Toyota GR Yaris - Official! (Vol 2)

Toyota GR Yaris - Official! (Vol 2)

Author
Discussion

Rawhide

962 posts

212 months

Monday 3rd April 2023
quotequote all
I am somewhat in a quandary. I decided today to take my dealer up on a GR Yaris test drive. I did drive one before putting down a deposit in May 21 but it was limited to 30 minutes and was in central Swindon in heavy traffic. I remember being impressed with the handling on the first round about but did not really get a chance to open the car up or see what it was all about.

I had a longer drive today and got to explore some more rural roads, albeit road that were unfamiliar to me.

I was left feeling a bit unsure if the car is for me. I love hot hatches and I love driving, but I've never owner a car newer than 2010. My last most modern car was a Clio RS 200 which felt far more focused in the corners than even the GR. The car felt claustrophobic and whilst it didn't bother me on the first test drive the mirror did seem like a real issue this time. I know it can rise a bit with spacers.

The car was clearly immensely capable as I'm sure everyone knows but even on open roads I still felt like I could not push the car anywhere close to its limits. I did not feel desperate to continue my test drive even though the dealer did not put any time pressure on me. The experience was just so much more modern car than I'm used to.

My car doesn't arrive until June. I've had enough of my stop gap car which is an even more impractical Honda CRZ. It felt spacious after the GR Yaris.

I'm also concerned that as a dad, whilst my kids could fit in the back just fine, the dog would hate me, meaning the kids would hate me. I'm leaning towards a stop gap estate to enable tip/ family activities but I'm wondering if I really would benefit from a Yaris in my life, perhaps alongside an estate car. I've been so used to spannering on my own cars, that I'd obsess about running a new car, and be a slave to a dealer service plan etc.

So a few months to think, I'm sure on roads I know the car would be amazing, but I'm wondering if the hassle of new car ownership is a step to far for me.

PhilPol

311 posts

40 months

Tuesday 4th April 2023
quotequote all
Rawhide said:
I am somewhat in a quandary. I decided today to take my dealer up on a GR Yaris test drive. I did drive one before putting down a deposit in May 21 but it was limited to 30 minutes and was in central Swindon in heavy traffic. I remember being impressed with the handling on the first round about but did not really get a chance to open the car up or see what it was all about.

I had a longer drive today and got to explore some more rural roads, albeit road that were unfamiliar to me.

I was left feeling a bit unsure if the car is for me. I love hot hatches and I love driving, but I've never owner a car newer than 2010. My last most modern car was a Clio RS 200 which felt far more focused in the corners than even the GR. The car felt claustrophobic and whilst it didn't bother me on the first test drive the mirror did seem like a real issue this time. I know it can rise a bit with spacers.

The car was clearly immensely capable as I'm sure everyone knows but even on open roads I still felt like I could not push the car anywhere close to its limits. I did not feel desperate to continue my test drive even though the dealer did not put any time pressure on me. The experience was just so much more modern car than I'm used to.

My car doesn't arrive until June. I've had enough of my stop gap car which is an even more impractical Honda CRZ. It felt spacious after the GR Yaris.

I'm also concerned that as a dad, whilst my kids could fit in the back just fine, the dog would hate me, meaning the kids would hate me. I'm leaning towards a stop gap estate to enable tip/ family activities but I'm wondering if I really would benefit from a Yaris in my life, perhaps alongside an estate car. I've been so used to spannering on my own cars, that I'd obsess about running a new car, and be a slave to a dealer service plan etc.

So a few months to think, I'm sure on roads I know the car would be amazing, but I'm wondering if the hassle of new car ownership is a step to far for me.
I have two kids (4 and 7 years) and a dog too, the Yaris is no good for family stuff, it certainly would be terrible to try and use as the only family car. I have a Focus for family stuff.

The GR (like any impractical sports car) is just a toy, an awesome one yes, but still a toy. Having one comes down only to what pleasure you'll get from it. You won't lose much if any money if you take delivery and run it for a month or two, you might be surprised once you settle into it how all the things you thought were an issue like the mirror and interior space etc all melt away.

Good luck.

dvshannow

1,580 posts

135 months

Tuesday 4th April 2023
quotequote all
PhilPol said:
Rawhide said:
I am somewhat in a quandary. I decided today to take my dealer up on a GR Yaris test drive. I did drive one before putting down a deposit in May 21 but it was limited to 30 minutes and was in central Swindon in heavy traffic. I remember being impressed with the handling on the first round about but did not really get a chance to open the car up or see what it was all about.

I had a longer drive today and got to explore some more rural roads, albeit road that were unfamiliar to me.

I was left feeling a bit unsure if the car is for me. I love hot hatches and I love driving, but I've never owner a car newer than 2010. My last most modern car was a Clio RS 200 which felt far more focused in the corners than even the GR. The car felt claustrophobic and whilst it didn't bother me on the first test drive the mirror did seem like a real issue this time. I know it can rise a bit with spacers.

The car was clearly immensely capable as I'm sure everyone knows but even on open roads I still felt like I could not push the car anywhere close to its limits. I did not feel desperate to continue my test drive even though the dealer did not put any time pressure on me. The experience was just so much more modern car than I'm used to.

My car doesn't arrive until June. I've had enough of my stop gap car which is an even more impractical Honda CRZ. It felt spacious after the GR Yaris.

I'm also concerned that as a dad, whilst my kids could fit in the back just fine, the dog would hate me, meaning the kids would hate me. I'm leaning towards a stop gap estate to enable tip/ family activities but I'm wondering if I really would benefit from a Yaris in my life, perhaps alongside an estate car. I've been so used to spannering on my own cars, that I'd obsess about running a new car, and be a slave to a dealer service plan etc.

So a few months to think, I'm sure on roads I know the car would be amazing, but I'm wondering if the hassle of new car ownership is a step to far for me.
I have two kids (4 and 7 years) and a dog too, the Yaris is no good for family stuff, it certainly would be terrible to try and use as the only family car. I have a Focus for family stuff.

The GR (like any impractical sports car) is just a toy, an awesome one yes, but still a toy. Having one comes down only to what pleasure you'll get from it. You won't lose much if any money if you take delivery and run it for a month or two, you might be surprised once you settle into it how all the things you thought were an issue like the mirror and interior space etc all melt away.

Good luck.
Agree it’s no family car, but I’ve don’t a couple of 250mi journeys in one with a couple of kids, imo it’s similar practically wise to a 911


Roman Moroni

942 posts

122 months

Wednesday 5th April 2023
quotequote all
Well, I finally took the plunge and bought a (Circuit Pack) MY70 plate on Monday. I test drove it at the end of February and couldn't get it out of my head. My dilemma was that I only bought my 595 Abarth back in September and I knew I would take a hit on the depreciation. However, I was offered the GRY at such a good price (1 owner from new, less then 3k in 2 years). it continued to play on my mind. In the end I thought 'sod it', I sold the 595 through Motorway and got the Yaris.

I'm fortunate as I've got a 996 C4S in the garage and a 'Classic' Impreza in storage. My impression after a couple of days and around 150 miles:

1) It's flipping fast. It 'feels' quicker then the C4S which I had out of the weekend so can do a fair comparison. Obviously the Yaris doesn't have the top end but I don't think I'll ever see 'What'll it do Mr??' speeds. Unsurprisingly it's nowhere near as agricultural as the Impreza and much better then the 595.

2) I love the gearbox and steering in normal driving mode. I've yet to try the Sport & Track button, so will report back.

3) Lane Assist is annoying and a royal PIA which will be switched off shortly.

4) I tried the IMT out earlier; although its a good feature it's not for me as I'm used to 'blipping' the throttle on my change down. I'm no driving god but I was to busy avoiding my own 'blip' that I found I was not paying attention to the road ahead.

5) It would be nice to have Sat Nav as a standard fit. I thought the previous owner hadn't specified it and only found out the truth after a bit of research.

Lastly, and this is where you guys can assist, can we talk about the exhaust? The previous owner had a Miltek fitted. It sounded glorious but was far too loud for me so he put back the stock system. Don't get me wrong, I love a noisey exhaust, the C4S has after market back boxes; the Impreza a fully decatted 'Scooby Sport' system.
I would like to get something for the Yaris which makes it sound better but doesn't annoy the neighbours when I go to work at 5am!
Your sage like thoughts please. smile

loudlashadjuster

5,082 posts

183 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
The Normal/Track/Sport doesn’t change anything except for the drive split; steering, gear change, suspension are untouched. The only other thing that it does is change the way some some of the systems function e.g. in Sport the stop/start is disabled.

A long press on the lane assist button to completely disabled it is just one of those GR Yaris finger dance moves that you get used to. For me, that’s iMT on, twist for Sport, long press on lane assist, cancel the ‘warm up’ message. You can get little defeat PCBs that simulate these bottom presses to save you doing it yourself. I’ve just gotten used to it.

I find iMT great, and only occasionally go to blip myself. It’s very rarely caught out.

As for the exhaust, Tegiwa did a good comparison video

https://youtu.be/CUW7S2MGboM

Well, as good as listening to an exhaust on YouTube can be. Al lot of them do sound cack or too loud I’m afraid. If I was going for one it would probably be the HKS Super Turbo.

moonigan

2,127 posts

240 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Roman Moroni said:
Lastly, and this is where you guys can assist, can we talk about the exhaust? The previous owner had a Miltek fitted. It sounded glorious but was far too loud for me so he put back the stock system. Don't get me wrong, I love a noisey exhaust, the C4S has after market back boxes; the Impreza a fully decatted 'Scooby Sport' system.
I would like to get something for the Yaris which makes it sound better but doesn't annoy the neighbours when I go to work at 5am!
Your sage like thoughts please. smile
The HKS Hi Power Spec L got my vote. Lighter than stock and not too loud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm2Zo1z03EA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FgM6VPDPzE

GTRene

16,372 posts

223 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all


sounds indeed good.

UK952

763 posts

258 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
No IMT for me either, quite happy to blip my own throttle.

99% of my driving in sport with a long press on lane assist to disable.

I usually leave the cold engine display on until it goes out as the heater warms up before the engine does which occasionally catches me out!

Once warmed long press on traction control (until expert goes out), unless in a situation where I want cruise, then long press on cruise for no radar (cruise is disabled with traction / stability).

Occasionally feels a bit naughty driving around with safety systems off / warning lights on the dash but the majority of my cars until now didn't have them to turn on. Sometimes when triggered they feel like they are working against me.

Tony

Roman Moroni

942 posts

122 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
Thanks for all your imput.

I'm certainly going to play around with the set ups. I'm taking it easy for the first few days so I can get used to it in normal driving 'mode'. I'm on lates all next week which means I finish at around midnight. I've got a number of ways to get home; either a quick blast down the motorway or a bit of cross country so I'll be mixing it up a bit.

As for the exhaust; that HKS sounds exactly what I'm looking for. Quiet on start up but with a bit of noise when you want it. It's something I'm going to look in to.

Thanks again smile

PhilPol

311 posts

40 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
UK952 said:
Occasionally feels a bit naughty driving around with safety systems off / warning lights on the dash but the majority of my cars until now didn't have them to turn on. Sometimes when triggered they feel like they are working against me.

Tony
I agree. I no longer have any safety system related interruptions since bolting an LED bar right in front of the radar... smile


BevR

676 posts

142 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
I think that HKS is the best sounding exhaust I have heard, some of them make it sound really agricultural.

Quick question- does anyone know if the quoted width online include wing mirrors? I have found 180.6cm listed around in a few places. I went to look at a house today and the garage has a drive to it with a 195-200cm pinch point. Not a deal breaker by any means but curious if/when the Yaris arrives if it could get down there.

UK952

763 posts

258 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
PhilPol said:
I agree. I no longer have any safety system related interruptions since bolting an LED bar right in front of the radar... smile

smile with added night time safety

Tony

loudlashadjuster

5,082 posts

183 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
BevR said:
I think that HKS is the best sounding exhaust I have heard, some of them make it sound really agricultural.

Quick question- does anyone know if the quoted width online include wing mirrors? I have found 180.6cm listed around in a few places. I went to look at a house today and the garage has a drive to it with a 195-200cm pinch point. Not a deal breaker by any means but curious if/when the Yaris arrives if it could get down there.
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.

BevR

676 posts

142 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
Great to know, thank you!

djc206

12,245 posts

124 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
That surprises me. It certainly never felt that wide to me but the numbers can’t be argued with.

PhilPol

311 posts

40 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
djc206 said:
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
That surprises me. It certainly never felt that wide to me but the numbers can’t be argued with.
Interesting, I've not measured mine but Toyota Ireland (cos I can't find the page on the UK site) suggests the max width inc extended mirrors is 1805... and the line drawing suggests the extended mirrors don't add to the width beyond the wheels/arches: https://www.toyota.ie/models/gr-yaris/features-and...

djc206

12,245 posts

124 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
PhilPol said:
djc206 said:
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
That surprises me. It certainly never felt that wide to me but the numbers can’t be argued with.
Interesting, I've not measured mine but Toyota Ireland (cos I can't find the page on the UK site) suggests the max width inc extended mirrors is 1805... and the line drawing suggests the extended mirrors don't add to the width beyond the wheels/arches: https://www.toyota.ie/models/gr-yaris/features-and...
Someone go outside with a tape measure and report back!

PhilPol

311 posts

40 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
djc206 said:
PhilPol said:
djc206 said:
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
That surprises me. It certainly never felt that wide to me but the numbers can’t be argued with.
Interesting, I've not measured mine but Toyota Ireland (cos I can't find the page on the UK site) suggests the max width inc extended mirrors is 1805... and the line drawing suggests the extended mirrors don't add to the width beyond the wheels/arches: https://www.toyota.ie/models/gr-yaris/features-and...
Someone go outside with a tape measure and report back!
It's snowing here, someone else needs to do it biggrin

PhilPol

311 posts

40 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
I just noticed the price for the Yaris on that Toyota Ireland site: 64,000 EUR.... 56,000 GBP.... wtf is going on there....

loudlashadjuster

5,082 posts

183 months

Thursday 6th April 2023
quotequote all
djc206 said:
PhilPol said:
djc206 said:
loudlashadjuster said:
A quick check confirms that the 1805 mm is the body width. With mirrors it's over 2 metres.
That surprises me. It certainly never felt that wide to me but the numbers can’t be argued with.
Interesting, I've not measured mine but Toyota Ireland (cos I can't find the page on the UK site) suggests the max width inc extended mirrors is 1805... and the line drawing suggests the extended mirrors don't add to the width beyond the wheels/arches: https://www.toyota.ie/models/gr-yaris/features-and...
Someone go outside with a tape measure and report back!
That's exactly what I did! laugh