Reviews vs reality: GR Yaris 2021
Discussion
blz06 said:
fido said:
No one wants to say it - the problem is the 3-cylinder engine. Yes it's (probably) the best 3-cylinder ever made for a road car but it's still short on oomph .. and it's not exactly cheap per cylinder! Why does it matter you say? It's still a cracking car in a world of mediocre hatches with front-biased AWD systems. Yes, but on the road a Golf R or its mini-brother Audi S1 will feel better to drive most of the time and you'll feel less short-changed. It's no Subaru WRX STi.
Not sure what Koenigsegg would think about that.You can get a lot of used cars with V12s for little money. Cylinder was a status thing before, not anymore in most cases.
I'd be happy with 1 cylinder if it's as punchy as this. 3-cylinder engines are honest
Baldchap said:
MiseryStreak said:
My biggest worry is the weight, at 1,280 kg this will be the heaviest car I have bought. It felt light enough on my test drive, and like a compact car to chuck around, which is what I want.
Don't forget that until recently, most manufacturers simply lied about weight or claimed the weight of the lightest one with zero fluids and options. That's why almost overnight everything suddenly put 200kg on recently... Not bad Mazda.
Anyway back to the Group B Yaris....
437 miles into ownership my 2 pence.
Firstly, if you are wondering why there's so much hype consider when the last time anybody made a rally homologation special and what that involves. It's incredibly expensive, the car will almost certainly make a loss and with emissions regulations as tight as they are it's something no other car manufacturer is even considering. Now yes it could still have flopped but Toyota have had the best car in the WRC for a few years now, the vehicle was a personal project of the CEO and developed with Tommy Mackinnon. It would take a pretty spectacular set of failures for this not to be a special car. What are we at 530+ pages on the car now?
Is the car perfect? Absolutely not. I still have my fiesta and a short list of the things the fiesta wins on:
-boot space
-fuel economy
-fuel tank size
-heated screen
-heated seats
-satnav
-sound system (both volume and audio quality)
-seat comfort
-turning circle
-engine/exhaust sound
Other than the last point how much do I care? Not much tbh. I'm hoping for a HKS Exhaust to sort the sound at some point. As for the driving the GRY is great at what it was built to do, so the hype is justified imo.
Firstly, if you are wondering why there's so much hype consider when the last time anybody made a rally homologation special and what that involves. It's incredibly expensive, the car will almost certainly make a loss and with emissions regulations as tight as they are it's something no other car manufacturer is even considering. Now yes it could still have flopped but Toyota have had the best car in the WRC for a few years now, the vehicle was a personal project of the CEO and developed with Tommy Mackinnon. It would take a pretty spectacular set of failures for this not to be a special car. What are we at 530+ pages on the car now?
Is the car perfect? Absolutely not. I still have my fiesta and a short list of the things the fiesta wins on:
-boot space
-fuel economy
-fuel tank size
-heated screen
-heated seats
-satnav
-sound system (both volume and audio quality)
-seat comfort
-turning circle
-engine/exhaust sound
Other than the last point how much do I care? Not much tbh. I'm hoping for a HKS Exhaust to sort the sound at some point. As for the driving the GRY is great at what it was built to do, so the hype is justified imo.
AlphaDelta said:
437 miles into ownership my 2 pence.
Firstly, if you are wondering why there's so much hype consider when the last time anybody made a rally homologation special and what that involves. It's incredibly expensive, the car will almost certainly make a loss and with emissions regulations as tight as they are it's something no other car manufacturer is even considering. Now yes it could still have flopped but Toyota have had the best car in the WRC for a few years now, the vehicle was a personal project of the CEO and developed with Tommy Mackinnon. It would take a pretty spectacular set of failures for this not to be a special car. What are we at 530+ pages on the car now?
Is the car perfect? Absolutely not. I still have my fiesta and a short list of the things the fiesta wins on:
-boot space
-fuel economy
-fuel tank size
-heated screen
-heated seats
-satnav
-sound system (both volume and audio quality)
-seat comfort
-turning circle
-engine/exhaust sound
Other than the last point how much do I care? Not much tbh. I'm hoping for a HKS Exhaust to sort the sound at some point. As for the driving the GRY is great at what it was built to do, so the hype is justified imo.
I have the Fiesta Performance Edition. In the dry it is more fun than the GR Yaris. Firstly, if you are wondering why there's so much hype consider when the last time anybody made a rally homologation special and what that involves. It's incredibly expensive, the car will almost certainly make a loss and with emissions regulations as tight as they are it's something no other car manufacturer is even considering. Now yes it could still have flopped but Toyota have had the best car in the WRC for a few years now, the vehicle was a personal project of the CEO and developed with Tommy Mackinnon. It would take a pretty spectacular set of failures for this not to be a special car. What are we at 530+ pages on the car now?
Is the car perfect? Absolutely not. I still have my fiesta and a short list of the things the fiesta wins on:
-boot space
-fuel economy
-fuel tank size
-heated screen
-heated seats
-satnav
-sound system (both volume and audio quality)
-seat comfort
-turning circle
-engine/exhaust sound
Other than the last point how much do I care? Not much tbh. I'm hoping for a HKS Exhaust to sort the sound at some point. As for the driving the GRY is great at what it was built to do, so the hype is justified imo.
Toyota have marketed this car very well.
Things I like about the GR over the ST.
traction - switchable drive options
Induction sound
more comfortable
sheer ability to rip through corners
MannyLon said:
I have the Fiesta Performance Edition. In the dry it is more fun than the GR Yaris.
Toyota have marketed this car very well.
Things I like about the GR over the ST.
traction - switchable drive options
Induction sound
more comfortable
sheer ability to rip through corners
I've not driven the PE but I have driven the Mk8 with PP and I can believe that. It is an absolute riot.Toyota have marketed this car very well.
Things I like about the GR over the ST.
traction - switchable drive options
Induction sound
more comfortable
sheer ability to rip through corners
I can definitely feel the grip change in track model, not sure on sport yet. Perhaps I'm not pushing hard enough/need to turn the ESC off to get the back out. In track mode on a winding road is where this car seems to excel.
cerb4.5lee said:
Agree and the hype around any car is always a really difficult one I reckon. Once a car gets all the hype(like this one) the expectation from everyone is that it will be absolutely amazing in every area. Whereas the reality is that all cars have flaws for me(this included).
Indeed, it has suffered from excessively eulogising hype in the same manner as other affordable enthusiasts cars such as the GT86 (original), and A110. Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
Olivera said:
Indeed, it has suffered from excessively eulogising hype in the same manner as other affordable enthusiasts cars such as the GT86 (original), and A110.
Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
They didn't build the WRC car no, but there's still some cars out there in the wild winning rallies so it's not without any heritage at all.Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/inside-the-toyota-gr-ya...
Besides I'd argue that some of the coolest Group B cars were those that didn't really see any action at all as there's that unproven prototype aura around them.
Olivera said:
Indeed, it has suffered from excessively eulogising hype in the same manner as other affordable enthusiasts cars such as the GT86 (original), and A110.
Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
Ugly looks on a rally replica? Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
Mitsus and Scoobies were hardly works of art.
320d is all you need said:
I don't think Chris Harris was being literal - Hence why I suspect round any track outside of a Go-kart circuit the M3 would be significantly faster
Some hyperbole is common in motoring journalism
I think Chris mentioned roundabouts rather than tracks? Quite different really.Some hyperbole is common in motoring journalism
MannyLon said:
Olivera said:
Indeed, it has suffered from excessively eulogising hype in the same manner as other affordable enthusiasts cars such as the GT86 (original), and A110.
Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
Ugly looks on a rally replica? Evo magazine, whilst still recognising it as a great car, have mentioned a few criticisms including ugly looks, poor driving position, and that turn-in could be sharper. I'd also add that the homologation kudos is vastly overstated, if not just wrong, as in the end they didn't build a Yaris GR WRC.
Mitsus and Scoobies were hardly works of art.
I’ve had my GR Yaris a week so it’s early days yet but initial impressions are very very good.
It looks special with the swollen arches and bulldog proportions, makes you feel special when driving it, is a great size for uk roads, feels rock solid and has lots of lovely details.
It has a fabulous manual gear box, charismatic revvy punch engine, very well judged suspension for uk roads and very good brakes.
As a bonus, which wasn’t a factor in buying one, it has great tech (CarPlay, great stereo etc) and could be used as a daily no issue. You do need to turn off all safety measures each drive though as they get in the way of the fun..
I understand the high seating as a rally car etc but would prefer if it went a little lower but not a biggie, other than that it’s fabulous and fun.
For what you get and what went into making them they seem a bargain and no real new car competitor. I have an Exige and Gt4 for comparison and the GR is right up there, it a future classic and we will be looked back on very fondly indeed like an Integrale etc.
It looks special with the swollen arches and bulldog proportions, makes you feel special when driving it, is a great size for uk roads, feels rock solid and has lots of lovely details.
It has a fabulous manual gear box, charismatic revvy punch engine, very well judged suspension for uk roads and very good brakes.
As a bonus, which wasn’t a factor in buying one, it has great tech (CarPlay, great stereo etc) and could be used as a daily no issue. You do need to turn off all safety measures each drive though as they get in the way of the fun..
I understand the high seating as a rally car etc but would prefer if it went a little lower but not a biggie, other than that it’s fabulous and fun.
For what you get and what went into making them they seem a bargain and no real new car competitor. I have an Exige and Gt4 for comparison and the GR is right up there, it a future classic and we will be looked back on very fondly indeed like an Integrale etc.
I test drove one today, what a buzz, an amazing little car.
It certainly has its faults, the much discussed seating position and rear view mirror are an initial frustration but once you get going they are quickly forgotten. My dealer has 3 slots left and delivery in December, I need to let the excitement die down and see if I really want one. I think I'm kidding myself that it can be used as a family car on occasion with two small children... I shall try the Fiesta ST before I commit.
It certainly has its faults, the much discussed seating position and rear view mirror are an initial frustration but once you get going they are quickly forgotten. My dealer has 3 slots left and delivery in December, I need to let the excitement die down and see if I really want one. I think I'm kidding myself that it can be used as a family car on occasion with two small children... I shall try the Fiesta ST before I commit.
I cancelled my order due to working in the airline industry at a time when the only worse job would be pub owner. I consoled myself with upgrading my hi-fi and turning my GT86 wheels gold.
Having come to terms with the disappointment I must say I have now become quite excited about the rumours around a GR Corolla. Assuming my job is looking safer in 2023 I'd be very interested in a 300 horsepower Corolla using the GRY AWD system and engine as is rumoured. The extra size and doors makes it a hell of a lot more practical and rumours are it may even be cheaper than the GRY.
The Corolla is a reasonable sharp looking thing already (never thought I'd say that!) and if it's set up by the same people...
Two more years in this is no real hardship:
Having come to terms with the disappointment I must say I have now become quite excited about the rumours around a GR Corolla. Assuming my job is looking safer in 2023 I'd be very interested in a 300 horsepower Corolla using the GRY AWD system and engine as is rumoured. The extra size and doors makes it a hell of a lot more practical and rumours are it may even be cheaper than the GRY.
The Corolla is a reasonable sharp looking thing already (never thought I'd say that!) and if it's set up by the same people...
Two more years in this is no real hardship:
I didn’t know you’d cancelled Honeywell! I presumed you’d received yours and were too busy driving it to post on the thread.
I sat in a GT86 at Targa Florio cars one weekend before the lockdown was announced in March last year. Put both girls in the back seats to check there was room and it was just about OK. I loved the compactness of it and the driving position.
I very nearly made an offer (without even driving it) but thought I should go away and think on it, then lockdown happened and buying a new fun car when you weren’t allowed to drive seemed a bit silly.
I’m more concerned with the handling of a car than outright performance, but I have to be honest I was planning on fitting a Cosworth supercharger, after a year or two of enjoying it ‘as intended’.
Then I test drove the GRY and decided I needed one in my life. I’m going to be looking at the reviews of the GR86 with interest. If it’s as good as it should be and I’m not enjoying the GRY then I may jump ship.
Strangely the GR Corolla doesn’t interest me, even though it would be immensely practical and should be a great Japanese rival to the Focus RS and Golf R, it’ll be too big and heavy for me. I still hope it’s brilliant though, even if that does harm the Yaris’ residuals!
I sat in a GT86 at Targa Florio cars one weekend before the lockdown was announced in March last year. Put both girls in the back seats to check there was room and it was just about OK. I loved the compactness of it and the driving position.
I very nearly made an offer (without even driving it) but thought I should go away and think on it, then lockdown happened and buying a new fun car when you weren’t allowed to drive seemed a bit silly.
I’m more concerned with the handling of a car than outright performance, but I have to be honest I was planning on fitting a Cosworth supercharger, after a year or two of enjoying it ‘as intended’.
Then I test drove the GRY and decided I needed one in my life. I’m going to be looking at the reviews of the GR86 with interest. If it’s as good as it should be and I’m not enjoying the GRY then I may jump ship.
Strangely the GR Corolla doesn’t interest me, even though it would be immensely practical and should be a great Japanese rival to the Focus RS and Golf R, it’ll be too big and heavy for me. I still hope it’s brilliant though, even if that does harm the Yaris’ residuals!
Ordered in November when the world had discovered several Covid Vaccines. Didn't anticipate they'd somehow manage to restrict air travel so severely for this summer which is quite likely to bankrupt many major and minor airlines. Not the time to have a £33,500 third car in the garage sadly.
Toyota is sure on a heck of a performance car roll at the moment.
Toyota is sure on a heck of a performance car roll at the moment.
pilsdoughboy said:
I test drove one today, what a buzz, an amazing little car.
It certainly has its faults, the much discussed seating position and rear view mirror are an initial frustration but once you get going they are quickly forgotten. My dealer has 3 slots left and delivery in December, I need to let the excitement die down and see if I really want one. I think I'm kidding myself that it can be used as a family car on occasion with two small children... I shall try the Fiesta ST before I commit.
For ST try the performance edition or the other blue edition as they have racing suspension and lighter wheels.It certainly has its faults, the much discussed seating position and rear view mirror are an initial frustration but once you get going they are quickly forgotten. My dealer has 3 slots left and delivery in December, I need to let the excitement die down and see if I really want one. I think I'm kidding myself that it can be used as a family car on occasion with two small children... I shall try the Fiesta ST before I commit.
I've had mine for a couple of months now. For me some of the cons ring true, the mirror is annoying, the general visibility isn't fantastic, the seating position for me is a touch too high, but honestly, none of that matters when you're on it, and as someone else described it, it's a 'ballistic terrier'. You can really grab it by the scruff of it's next and throw it into corners, and I'm still running out of bravery before it's running out of grip. It's an hilarious machine, sure maybe not a perfect allrounder like an S3, Golf R et al, but for me it's much more fun.
Ordered mine last week.Red with circuit pack.There's a long wait but am ok with this as I have a 996C4S and motorbike to play with.I have driven in excess of 50k miles in Toyotas great GT86 and the GR Yaris raises the bar again.I am tempted to visit Litchfield for a 302bhp upgrade and maybe release a bit more noise with sports cats etc.Is the GR perfect, no of course it isn't, but it is a really special car in a way that a Golf R or A45 AMG never can be.It is a full rally car for the road and drives accordingly, the design and build spec is amazing and there will never be anything like it again.Enjoy while you can fellow petrolheads.
Mine is due to arrive on the 25th May ... ish.
I have owned a GRMN from new, now three years old and 16k on the clock ... it's my daily driver amongst a number of more specialist cars.
I have to say that I love the GRMN but the suspension makes speed bumps a pain, even if on a fast flowing B road it is more than a match for most cars in this category ...
With a value now of £17k and only around 80 in the UK, surely these are a great alternative for those wishing to spend less ? (and the 100,000 mile warranty can run to 10 years so long as serviced within the OPC network) ??
I have owned a GRMN from new, now three years old and 16k on the clock ... it's my daily driver amongst a number of more specialist cars.
I have to say that I love the GRMN but the suspension makes speed bumps a pain, even if on a fast flowing B road it is more than a match for most cars in this category ...
With a value now of £17k and only around 80 in the UK, surely these are a great alternative for those wishing to spend less ? (and the 100,000 mile warranty can run to 10 years so long as serviced within the OPC network) ??
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