That, to me, was always the magic of the GR Yaris. It was a car whose appeal ran deeper than the spec sheet or the price tag. The more time you spent with it, the more it drew you in.

Now, with the facelifted GR Yaris, or what many simply call the Gen 2, Toyota has addressed two of the biggest complaints. And that alone already makes it even more lovable.

The driving position is sweet now. You sit lower, more naturally, and the improved visibility means you no longer feel like you are peering out through a welding helmet when looking towards the side. That is a meaningful improvement because in a car like this, where placement and confidence matter, being able to sit properly and see properly are crucial.

Part of fixing the visibility meant redesigning the dashboard, and that has been one of the more controversial parts of the facelift. On the internet, at least.

In person, I have had more people tell me they like the new dashboard than people telling me they hate it. I am still not especially fond of how it looks. It has a lorry-like uprightness to it that feels more functional than elegant. But to that end, it is excellent. Everything is within easy reach, and it is very obvious that Toyota prioritised usability here.

There are changes, too, on the outside. I like the new tail-lights a lot. In fact, they make the pre-facelift car look slightly incomplete by comparison. The reverse light has also been moved upwards, which Toyota says was done after reports of the previous setup melting. It looks fine either way. At the front, the bumper has more black-painted sections now, though personally I still prefer the look of the pre-facelift. That is strictly a taste thing.

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Under the bonnet, the headline is more power and torque. Nearly 40 more horses and 40 Nm more torque than our Euro-spec pre-facelift car. Honestly though, I do not think it feels significantly quicker.

Perhaps it has been over four years and I have driven one too many faster things since then, but the jump in output does not slap you in the face. If anything, I feel like there is a touch more lag than before, though not enough to really bother me. What stood out far more was the way the car feels put together and how it responds to inputs.

The throttle response was good before, but now, it is fantastic. A gentle dab is now enough to get the revs up, which means the old complaint about heel-and-toe being slightly awkward in normal driving conditions is much less of an issue here.

More than that, the throttle itself is just wonderfully precise. You can meter your inputs exactly as you want and the engine gives you exactly what you ask for. No dead zone, no mushiness, no delay between request and response. Just crisp obedience.

That is the kind of thing I really value in a driver’s car. Not just outright speed, but how faithfully the controls respond to you. This is where the GR Yaris still feels special.

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As before, the control weightage is just about perfect. Steering, clutch, throttle, brakes, gearshift. Everything has a sense of heft and intent to it, and everything feels like it was tuned by people who understand that a driver’s car is not simply one that goes fast, but one that responds in the right way to every input.

The shell also feels stiffer. You notice it over car park ramps where body flex tends to show itself, and you notice too that the front settles into roll just that bit quicker than before. The car seems to take a set faster, which makes weight transfer feel sharper and more immediate. It is not a night-and-day change, but it is there.

And when it comes to suspension, I actually think the GR Yaris still has the better setup compared to the GR Corolla.

The GR Corolla corners flatter, yes, but its progressive setup can buck over large compression events. The GR Yaris, by contrast, with its more linear setup, just seems to chew through everything as quickly as possible. In fact, it may even be slightly less skittish than the pre-facelift. It still moves around, of course, but in a way that feels more natural than nervous. You work with it, rather than despite it.

Then there is the way it accelerates. This, more than anything, is where the Yaris really separates itself from the Corolla for me. The GR Corolla never quite has that slightly unhinged rush that defines the Yaris. The way the GR Yaris charges at the redline still feels addictive, like a fizzing angry puppy desperate to get let off the leash. There is a manic edge to its acceleration that makes the whole thing feel alive.

That fizz is missing from the GR Corolla.

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The GR Corolla I completely understand. If you need one car to do everything, if you want something more practical, more liveable, more tolerable over long distances, then yes, it makes a lot of sense. The GR Yaris is noticeably noisier, to the point where tyre noise can become annoying on a longer trip, and the Corolla is clearly the more accomplished all-rounder.

But the problem with the GR Corolla, for me, has always been that the GR Yaris exists. And having spent more time with both, that point is even clearer now, I can say quite confidently that the GR Yaris is the better driving machine.

In isolation, the GR Corolla is great. But in the company of the rally homologation special, it inevitably feels like the diluted version of the idea. The GR Yaris is how this whole package is supposed to feel.

Here comes the but. There is one change I did not particularly appreciate in this facelift exercise, and that is the AWD system. It now feels much like the facelifted GR Corolla’s, in that it seems less rear-biased than before. Previously, the fixed 30:70 Sport mode gave the car a more consistent rear-driven character that you could rely on every time. Now it’s variable in Track mode, and while there were moments where I could feel more power going to the rear, trying to replicate that same feeling again did not always work.

It’s not that the system is bad now, it’s just less dependable in delivering that rear-biased attitude, which means losing a little of the old car’s playfulness. That is a slight disappointment to me personally because I like rear-wheel drive cars and I like being able to steer a car on the throttle. But that is very much my enthusiast bias talking.

By and large, the GR Yaris’ core characteristics remain unchanged. It still has all the tactile controls with lovely weightage and that slightly mad little engine that gives the car its character. It still feels alive and organic in a way so many modern performance cars do not.

And now it is easier to sit in, easier to see out of, and easier to enjoy more of the time. That is a worthwhile update by any measure.

If the original GR Yaris was proof that Toyota still knew how to build a proper driver’s car, this facelift is proof that it still believes in kaizen. Not change for the sake of change, but meaningful improvement without losing the soul of the thing.

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Toyota GR Yaris Facelift Specs

Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder
Power: 300 PS
Torque: 400 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: GR-Four all-wheel drive
Price (as tested): RM 315,600

We like: Sweetened driving position, improved visibility, fantastic throttle response, superb control weightage, still the better driving machine than a GR Corolla
We don’t like: AWD system feels less consistently rear-biased than before, tyre noise can get tiring on long drives, new dashboard is more functional than attractive

Masa dikatakan mampu menyembuhkan segala luka, namun parutnya tetap akan kekal. Dengan sentimen itu, Toyota mungkin berharap agar Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR yang memfokuskan kepada prestasi litar dapat mengubat kekecewaan kita kerana kelibat MR2 baharu masih belum muncul di Tokyo Auto Salon 2026.

GR Yaris Morizo RR merupakan varian ultra-eksklusif yang mendapat input pembangunan daripada Pengerusi Akio Toyoda sendiri, berdasarkan pengalaman beliau sendiri dalam perlumbaan Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Sistem suspensi yang ditala khas untuk litar Nürburgring memastikan jentera ini kekal stabil, dibantu oleh tetapan “Morizo” (nama samaran perlumbaan Toyoda) yang baharu bagi sistem AWD. Tetapan ini menggantikan mod ‘Gravel’, memberikan pengagihan tork tetap pada kadar 50:50. Selain itu, maklum balas pemanduan yang lebih jitu disalurkan melalui tetapan sistem stereng kuasa elektrik yang telah disemak semula.

Penampilannya juga cukup garang, dilengkapi dengan bonet dan sayap belakang daripada “carbon-fibre”, bersama-sama dengan front spoiler dan side skirts. Ia turut mengenakan warna ikonik Morizo, iaitu Gravel Khaki. Rim standardnya pula dicat dengan warna matt bronze dengan angkup brek berwarna kuning yang jelas kelihatan di sebaliknya.

Bahagian kabin pula menerima sentuhan jahitan kuning, stereng suede yang lebih kecil, suis kawalan yang diinspirasikan daripada jentera Rally2, tempat duduk eksklusif, serta plat nombor siri khas.

Hanya 200 unit sahaja yang akan dikeluarkan, di mana separuh daripadanya diperuntukkan untuk pasaran Jepun melalui sistem cabutan bertuah. Baki separuh lagi akan dipasarkan ke pasaran Eropah yang terpilih.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) mengumumkan bahawa GR Yaris bakal ditawarkan dengan pakej baharu yang dinamakan “Aero Performance Package”, yang akan mula berada di pusat jualan Toyota di Jepun bermula 1 Oktober 2025.

Pakej ini dibangunkan dengan input terus daripada dunia perlumbaan, membawa rangkaian penambahbaikan aerodinamik yang direka khas untuk meningkatkan penyejukan, kestabilan dan keseimbangan pada kelajuan tinggi.

GR Yaris sememangnya lahir daripada DNA rali, dan pakej ini membawa kaitan itu ke tahap seterusnya. Jurutera Toyota telah menguji komponen baharu ini secara intensif dalam perlumbaan Super Taikyu Series dan Kejohanan Rali Jepun, dengan pelumba profesional turut memberi maklum balas untuk membentuk tetapan akhir.

Pakej ini hanya ditawarkan pada varian RZ “High Performance” dan RC, menggabungkan enam komponen khusus yang direka untuk menolak prestasi aerodinamik serta pengendalian ke tahap lebih ekstrem.

Antara sorotan utama ialah bonet aluminium berliang yang diinspirasikan daripada versi gentian karbon pada GRMN Yaris. Diuji dalam perlumbaan rali, bonet ini meningkatkan penyejukan dengan mengeluarkan haba dari ruang enjin.

Untuk memastikan kereta kekal stabil pada kelajuan tinggi, lip spoiler hadapan baharu dipasang bagi mengurangkan angkatan udara di bahagian depan, sekali gus menajamkan imbangan keseluruhan – idea yang lahir daripada maklum balas pelumba yang mahukan kestabilan tambahan.

Di bahagian sisi, saluran udara pada fender membantu melepaskan udara terperangkap dari gerbang roda hadapan, meningkatkan rasa kawalan stereng ketika membrek kuat dan menambah kestabilan ketika memasuki selekoh. Di bawah kereta, penutup tangki bahan api yang direka semula melancarkan aliran udara sepanjang bahagian bawah, diinspirasikan daripada tangki keselamatan berrekaan rata pada jentera lumba Super Taikyu.

Bahagian belakang pula menerima sayap besar boleh laras yang menambah daya tekan ke bawah (downforce) untuk kestabilan lebih baik ketika membrek keras, di samping mengurangkan kesan “snaking” pada kelajuan tinggi. Pemandu boleh melaras sudut sayap mengikut keperluan — sama ada untuk pemanduan di litar atau sekadar pemanduan harian.

Bumper belakang turut direka semula dengan saluran udara terbina bagi mengurangkan seretan serta menghapuskan kesan ‘parachute’, hasil daripada pengalaman sebenar dalam perlumbaan di mana bumper sering tercabut akibat tekanan aero melampau.

Secara keseluruhan, Aero Performance Package menjadikan GR Yaris lebih tajam dan berfokus kepada prestasi litar, namun masih mengekalkan kebolehgunaan harian yang menjadikannya popular dalam kalangan peminat. Ia jelas membuktikan bagaimana pelajaran dari dunia perlumbaan dipindahkan terus ke kereta jalanan — menjadikan GR Yaris yang sudah garang, kini lebih mengujakan untuk dipandu.

The GR Yaris has always had its DNA rooted in rallying, and this package takes that link a step further. Engineers fine-tuned the components through extensive testing in the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship, with feedback from professional drivers shaping the final setup. Available exclusively on the RZ “High Performance” and RC trims, the package combines six carefully designed parts to push the car’s aerodynamics and handling even further.

Among the highlights is a ducted aluminium bonnet, modelled after the carbon-fibre version fitted to the GRMN Yaris. Developed and tested in rally competition, it improves cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay. To keep the car planted at speed, a new front lip spoiler has been added to cut front lift and sharpen overall balance — a component included after race driver feedback suggested the aero setup needed an extra layer of stability.

Fender ducts channel trapped air from the front wheel arches, improving steering feel under heavy braking and enhancing stability when turning in. Underneath, a redesigned fuel tank cover smooths airflow across the floorpan, taking inspiration from the flat-bottomed design of the Super Taikyu race car’s safety tank.

At the rear, the upgrades get even more serious. A large adjustable wing increases downforce and helps keep the car steady under hard braking, reducing the “snaking” effect at high speeds. Drivers can alter its angle depending on whether they’re pushing hard on track or cruising on the road. The rear bumper has also been reworked with integrated ducts to reduce drag and eliminate the parachute effect, a solution born out of real racing conditions where bumpers were being ripped off under extreme aerodynamic loads.

Altogether, the Aero Performance Package transforms the GR Yaris into a sharper, more track-focused machine while retaining the usability that makes it so popular among enthusiasts. It’s a clear example of motorsport lessons being fed directly back into road cars — and one that should make the already ferocious GR Yaris even more exciting to drive.

The most striking addition is a newly developed rear wing, which has been designed to improve high-speed stability and enhance braking performance. Adjustable by the driver, the wing forms part of a six-piece body kit that has been specifically engineered for track-day usage. Toyota has placed significant emphasis on improving aerodynamics across the car, drawing inspiration from the limited-run GRMN edition. A new bonnet, made from aluminium rather than the carbon fibre of the GRMN version, now features a centrally mounted air duct to assist with cooling the engine more effectively.

Further aerodynamic developments include new air ducts located behind the front wheels, which are intended to improve stability during high-speed cornering, while additional ducts have been integrated into the corners of the rear bumper to help reduce aerodynamic drag. A redesigned front spoiler lip and an adapted fuel tank undercover, derived from the GR Yaris racing car used in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series, also form part of the performance-oriented upgrade.

Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine now benefits from improved cooling. Meanwhile, the eight-speed automatic transmission—introduced with the facelifted model a year prior—has been recalibrated to offer quicker gear changes and more immediate responsiveness, particularly when operating in manual Sport mode.

Toyota has also introduced several mechanical refinements aimed at sharpening the car’s dynamics and increasing overall driving engagement. Structural rigidity has been enhanced through the use of widened bolts, and the electric power steering has been retuned to provide a more direct and responsive feel. Suspension settings have been updated, and models fitted with the automatic gearbox now feature a larger footrest for improved driver comfort. The vertical parking brake, previously reserved for certain variants, has now been made standard across the range.

In terms of safety, the entire Japanese GR Yaris lineup now comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense as standard, extending advanced driver assistance technologies even to the base model.

The updated GR Yaris is priced from ¥3,560,000 (RM113,900) in Japan for the entry-level manual version. The range-topping automatic variant carries a price tag of ¥5,330,000 (RM170,500). Toyota has not yet confirmed whether these updates will be made available to international markets, including Malaysia.

Despite its age, the GR Yaris continues to receive meaningful enhancements, underlining Toyota’s commitment to refining its most exciting performance car. For now, however, these latest improvements remain exclusive to the Japanese domestic market.

Edisi Ogier

Terinspirasi oleh versi konsep yang dipamerkan di Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, edisi istimewa ini mencerminkan sumbangan peribadi pemandu juara yang turut serta dalam proses pembangunan. Inisiatif ini berakar dari keinginan Pengerusi Toyota Motor Corporation dan Pemandu Utama Akio Toyoda untuk mengungkapkan rasa terima kasih kepada pemandu yang memainkan peranan penting dalam menyempurnakan dan mengembangkan kereta Toyota melalui perlumbaan rali.

Kedua-dua edisi ini mempunyai tetapan semula, menggantikan mod “Gravel” dan “Track” yang terdapat dalam GR Yaris standard, untuk selaras dengan keutamaan peribadi setiap pemandu dalam pengendalian dan prestasi. Selain itu, setiap model mempunyai ciri-ciri reka bentuk luar dan dalaman yang unik.

Dikuasakan oleh iterasi terkini enjin tiga silinder turbo 1.6 liter GR Yaris, menghasilkan 280hp dan 390Nm tork, dipadankan dengan transmisi manual pintar enam kelajuan (6iMT), kedua-dua edisi eksklusif ini menjanjikan pengalaman pemanduan yang mendebarkan.

Edisi Ogier:

Edisi Ogier memperkenalkan dua mod kawalan AWD baru: Morizo dan Seb. Mod Morizo, yang dikembangkan oleh Akio Toyoda sendiri, memberi tumpuan pada penyampaian waktu lumba yang konsisten, manakala mod Seb, yang dikembangkan oleh Sébastien Ogier, menekankan pengalaman pemanduan yang bersambung dengan pengagihan tork untuk mengawal drift. Badan kereta mempunyai cat Matt Stealth Grey khas, butiran bendera kebangsaan Perancis, pelekat peringatan WRC, dan rim aloi BBS yang khas. Di dalam, terdapat plat peringatan kemenangan WRC, jahitan kontras menghormati warna kebangsaan Perancis, dan butiran khas lainnya.

Edisi Rovanperä:

Edisi Rovanperä mempunyai Mod Donut unik yang direka untuk drift dan melakukan donut berjurus, bersama dengan Mod Kalle yang memastikan ciri-ciri pengendalian linear. Reka bentuk luar mempunyai cat tiga warna unik dan pelekat kemenangan WRC, dengan rim aloi BBS dan spoiler belakang sayap CFRP yang boleh diubah. Kabin merangkumi hiasan dan penutup yang sepadan dengan warna kebangsaan Finlandia, plat yang mengingati kemenangan WRC TGR, dan sentuhan peribadi lainnya.

Kedua-dua Edisi Ogier dan Rovanperä akan mempunyai jumlah pengeluaran terhad, dengan butiran lanjut mengenai pesanan dan penjualan di pasaran Eropah akan diumumkan pada tarikh kemudian oleh pengedar tempatan. Model-model eksklusif ini bertujuan untuk meraikan semangat perlumbaan rali dan kerjasama antara pemandu yang memenangi kejuaraan dan komitmen Toyota terhadap kecemerlangan prestasi.

Inspired by concept versions showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, these special editions reflect the personal input of the champion drivers, who have contributed to the development process. The initiative stems from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda’s desire to express gratitude to the drivers who play a pivotal role in refining and evolving Toyota cars through rallying.

Both editions feature reprogrammed settings, replacing the “Gravel” and “Track” modes found in the standard GR Yaris, to align with each driver’s personal preferences for handling and performance. Additionally, each model boasts distinctive new exterior and interior styling features.

Powered by the latest iteration of the GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 280hp and 390Nm of torque, matched to a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (6iMT), these exclusive editions promise an exhilarating driving experience.

Ogier Edition:

The Ogier Edition introduces two new AWD control modes: Morizo and Seb. The Morizo mode, developed by Akio Toyoda himself, focuses on delivering consistent race times, while Seb mode, developed by Sébastien Ogier, emphasizes a connected driving experience with torque distribution for controlled drifting. The bodywork features a dedicated Matt Stealth Grey paint finish, French national flag details, WRC commemorative stickers, and distinctive BBS alloy wheels. Inside, it includes WRC victory commemoration plaque, contrast stitching honouring the French national colors, and other bespoke details.

Rovanperä Edition:

The Rovanperä Edition features a unique Donut Mode designed for drifting and performing tire-smoking donuts, along with Kalle Mode that ensures linear handling characteristics. The exterior boasts a unique three-tone paint finish and WRC victory stickers, with BBS alloy wheels and a CFRP variable wing rear spoiler. The cabin incorporates trim and upholstery matching Finland’s national colors, a plaque commemorating TGR’s WRC victory, and other personalised touches.

Both the Ogier and Rovanperä Editions will have limited production numbers, with further details about ordering and sales in European markets to be announced at a later date by national distributors. The exclusive models aim to celebrate the spirit of rallying and the collaboration between championship-winning drivers and Toyota’s commitment to performance excellence.