The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris is more than just a car; it’s a pocket rocket that ignites the senses and sets pulses racing. Born from Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) pedigree, this second-generation GR Yaris is a symphony of power, precision, and panache.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Breathtaking Performance: The 1.6L turbocharged engine packs a serious punch, boasting 224kW and 400Nm of torque. This translates to neck-snapping acceleration and a truly exhilarating driving experience.
• Razor-Sharp Handling: Developed with rally heritage in mind, the GR Yaris attacks corners with precision and confidence. All-wheel drive and a lightweight construction ensure you’ll feel glued to the tarmac.
• Practicality (Surprisingly!): Despite its aggressive nature, the GR Yaris still manages to offer decent practicality for a hot hatch. There’s enough space for weekend adventures and everyday errands.

Cons

• Not for Comfort Seekers: The GR Yaris prioritizes performance over comfort. The ride can be firm on rough roads, and the cabin space might feel cramped for taller folks.
• Availability Woes: Toyota has struggled to keep up with demand, so be prepared for wait times.
• Not the Most Budget-Friendly: Performance comes at a price. Be sure you’re ready to splurge for this pocket rocket.

How Much Does the GR Yaris Cost?

The 2024 GR Yaris comes in one well-equipped trim, with a starting price of $56,390 (driveaway pricing may vary). While it’s certainly not cheap, you’re getting a lot of performance and motorsport-derived technology for your money.

Features and Benefits: A Feast for Driving Enthusiasts

The GR Yaris isn’t just about raw power; it’s packed with features designed to enhance the driving experience:

• Lightweight Construction: Saves weight, improves handling, and keeps that power-to-weight ratio nice and low.
• All-Wheel-Drive System: Selectable drive modes allow you to tailor the car’s handling to different conditions, from tarmac to gravel.
• Performance-Tuned Suspension: Sharpens handling and provides excellent feedback from the road.
• Brembo Braking System: Ensures you can haul this beast to a stop with confidence.
• Rev-Matching Technology: Makes downshifting smoother and keeps your engine happy (especially handy for those who are new to performance driving).

Safety: Keeping You Protected

Toyota hasn’t skimped on safety either. The GR Yaris boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, coming equipped with:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Running Costs: How Much Does it Really Cost to Own?

While fuel efficiency isn’t the GR Yaris‘s strong suit, it’s not unreasonable for a performance car. Expect fuel consumption figures around 8.3L/100km for combined driving. Keep in mind that this number can vary depending on your driving style and how often you unleash the beast within.

On the maintenance side, servicing costs should be in line with other high-performance vehicles.

Competitors: Standing Out From the Crowd

The GR Yaris competes with other hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf R and the Hyundai i30 N, but it offers a unique blend of rally-bred heritage and pure driver engagement. While its competitors may offer more features or practicality, the GR Yaris prioritizes an unadulterated driving experience.

Conclusion

A True Driver’s Car for the Discerning Aussie

The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris isn’t for everyone. It’s a car built for those who crave performance above all else. If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver, there are better options. But if you yearn for a weekend warrior that will put a smile on your face with every twist and turn, the GR Yaris is a dream come true. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most exhilarating drives come in surprisingly small packages.

Rating: 8.5/10

The GR Yaris loses a few points for its firm ride and limited practicality, but it more than makes up for it with its phenomenal performance, impressive handling, and undeniable motorsport pedigree. It’s a car that enthusiasts will be talking about for years to come. If you can handle the wait times and the price tag, the 2024 Toyota GR Yaris is a surefire way to inject some serious driving thrills into your life. Just remember, this little hot hatch is all about the pure joy of driving, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!