Typically, we’ll check a automotive that will get so underneath our pores and skin that we give it some thought for months, if not years, after handing again the keys. The Toyota GR Yaris, maybe surprisingly, was not a kind of automobiles.

We had the chance to check out the entry-level GR Yaris in Australia again in February and after studying and watching so many evaluations proclaiming it to be an amazing efficiency automotive, had very, very excessive expectations. Nevertheless, it wasn’t all we had hoped for. That’s, till now.

The key recipe

You see, in Australia, Toyota made the choice to initially launch the GR Yaris in normal kind after which a couple of months later, unveiled the flagship Rallye variant. The Rallye is the equal of fashions outfitted with the non-obligatory Circuit Pack in different markets and comes with entrance and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch cast BBS wheels, pink brake calipers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, elements not discovered on the usual mannequin.

These additional options rework the GR Yaris and mix to create one of many best scorching hatches launched in latest reminiscence.

Powering all variants of the GR Yaris is a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that pumps out 200 kW (268 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque between 3,000 and 4,600 rpm, the identical figures as Japanese-spec fashions.

As we found earlier this yr, Toyota’s punchy three-pot is a firecracker of an engine. Positive, it might have one much less cylinder than most of its rivals but it surely has simply as a lot energy and a soundtrack that makes most four-cylinder turbo engines appear boring. With that being mentioned, the exhaust sound is reasonably uninspired, particularly in comparison with the likes of the Hyundai i30 N and Renault Megane R.S. Dropping the rear seats does assist you hear the exhaust extra clearly but it surely’s not the kind of sound you’ll be enthusiastic about in your desires.

Pushed: 2021 Toyota GR Yaris Is A Nice Scorching Hatch, However We Do Have Some Gripes

Mated to the 1.6-liter is a six-speed guide transmission. Hoping out of my 2011 Renault Clio RS 200 (assessment coming quickly), I used to be instantly struck by simply how gentle the clutch of the GR Yaris Rallye is. The shifter can be properly positioned and has an amazing weight to it. It additionally has a brief throw and can be utilized to carry out good heel-and-toe downshifts, helped by the positioning of the pedals. One factor I didn’t actually discover when driving the GR Yaris earlier this yr was simply how slim the footrest is for the motive force. In actual fact, the one strategy to relaxation my left foot with out it touching the clutch pedal was to push it exhausting up in opposition to the transmission tunnel.

Whereas dwelling with the GR Yaris Rallye for per week, I used to be additionally reminded of simply how poor the visibility is. For starters, the rear window is totally tiny and there are large blind spots due to these enormous C-pillars. The most important problem although is the visibility out of the windshield from the motive force’s seat. Because of the positioning of the infotainment display and the rear-view mirror, there’s just a few inches of house to look by. It’s not usually a difficulty however there have been instances after I was approaching an intersection or roundabout and couldn’t see automobiles from behind the mirror. That is exacerbated by the excessive seating place.

Nevertheless, these points fade into insignificance if you begin to push the GR Yaris Rallye.

The usual Toyota GR Yaris shouldn’t even exist

Toyota developed the automotive for the World Rally Championship (though it will definitely determined to stay to the outdated mannequin) and its motorsport-focused intention turns into obvious the second you begin to push it. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires of the common mannequin we beforehand examined present good ranges of grip however they might solely be described as ‘cheap’ and nothing extra. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires of the GR Yaris Rallye are phenomenal.

This doesn’t come as a shock; many automotive producers match their automobiles with the Michelin PS4S as they’re among the many best high-performance summer time tires within the trade. Slotted onto the Toyota, they keep on with the pavement like glue and that’s true whether or not the roads are dry or moist. These tires are light-years forward of the Dunlops and rework the automotive.

Then there’s the Torsen limited-slip differentials. Whereas driving the common GR Yaris, I discovered that the facility and torque might simply overwhelm the tires throughout exhausting and sharp regarding regardless of the automotive’s advanced all-wheel drive system. By comparability, the Rallye places its energy down rather more successfully, permitting you to hit the throttle mid-corner with out worrying in regards to the automotive understeering. As an alternative, it merely grips tougher and pulls you into the apex. The LSDs and new tires work in concord to remodel the dealing with expertise. For house owners of ordinary fashions, merely swapping the usual Dunlop tires for Michelins ought to end in drastic enhancements in how the automotive handles.

Attempt as I would, I used to be unable to seek out the boundaries of the Rallye’s grip on the street. Doing so would require you to take corners at really scary speeds. The one time I obtained shut was whereas pinning the throttle within the second half of a good, 70 km/h (43 mph) second-gear nook, and gently pushing a couple of inches vast of a perfect line.

A driver’s moist dream

One of many different celebration items of the GR Yaris Rallye is the handbrake. If you happen to’re feeling courageous, you’ll be able to pull on the handbrake and the automotive will spin 180-degrees on a dime. It genuinely is the most effective handbrake this aspect of a respectable rally automotive and lets you have some enjoyable within the automotive that’s merely not potential in its rivals.

Like the usual mannequin, the Rallye will be pushed in Regular, Observe, and Sport modes. Regular has a 60:40 front-rear energy cut up whereas Observe has a 50:50 cut up and Sport sends 30 per cent of energy to the entrance wheels and 70 per cent to the rear. The variations between these modes are clear as day, with Sport being the decide of the bunch for me. Due to the rear-biased energy cut up, it provides much more enjoyment to the driving expertise, permitting you to really feel the rear finish rotate throughout cornering.

By way of the automotive’s inside, it’s differentiated from the usual mannequin due to shiny pink stitching and a little bit Rallye badge close to the cigarette lighter, denoting it as one among 250 Rallye fashions which can be coming to Australia in 2021. Except for the aforementioned visibility and seating place, the ergonomics of the automotive are good, as is the 7.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Luxurious options together with heated seats and a heated steering wheel are additionally welcome additions and make the GR Yaris Rallye a really appropriate each day driver.

A real nice

Heading into my week with this rally-bred hatch, I had very excessive expectations. The automotive exceeded all of them. There are few automobiles that offers you as many thrills because the GR Yaris Rallye for lower than AU$100,000 (US$73,000). It’s certain to be a future collectible however the one factor I nonetheless battle to rationalize is the near-AU$60,000 (US$44,000) asking worth, which places it up there with the likes of the Honda Civic Kind R and Renault Megane R.S. Trophy however with far much less practicality.

Picture credit: Brad Anderson for CarScoops