Rally rebel: Toyota GR Yaris gets an automatic twist
The New GR Yaris shows off its rally-bred spirit in full force.
PhotographS courtesy of TMP
If you’ve ever dreamed of tearing up the streets (legally, of course) in a car that feels like it was pulled straight from a rally stage, Toyota’s got news for you. The New GR Yaris is officially here, and for the first time, it comes with an automatic transmission. Yes, you read that right — you don’t need to row your own gears to enjoy this rally-bred machine anymore.
Starting 6 March, Toyota Motor Philippines is rolling out the latest iteration of its WRC-inspired hot hatch, staying true to Akio Toyoda’s philosophy that “roads build cars.” That means it’s not only building a car that looks fast — it has to perform at the limit, too.
Visually, the New GR Yaris turns up the aggression with sharper aerodynamics, a rally-ready stance, and 18-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in grippy tires. LED headlights and DRLs ensure it stays menacing even at night, while the rear spoiler hints at its high-speed intentions.
GR Yaris’ turbocharged 1.6L GR engine is ready to unleash 280 PS of rally-bred performance.
Under the hood, Toyota cranked things up a notch. The 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine now produces 280 PS and 390 Nm of torque, making it even more of a pocket rocket. And if you’re planning on really pushing it, an upgraded drive mode select, a sub radiator, and an intercooler spray help keep things cool under pressure.
For those who love the thrill of shifting gears, the 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) remains. But if you prefer speed with a little less effort, the new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters is now an option — letting more drivers experience the GR Yaris without the clutch pedal commitment.
Inside, it’s putting the driver at the center of the action. A 12.3-inch digital display provides all the essential performance data, while a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps you connected. Safety tech also gets an upgrade, including a back monitor, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and Toyota’s improved Safety Sense package. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert add extra peace of mind, while Adaptive Cruise Control (M/T) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (A/T) make long drives easier.
