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The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing unearthed
Ditching a clutch pedal for flappy paddles, the all-new Toyota GR Yaris is nearly in South Africa, and it promises to turn things up to 11! Here is pricing on the potent all-wheel drive hot hatch. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! Readying for South African arrival, the evolved GR Yaris has some big shoes to fill. It just went on sale in Japan, and it's officially on Toyota South Africa's radar, with local launch timing expected to be confirmed in the coming months. Fortunately, we've got a sneak peek at how much the hot hatch will cost, but before that, here is what makes the refreshed GR Yaris new and improved. Toyota claim the model benefits from real-world lessons learned in motorsport, including rally stages and circuit racing. It features enhanced mechanical upgrades, including Toyota's Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (an eight-speed torque-converter auto), a first for the model. But purists can rest easy — a six-speed manual will remain. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.6l turbocharged three-cylinder engine (G16E-GTS), now tuned for 224kW and 400N.m, sent to all four wheels via the GR-Four system. This is a serious bump in power and torque from the outgoing model, 26kW and 40N.m to be specific. Alongside the mechanical tweaks, Toyota has reworked the suspension and steering feel with input from professional racers. One highlight for track-day warriors is the new Aero Performance Package, due later in 2025. It includes a ducted aluminium bonnet, fender vents, a variable rear wing, and underbody aerodynamic aids. The updated MT model retains the 1 280kg dry weight but the new automatic is 20kg heavier overall. Related: LONG-TERM WRAP-UP: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT Inside, Toyota has made ergonomic updates too, such as a wider footrest for automatic variants and the option of a vertical rally-style handbrake. 2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing GR Yaris Rally MT – R897 400 R897 400 GR Yaris Rally AT – R925 300 Official specification is expected closer to its local launch – stay tuned to CAR Magazine's Kyle Kock during his 2025 GR Cup campaign, which will see the media contingent shift from the previous generation GR Yaris in favour of the eight-speed automatic. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota unleashes updated GR Yaris with auto box and more oomph
Red-hot hatch now sends 210kW of power to all four wheels via clever transmission. The World Rally Championship-inspired Toyota GR Yaris has arrived in South Africa. And for the first time, this hot hatch is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience. From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road. Developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing and refined through rigorous testing on some of the most demanding rally stages in the world, the GR Yaris reflects Toyota's commitment to building ever-better cars through motorsport. The all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a standout feature. This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid and responsive shifting. It allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input – particularly in dynamic driving scenarios. Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris' DAT transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance oriented. ALSO READ: Muscled-up Toyota GR Yaris revealed with new automatic 'box Clever auto box This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship. It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards, while maintaining the vehicle's mechanical reliability and heat resistance – essential for spirited driving. By introducing the DAT option, Toyota has made the GR Yaris more accessible to those who seek high-performance motoring without compromising on convenience or control. Whether driven in urban conditions or pushed to its limits on a track, the updated GR Yaris delivers an experience that is both exhilarating and refined. The updated Toyota GR Yaris benefits from an increase in engine output and now produces 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. It is up from 198kW and 360Nm and reaffirms its place as a leader in the performance hatch segment. Paired with Toyota's GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance and agility across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel, or public roads. Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places a greater emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance. ALSO READ: Back in time: Toyota GR Yaris meets its Yaris TS predecessor The updated Yaris also offers three drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use. The Toyota GR Yaris is available in Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red. It costs R897 400 for the manual and R925 300 for the DAT. All models come standard with a 90 000km (nine services) service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
