Reviews vs reality: GR Yaris 2021
Discussion
I sold my Mclaren and while I wait to get into my next one I thought the GRY would be a hoot to have in between. I had 2 Focus RS MK3's a while back and it's certainly as much fun as them round the back roads and would stay pretty close to the Mclaren if a little less theatrical. Is it a good daily I guess it depends what you want it to do? It's fine unless you are doing really long journeys as the ride is pretty hard and there is little to stop each and every jolt coming through from the road.The rear seats are useless exept for a couple of young kids unless both the driver and passenger are under 5 foot tall! Rear view mirror takes up a lot of the front view and the view out the back isn't great. Fuel consumption is possibly worse than a supercar too. I'm not a fan of 3 cylinder engines but after the initial startup you would not really know it was at least a cylinder short. The interior is fine, standard japanese and a pretty pleasant place to be. For what it is and is designed to be it's great little car and a blast to drive. as far as I am aware the warranty covers for track use too and is now 10 years subject to a genuine Toyota servicing regime. Only 1500 coming to the UK currently I think so there are not going to be too many about and current waiting list is arounf 15 months. What's not to like?
Haven’t had mine a year yet, just about seven months and 6,500 miles, but I still use any excuse to take it out and often take the long way.
As a second car it’s going to do 10k+ miles a year when my previous runabout did less than 4, if that tells you anything
It only gets better when pressing on, and you can really get it to dance in the corners when you’re familiar with it and can trust its abilities.
Negatives? Not many, most are niggles about stupid on-board systems or lack of storage space. It’s 2022 so it really should have USB-C though
As a second car it’s going to do 10k+ miles a year when my previous runabout did less than 4, if that tells you anything
It only gets better when pressing on, and you can really get it to dance in the corners when you’re familiar with it and can trust its abilities.
Negatives? Not many, most are niggles about stupid on-board systems or lack of storage space. It’s 2022 so it really should have USB-C though
Had mine [ totally standard Circuit] for 15 months now, fast approaching 4k miles!
It is what you would call my daily, albeit when I was working, it was from home, so some weeks no usage at all. Longest trip I have been on is to Devils bridge in Wales from Winchester area, where it averaged an amazing 38 mpg there as I had a lump in the back so had to be careful, still 35 on the way home despite coming back the Elan valley and in the very hot weather, so air con on etc.
My average mpg is currently 31, and no, I don’t just poodle about, it gets the beans quite often.
I have had Evos’, Es Cosworth, 996 turbo, TVR etc and had a good go at motorsport on and off since 1980 with decent success, so as you can tell, I like fast cars.
Whilst I have driven quite a few faster in a straight-line cars, Nothing, and I repeat nothing comes close to the GR in real world driving, especially cross country back A / B roads its epic, so sure footed and Effortless to drive at say 90%. V responsive eager engine, sweet gearbox, excellent suspension, compliant but firm and tremendous grip along with all the modern “toys” today’s cars have which thankfully you can turn all of them off if you desire.
Can’t fault it, if I was super critical, the clutch biting point is a little high, at times not the smoothest to pull away unless you concentrate and road noise which I get due to the very impressive Michelin’s and lack of sound proofing to save weight, all totally acceptable to me.
Its huge fun, even at 62 now, not at all tiring to drive, economical, costs me £33 /month for servicing, a Toyota warranty for peace of mind and even my grandkids can fit in the back, and yes, it will run fine on normal fuel if need be
It is what you would call my daily, albeit when I was working, it was from home, so some weeks no usage at all. Longest trip I have been on is to Devils bridge in Wales from Winchester area, where it averaged an amazing 38 mpg there as I had a lump in the back so had to be careful, still 35 on the way home despite coming back the Elan valley and in the very hot weather, so air con on etc.
My average mpg is currently 31, and no, I don’t just poodle about, it gets the beans quite often.
I have had Evos’, Es Cosworth, 996 turbo, TVR etc and had a good go at motorsport on and off since 1980 with decent success, so as you can tell, I like fast cars.
Whilst I have driven quite a few faster in a straight-line cars, Nothing, and I repeat nothing comes close to the GR in real world driving, especially cross country back A / B roads its epic, so sure footed and Effortless to drive at say 90%. V responsive eager engine, sweet gearbox, excellent suspension, compliant but firm and tremendous grip along with all the modern “toys” today’s cars have which thankfully you can turn all of them off if you desire.
Can’t fault it, if I was super critical, the clutch biting point is a little high, at times not the smoothest to pull away unless you concentrate and road noise which I get due to the very impressive Michelin’s and lack of sound proofing to save weight, all totally acceptable to me.
Its huge fun, even at 62 now, not at all tiring to drive, economical, costs me £33 /month for servicing, a Toyota warranty for peace of mind and even my grandkids can fit in the back, and yes, it will run fine on normal fuel if need be
How would you say it stacks up against the 996 turbo having had both? I know they are completely different cars. I had the GR on a short test drive in the wet and up a couple of very rough roads and I was seriously impressed especially at how quickly I felt at ease getting to the limits of the car. I've never driven a 996T though and am wondering is it even half of the drivers car that the GR is outright speed aside.
Smokey Bear said:
How would you say it stacks up against the 996 turbo having had both? I know they are completely different cars. I had the GR on a short test drive in the wet and up a couple of very rough roads and I was seriously impressed especially at how quickly I felt at ease getting to the limits of the car. I've never driven a 996T though and am wondering is it even half of the drivers car that the GR is outright speed aside.
The 996T i had would disappear up the road in a straight line, indeed any fast circuit like Goodwood too, But, in real world driving, the 996 would be left behind easily on typical twisty, bumpy, dirty UK roads, also in the dry too. The GR is so much easier=relaxing to drive too on those types of roads.Mark A S said:
Smokey Bear said:
How would you say it stacks up against the 996 turbo having had both? I know they are completely different cars. I had the GR on a short test drive in the wet and up a couple of very rough roads and I was seriously impressed especially at how quickly I felt at ease getting to the limits of the car. I've never driven a 996T though and am wondering is it even half of the drivers car that the GR is outright speed aside.
The 996T i had would disappear up the road in a straight line, indeed any fast circuit like Goodwood too, But, in real world driving, the 996 would be left behind easily on typical twisty, bumpy, dirty UK roads, also in the dry too. The GR is so much easier=relaxing to drive too on those types of roads.irish boy said:
Not convinced. The 996tt is brutal and makes the Yaris feel slow. It’s also superb on twisty back roads. Nearly too fast/secure.
Sorry, but i disagree, having owned both and my 996 was an X50 modded running around 550, KW suspension Wave track rear diff, GT3 brakes, Kumho V70's, it was an absolute weapon, on the back roads around here on a day like today, wet mucky etc, the GR would be long gone. Sure, fast flowing A road with plenty of room and smooth ish, the 996 would be gone, not by much though.I do miss that shove in the back though
irish boy said:
Mark A S said:
Smokey Bear said:
How would you say it stacks up against the 996 turbo having had both? I know they are completely different cars. I had the GR on a short test drive in the wet and up a couple of very rough roads and I was seriously impressed especially at how quickly I felt at ease getting to the limits of the car. I've never driven a 996T though and am wondering is it even half of the drivers car that the GR is outright speed aside.
The 996T i had would disappear up the road in a straight line, indeed any fast circuit like Goodwood too, But, in real world driving, the 996 would be left behind easily on typical twisty, bumpy, dirty UK roads, also in the dry too. The GR is so much easier=relaxing to drive too on those types of roads.Thing is the vantage’s extra weight and size really count against it on b roads - it’s too wide, too low and too heavy. The GR is far more nimble and you can hustle it at surprising rate. It’s a perfect bit of packaging this car.
From the moment I test drove the GR I was smitten - everything about it feels just right.
The plan was to move this on for a new type-r “. I’m not so sure I want to do that anymore….
I’ve not driven a 911 turbo, just a humble Carrera 2.
Edited by randytusk on Monday 21st November 13:34
rene7 said:
If you want to drive on 'b' roads just buy a stand Caterham this will leave any porker or hot hatch yaris gr included for dead on any b road
its all to do with the light weight and small narrow car - the yaris and porkers are simply TOOO FAT.
its all to do with the light weight and small narrow car - the yaris and porkers are simply TOOO FAT.I would love to but I need
A boot
A roof to stay dry
Room for kids
ULEZ compliant
Something my other half can drive
Which caterham do I buy?
EVOTECH3BELL said:
Love it when people mention Caterhams.
Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
For where we are going who needs roads Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
Get a helicopter and be done it
rene7 said:
If you want to drive on 'b' roads just buy a stand Caterham this will leave any porker or hot hatch yaris gr included for dead on any b road its all to do with the light weight and small narrow car - the yaris and porkers are simply TOOO FAT.
No, they won’t. Have you driven the Yaris? My Caterham certainly felt quick on a B road, but it’s not keeping up with the Yaris. At higher speeds a 996TT would disappear, but not much in it to 60mph. its all to do with the light weight and small narrow car - the yaris and porkers are simply TOOO FAT.randytusk said:
EVOTECH3BELL said:
Love it when people mention Caterhams.
Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
For where we are going who needs roads Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
Get a helicopter and be done it
I recommend single seater quadcopters.
Kawasicki said:
randytusk said:
EVOTECH3BELL said:
Love it when people mention Caterhams.
Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
For where we are going who needs roads Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
Get a helicopter and be done it
I recommend single seater quadcopters.
Measure. A drone with a seat effectively?
I’ve had mine over 18 months. I drive it every 1-2 weeks. The only modifications I’ve made is a mirror riser which has improved the visibility and mudflaps.
Every time I drive it the grip is incredible. As others have said on a B road, especially in the wet, it is very capable. I still love the car. I fully intend to clear the balloon at the end of the PCP and keep the car for a long time. It’s likely to be the last new ICE car I buy. I do expect to change the exhaust at some point in the future and get a second set of wheels (I prefer silver to black).
Every time I drive it the grip is incredible. As others have said on a B road, especially in the wet, it is very capable. I still love the car. I fully intend to clear the balloon at the end of the PCP and keep the car for a long time. It’s likely to be the last new ICE car I buy. I do expect to change the exhaust at some point in the future and get a second set of wheels (I prefer silver to black).
EVOTECH3BELL said:
Love it when people mention Caterhams.
Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
Oh, I thought that it was me that was just too porky and too wide to fit in.... sadly!.Zero practicality missing the point entirely.
Problem with Caterhams is that they are just too porky. Too wide heavy and slow for UK roads. Motorbikes make much more sense....
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