Toyota Yaris GRMN ...
Discussion
There were only 70 or 100 (depending upon who's number you accept) so unique parts such as exhaust could be an issue ...
Many parts are Lotus, but it is a gamble.
My car has now done almost 4000 miles and I'm loving it. I sold my RS3 because I prefer the GRMN which has a fantastic chassis ... the RS3 is wooden by comparison ... but maybe it suffers also the inertia of 4WD.
Yes I also look at the cars on Autotrader ... What Car suggest that the GRMN will be a big depreciator ... maybe they are right. But it could also be to Toyota what the 964RS was to Porsche ...
Many parts are Lotus, but it is a gamble.
My car has now done almost 4000 miles and I'm loving it. I sold my RS3 because I prefer the GRMN which has a fantastic chassis ... the RS3 is wooden by comparison ... but maybe it suffers also the inertia of 4WD.
Yes I also look at the cars on Autotrader ... What Car suggest that the GRMN will be a big depreciator ... maybe they are right. But it could also be to Toyota what the 964RS was to Porsche ...
I tend to like rare,quirky & supposedly fun cars like this. Came across one siting outside my local Toyota dealership a few days ago and will go for a test drive next week. Sat inside it. Yes it is a Yaris inside but loved the supportive seats. I was under the impression that all were “sold out” when released months ago. After I came home watched lots of YouTube reviews and it certainly looks like a prospective next purchase. It was only marked down in all the reviews including magazine reviews on its stupidly high asking price. But now nearing the £20k mark it may be a bit of a bargain. Especially if compared to a Fiesta ST and the like. Would take Jap engine reliability over the Ford Ecoboost I think.
A bit disappointed it has a smallish fuel tank at 42 litres or so. With that supercharged engine how far is the OP going between fill ups? Does it have a harsh ride or simply firm but well damped on normal uk roads?
Also noticed there are 10-12 available from various mainly Toyota dealerships around the country at various mileages. Yes. Sold out indeed. To their own dealerships it seems like!!
A bit disappointed it has a smallish fuel tank at 42 litres or so. With that supercharged engine how far is the OP going between fill ups? Does it have a harsh ride or simply firm but well damped on normal uk roads?
Also noticed there are 10-12 available from various mainly Toyota dealerships around the country at various mileages. Yes. Sold out indeed. To their own dealerships it seems like!!
200 miles between fill-ups ... which at least are inexpensive. 32 mpg around and about.
Big bumps need to be taken slowly, but the suspension weights up beautifully at speed through corners and the car really follows wherever the front end is steering !
It also feels and sounds sweet and the mechanics at my local Porsche Centre were very interested in my GT5 concept ! And it's fast ... just look at the 0-100 time of around 15 seconds ...
Did I say it has a five year 100,000 mile warranty ?
I also have an MX5 in the drive (and a track focussed GT4 in the garage) ... and the MX5 is not being driven ...
Big bumps need to be taken slowly, but the suspension weights up beautifully at speed through corners and the car really follows wherever the front end is steering !
It also feels and sounds sweet and the mechanics at my local Porsche Centre were very interested in my GT5 concept ! And it's fast ... just look at the 0-100 time of around 15 seconds ...
Did I say it has a five year 100,000 mile warranty ?
I also have an MX5 in the drive (and a track focussed GT4 in the garage) ... and the MX5 is not being driven ...
Thanks for the feedback. Will see if the ride suits then. Mpg as expected.
Funnily enough an MX-5 is/was top of my list but just waiting if they release Recaro seats as an option for the latest 182bhp version. The standard seats are flat/unsopportive. Also 30th Anniversary model about to be released.
Have an Ariel Atom for kicks which is mostly in hibernation at this time of year. Our uk roads are getting worse and the amount of speed bumps multiplying daily it seems. If I find I have to wince each time I drive over one then that will be too firm I feel.
Funnily enough an MX-5 is/was top of my list but just waiting if they release Recaro seats as an option for the latest 182bhp version. The standard seats are flat/unsopportive. Also 30th Anniversary model about to be released.
Have an Ariel Atom for kicks which is mostly in hibernation at this time of year. Our uk roads are getting worse and the amount of speed bumps multiplying daily it seems. If I find I have to wince each time I drive over one then that will be too firm I feel.
These definitely intrigue me. Have had my Abarth 595 Competizione for nearly 2 years and love it dearly.
The only cars that are even tempting me away would be one of these or an i30n. Both seem to replicate the character of the Abarth.
So the more information the better on owners experiences and pitfalls.
Does the steering wheel adjust for reach?
The only cars that are even tempting me away would be one of these or an i30n. Both seem to replicate the character of the Abarth.
So the more information the better on owners experiences and pitfalls.
Does the steering wheel adjust for reach?
I'm still really enjoying mine, suspension is quite firm but not uncomfortable, I've done >6000 miles now of daily use and have no complaints.
I've really noticed an evolution in the sound the car makes, it's a lot more raspy compared to when I initially picked it up and reminds me of the old Ford Racing Pumas.
There's a small owners club page on facebook which is probably a better place to ask for thoughts and experiences of the car.
Might be able to get a good deal judging by how many are for sale, and I'd definitely say it's a much more capable car with more characteristic then the competition.
I've really noticed an evolution in the sound the car makes, it's a lot more raspy compared to when I initially picked it up and reminds me of the old Ford Racing Pumas.
There's a small owners club page on facebook which is probably a better place to ask for thoughts and experiences of the car.
Might be able to get a good deal judging by how many are for sale, and I'd definitely say it's a much more capable car with more characteristic then the competition.
Had the test drive today (was meant to be Sunday but diary clash) and the bottom line is this is one "very well engineered and fun car".
Main points of contact- That is the seat, steering wheel, pedals and gearbox all excellent. The seat especially is very supportive and comfortable. The steering adjusts well for reach and rake.
One surprise and which is a slight negative for me was the weight/heftiness of the clutch. Definitely feels "motorsport" in its weight. But my Atom and wife's Audi S3 are much lighter. This matters not a jot on a "blast"/ country/B road drive but I am sure would prove tiresome in an urban or even extra-urban crawl due to traffic which is now all too common.
Steering precision superb albeit not the most feelsome. And its general lack of understeer is fantastic.You can feel the LSD pulling the nose in, while accelerating round a bend or roundabout. Compare that to any S or RS Audi which just understeers!
Too much road noise also.
The engine is pure class. Smooth and loving to rev. I am sure you can get good economy in this car on a run but it really does like being driven/thrashed, with the accompanying "buzzy" exhaust note almost goading you on, so real word economy probably not too good.Probably high 20's/low 30s mpg I suspect.
Reminded me of my old EP3 Type R. No "v-tech" hit here at 6000 rpm but one continuous relentless pull to about 7000rpm due to the supercharger (but no supercharger whine- well none I could hear but it was a sodden wet day today) . There is torque steer but was not too unruly.
The ride is FIRM. Not uncomfortably so, and I did check how it dealt with some speed bumps, but it did become a little too unsettled in my opinion on bumpy urban roads. The front end almost bouncing up and down on some occasions. How does it perform on a bumpy B road? Does it lose its composure? I unfortunately did not get the chance to find out today. Smooth tarmac, then it is lovely (but smooth tarmac not too common here in Blighty!)
I already know it is a 3 door, but would have liked a 5 door. Certainly not a deal breaker but did wish it was easier to get in to the back seats, which are spacious enough once there, but the seats do not tilt and slide-in one smooth movement but you have to try and do both separately, so it was a bit of a faff.Boot ok.
Interior otherwise a bit cheap feeling/lacking in any style. Standard Yaris I guess.
Conclusion: This is a car to drive, no doubt about it, and a bit of a future classic. Almost feels over engineered- the "oily" bits if not quite the suspension.
There are deals to be had. Will have to have a think and get back to them, and may have another short drive on B roads in better weather.
I feel this car does get under your skin though.
May have a look at the Fiesta ST- seems to be getting rave reviews, but I always trust Japanese engineering with long term reliability more over other manufacturers like Ford.
Does the Yaris GRMN have LED headlights? Didn't try the radio either. Any good? I have no idea.
MM
Main points of contact- That is the seat, steering wheel, pedals and gearbox all excellent. The seat especially is very supportive and comfortable. The steering adjusts well for reach and rake.
One surprise and which is a slight negative for me was the weight/heftiness of the clutch. Definitely feels "motorsport" in its weight. But my Atom and wife's Audi S3 are much lighter. This matters not a jot on a "blast"/ country/B road drive but I am sure would prove tiresome in an urban or even extra-urban crawl due to traffic which is now all too common.
Steering precision superb albeit not the most feelsome. And its general lack of understeer is fantastic.You can feel the LSD pulling the nose in, while accelerating round a bend or roundabout. Compare that to any S or RS Audi which just understeers!
Too much road noise also.
The engine is pure class. Smooth and loving to rev. I am sure you can get good economy in this car on a run but it really does like being driven/thrashed, with the accompanying "buzzy" exhaust note almost goading you on, so real word economy probably not too good.Probably high 20's/low 30s mpg I suspect.
Reminded me of my old EP3 Type R. No "v-tech" hit here at 6000 rpm but one continuous relentless pull to about 7000rpm due to the supercharger (but no supercharger whine- well none I could hear but it was a sodden wet day today) . There is torque steer but was not too unruly.
The ride is FIRM. Not uncomfortably so, and I did check how it dealt with some speed bumps, but it did become a little too unsettled in my opinion on bumpy urban roads. The front end almost bouncing up and down on some occasions. How does it perform on a bumpy B road? Does it lose its composure? I unfortunately did not get the chance to find out today. Smooth tarmac, then it is lovely (but smooth tarmac not too common here in Blighty!)
I already know it is a 3 door, but would have liked a 5 door. Certainly not a deal breaker but did wish it was easier to get in to the back seats, which are spacious enough once there, but the seats do not tilt and slide-in one smooth movement but you have to try and do both separately, so it was a bit of a faff.Boot ok.
Interior otherwise a bit cheap feeling/lacking in any style. Standard Yaris I guess.
Conclusion: This is a car to drive, no doubt about it, and a bit of a future classic. Almost feels over engineered- the "oily" bits if not quite the suspension.
There are deals to be had. Will have to have a think and get back to them, and may have another short drive on B roads in better weather.
I feel this car does get under your skin though.
May have a look at the Fiesta ST- seems to be getting rave reviews, but I always trust Japanese engineering with long term reliability more over other manufacturers like Ford.
Does the Yaris GRMN have LED headlights? Didn't try the radio either. Any good? I have no idea.
MM
monkeymark said:
Had the test drive today (was meant to be Sunday but diary clash) and the bottom line is this is one "very well engineered and fun car".
Main points of contact- That is the seat, steering wheel, pedals and gearbox all excellent. The seat especially is very supportive and comfortable. The steering adjusts well for reach and rake.
One surprise and which is a slight negative for me was the weight/heftiness of the clutch. Definitely feels "motorsport" in its weight. But my Atom and wife's Audi S3 are much lighter. This matters not a jot on a "blast"/ country/B road drive but I am sure would prove tiresome in an urban or even extra-urban crawl due to traffic which is now all too common.
Steering precision superb albeit not the most feelsome. And its general lack of understeer is fantastic.You can feel the LSD pulling the nose in, while accelerating round a bend or roundabout. Compare that to any S or RS Audi which just understeers!
Too much road noise also.
The engine is pure class. Smooth and loving to rev. I am sure you can get good economy in this car on a run but it really does like being driven/thrashed, with the accompanying "buzzy" exhaust note almost goading you on, so real word economy probably not too good.Probably high 20's/low 30s mpg I suspect.
Reminded me of my old EP3 Type R. No "v-tech" hit here at 6000 rpm but one continuous relentless pull to about 7000rpm due to the supercharger (but no supercharger whine- well none I could hear but it was a sodden wet day today) . There is torque steer but was not too unruly.
The ride is FIRM. Not uncomfortably so, and I did check how it dealt with some speed bumps, but it did become a little too unsettled in my opinion on bumpy urban roads. The front end almost bouncing up and down on some occasions. How does it perform on a bumpy B road? Does it lose its composure? I unfortunately did not get the chance to find out today. Smooth tarmac, then it is lovely (but smooth tarmac not too common here in Blighty!)
I already know it is a 3 door, but would have liked a 5 door. Certainly not a deal breaker but did wish it was easier to get in to the back seats, which are spacious enough once there, but the seats do not tilt and slide-in one smooth movement but you have to try and do both separately, so it was a bit of a faff.Boot ok.
Interior otherwise a bit cheap feeling/lacking in any style. Standard Yaris I guess.
Conclusion: This is a car to drive, no doubt about it, and a bit of a future classic. Almost feels over engineered- the "oily" bits if not quite the suspension.
There are deals to be had. Will have to have a think and get back to them, and may have another short drive on B roads in better weather.
I feel this car does get under your skin though.
May have a look at the Fiesta ST- seems to be getting rave reviews, but I always trust Japanese engineering with long term reliability more over other manufacturers like Ford.
Does the Yaris GRMN have LED headlights? Didn't try the radio either. Any good? I have no idea.
MM
Glad you enjoyed the experience and still thinking about one!Main points of contact- That is the seat, steering wheel, pedals and gearbox all excellent. The seat especially is very supportive and comfortable. The steering adjusts well for reach and rake.
One surprise and which is a slight negative for me was the weight/heftiness of the clutch. Definitely feels "motorsport" in its weight. But my Atom and wife's Audi S3 are much lighter. This matters not a jot on a "blast"/ country/B road drive but I am sure would prove tiresome in an urban or even extra-urban crawl due to traffic which is now all too common.
Steering precision superb albeit not the most feelsome. And its general lack of understeer is fantastic.You can feel the LSD pulling the nose in, while accelerating round a bend or roundabout. Compare that to any S or RS Audi which just understeers!
Too much road noise also.
The engine is pure class. Smooth and loving to rev. I am sure you can get good economy in this car on a run but it really does like being driven/thrashed, with the accompanying "buzzy" exhaust note almost goading you on, so real word economy probably not too good.Probably high 20's/low 30s mpg I suspect.
Reminded me of my old EP3 Type R. No "v-tech" hit here at 6000 rpm but one continuous relentless pull to about 7000rpm due to the supercharger (but no supercharger whine- well none I could hear but it was a sodden wet day today) . There is torque steer but was not too unruly.
The ride is FIRM. Not uncomfortably so, and I did check how it dealt with some speed bumps, but it did become a little too unsettled in my opinion on bumpy urban roads. The front end almost bouncing up and down on some occasions. How does it perform on a bumpy B road? Does it lose its composure? I unfortunately did not get the chance to find out today. Smooth tarmac, then it is lovely (but smooth tarmac not too common here in Blighty!)
I already know it is a 3 door, but would have liked a 5 door. Certainly not a deal breaker but did wish it was easier to get in to the back seats, which are spacious enough once there, but the seats do not tilt and slide-in one smooth movement but you have to try and do both separately, so it was a bit of a faff.Boot ok.
Interior otherwise a bit cheap feeling/lacking in any style. Standard Yaris I guess.
Conclusion: This is a car to drive, no doubt about it, and a bit of a future classic. Almost feels over engineered- the "oily" bits if not quite the suspension.
There are deals to be had. Will have to have a think and get back to them, and may have another short drive on B roads in better weather.
I feel this car does get under your skin though.
May have a look at the Fiesta ST- seems to be getting rave reviews, but I always trust Japanese engineering with long term reliability more over other manufacturers like Ford.
Does the Yaris GRMN have LED headlights? Didn't try the radio either. Any good? I have no idea.
MM
I agree the clutch is quite heavy but no heavier then previous cars I've had.
No LED headlights, they're a strange halogen lamp not fitted to many models and absoloutely terrible, my biggest complaint by far. I have upgraded to Philips LED and has solved the problem. The DRL are LED though.
Radio is a Toyota Touch and go 2 system which is the first built in sat nav system I've owned, it's alright nothing special has bluetooth audio which works well but the speakers are quite basic and fairly flat with little bass.
My drive to work is 30 miles of B roads and fairly uneven surface and it keeps that front end grip in the dry no problem. In greasy conditions it's a different story but I think the fault is in the tyres (Bridgestone RE050A) which I find give a lot of road noise too. I fancy changing them over but will kill these first!
Thanks for the owner feedback Scottr89.
Have downloaded the Toyota brochure which confirms the “projector style” headlights but LED DRLs and TAILlights!? WTF? Annoying. Atom,(wife’s)S3 and my BMW i3 all have LEDs so once you get used to the range and expanse of bright white light on the road in front ,it is hard to go back to plain yellow puddle lamps! Upgrading a good idea but I hear that these aftermarket ones never last that long. The plan is to sell the S3. Now 5 years old. Wife takes the i3 (brilliant and electric is no doubt the future) and for me to have one last petrol fun car at a reasonable price,with the Atom for those blow the cobwebs away days. Until we all go completely EV in 1-2 years. Is the Yaris GRMN that car?
What I am eager to know from you, is if on a bumpy B road, does the chassis/suspension run out of ideas. As in, do you have to back off, for fear of being bounced off the road? Does the car lose its composure ? In your opinion.
My EP3 Type R did that (15 years ago now!) and it always serves me a reminder that a suspension with a bit of “give” in it,is always better than a firm/hard suspension,especially with our typical British B roads.
The engine in this Yaris feels a bit like a (BMW) in-line straight 6 cylinder. No joke. Smooth,powerful & linear but without the size and weight in the nose of the car! Good stuff.
Have downloaded the Toyota brochure which confirms the “projector style” headlights but LED DRLs and TAILlights!? WTF? Annoying. Atom,(wife’s)S3 and my BMW i3 all have LEDs so once you get used to the range and expanse of bright white light on the road in front ,it is hard to go back to plain yellow puddle lamps! Upgrading a good idea but I hear that these aftermarket ones never last that long. The plan is to sell the S3. Now 5 years old. Wife takes the i3 (brilliant and electric is no doubt the future) and for me to have one last petrol fun car at a reasonable price,with the Atom for those blow the cobwebs away days. Until we all go completely EV in 1-2 years. Is the Yaris GRMN that car?
What I am eager to know from you, is if on a bumpy B road, does the chassis/suspension run out of ideas. As in, do you have to back off, for fear of being bounced off the road? Does the car lose its composure ? In your opinion.
My EP3 Type R did that (15 years ago now!) and it always serves me a reminder that a suspension with a bit of “give” in it,is always better than a firm/hard suspension,especially with our typical British B roads.
The engine in this Yaris feels a bit like a (BMW) in-line straight 6 cylinder. No joke. Smooth,powerful & linear but without the size and weight in the nose of the car! Good stuff.
The suspension on B roads is much better than traffic calming would suggest ... road humps need to be taken much more carefully than my GT4 with KW 3way club sports ... B roads, no problem for me so long as you don't drop a wheel in a hole ... I just filled in a three inch hole with limestone chippings until it's repaired !
Went for a 2nd test drive but unfortunately, have decided against buying this car. It is a fast enough car so with that in mind I took the slow route home to my home to try some well known roads. Yes the clutch weight is dreadful. Way too heavy for stop start driving. Perfectly ok on a run or motorway or "blat" but facts are during those latter occasions sitting in traffic is all too common. And that would get on my nerves.
Steering wheel excellent and a nice "oily" feeling set up which is direct and accurate but ZERO feel through the steering wheel. A big let down as well. Quite a common issue in just about all new cars but expected better in this car.
Had a play with the media unit. Sounded good enough with the speakers but by god it was totally fiddly and unintuitive. I have never come across a media unit where the screen goes black/blank in-between screen modes after pushing a button! Laggy and quite low resolution screen. That is unacceptable in a "cheap" car nowadays let alone a "halo" model of a well known and well respected brand like Toyota.
And the ride was still a bit firm. Had test drove the Fiesta ST-2 day before and that had an even worse ride-jiggly all the time but otherwise a much better all rounder and can spec it how you want (LEDs, sunroof, LSD etc).
In the end the Yaris GRMN has a fantastic engine (and that is most important is it not?) and superb gearbox and is great handling and fun BUT it is in a bang on average (I would say below average in too many areas) "car" which is not quite worthy of the money even now at a discounted price.
As I write this there are still 12-TWELVE! available on Toyota forecourts from such a very limited number to begin with (70 or 100 -the numbers differ!), so I guess I am not the only one who is not that impressed overall. I am a big Jap fan- so a bit of a shame really. It shows the importance of having a 2nd test drive also. 1st one with the dealer played to its strengths-fast A roads etc. My own test drive just showed it was a rather 1 dimensional car. Would have been perfect in my mid to late 20's, early 30's but not now.
MM
Steering wheel excellent and a nice "oily" feeling set up which is direct and accurate but ZERO feel through the steering wheel. A big let down as well. Quite a common issue in just about all new cars but expected better in this car.
Had a play with the media unit. Sounded good enough with the speakers but by god it was totally fiddly and unintuitive. I have never come across a media unit where the screen goes black/blank in-between screen modes after pushing a button! Laggy and quite low resolution screen. That is unacceptable in a "cheap" car nowadays let alone a "halo" model of a well known and well respected brand like Toyota.
And the ride was still a bit firm. Had test drove the Fiesta ST-2 day before and that had an even worse ride-jiggly all the time but otherwise a much better all rounder and can spec it how you want (LEDs, sunroof, LSD etc).
In the end the Yaris GRMN has a fantastic engine (and that is most important is it not?) and superb gearbox and is great handling and fun BUT it is in a bang on average (I would say below average in too many areas) "car" which is not quite worthy of the money even now at a discounted price.
As I write this there are still 12-TWELVE! available on Toyota forecourts from such a very limited number to begin with (70 or 100 -the numbers differ!), so I guess I am not the only one who is not that impressed overall. I am a big Jap fan- so a bit of a shame really. It shows the importance of having a 2nd test drive also. 1st one with the dealer played to its strengths-fast A roads etc. My own test drive just showed it was a rather 1 dimensional car. Would have been perfect in my mid to late 20's, early 30's but not now.
MM
Edited by monkeymark on Sunday 10th February 21:21
I'm in my '60's and I'm loving it.
Used it for a Stansted return in the day ... and it was a wonderful drive up the M11/A1 very late with almost no traffic !
As for steering feel, clutch weight, sound system .... I find it all very reassuring particularly on slippery roads .... go figure.
Used it for a Stansted return in the day ... and it was a wonderful drive up the M11/A1 very late with almost no traffic !
As for steering feel, clutch weight, sound system .... I find it all very reassuring particularly on slippery roads .... go figure.
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