic gearbox has diluted the magic.
We like: Fizzy, characterful engine, pure hot hatch design details.
We don’t like: While easier to live with, the auto ‘box does remove interactivity, pricing is starting to nudge a million.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally auto
- Price: R971 300 (February 2026)
- Engine: 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol
- Transmission: Automatic
- Power/Torque: 210 kW/400 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 5.2 sec (claimed)
- Claimed consumption: 9.1 L/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 174 litres
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Where does the Toyota GR Yaris fit in?
While it shares its name with the standard city car, the Toyota GR Yaris is a vastly different beast. It was born from Toyota’s desire to return to the World Rally Championship, with the project personally overseen by Akio Toyoda.
Built at the legendary Motomachi plant, the same facility that produced the Lexus LFA, the GR Yaris is largely hand built, featuring a carbon fibre roof and a unique all-wheel-drive system. It is a passion project from a global giant, designed to be a halo car for driving enthusiasts.
Read more: Toyota GR Yaris (2025) Launch Review
But what effect will the torque-converter automatic transmission have on this spiky hot hatch?
The new automatic transmission
The most significant change for the facelifted model is the introduction of an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. While some purists might have expected a dual-clutch setup, Toyota opted for a torque converter for its robustness and durability.
Read more: GR Yaris (2025) 8-speed auto explainer and rivals
And surprise, surprise, it works well. Toyota having taken the “2-pedal” route may alter the character of the car, but it makes this rally-bred machine a more viable option for the daily commute without losing its competitive edge. For the “purists”, the manual gearbox remains on sale alongside the auto.
Enhanced performance & grip
The 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine was already a marvel, but Toyota‘s engineers have managed to squeeze even more out of it. With a boost in both power and torque, the GR Yaris remains one of the most powerful small-displacement hatchbacks in the world.
On the road, this translates to blistering acceleration that challenges established heavyweights in the hot hatch segment. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, paired with high-performance Michelin rubber, ensures that the car offers immense levels of grip, allowing it to dart around with incredible agility.
A driver-focused cockpit
Inside, the facelift has brought about a redesigned cabin that prioritises the person behind the wheel. The seating position has been lowered to make the driver feel more connected to the chassis, and the dashboard has been tilted for better ergonomics.
While the design might be more functional than flashy, every button and control is placed within easy reach. We like the inclusion of interesting features like an intercooler spray button and the rally-style sequential shift logic on the gear lever, further cementing the car’s motorsport intentions. The seats are fantastic, too.
The value proposition: has the GR Yaris become too expensive?
Alongside the updates and the new transmission comes a shift in pricing. The GR Yaris has moved up-market, and it is no longer the relative bargain it once was. However, given its bespoke nature and limited production feel, it remains a unique proposition in a market where many legendary hot hatch brands have disappeared.
Is the new automatic GR Yaris a future classic in the making? Watch the full video to see how it handles the curves and whether the transmission has made it even better.
div style=”background-color: #f5f5f5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;”>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most significant mechanical update on the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris?
A: The most significant change is the introduction of a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, offering a self-shifting alternative to the traditional six-speed manual gearbox.
Q: Where is the Toyota GR Yaris manufactured?
A: The GR Yaris is largely hand built at Toyota’s famous Motomachi plant in Japan, the same specialised facility that was responsible for producing the Lexus LFA supercar.
Q: Has the engine performance of the GR Yaris been improved in the new model?
A: Yes, the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine has been retuned to deliver more power and torque than the original version, further enhancing its performance capabilities.
