Toyota Breaks Cover on 2020 Toyota GR Yaris

GR yaris

The 2020 Toyota GR Yaris takes the stage at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, wearing its world rally heritage proudly on its sleeve. As the second model in Toyota’s GR lineup after the Supra, the GR Yaris certainly has a lot of hype to live up to. With an aerodynamic and lightweight body, innovative GR-Four all-wheel drive system, proven racetrack pedigree, and a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine churning 257 hp, the hot hatch looks like it’s up to the task in every way imaginable.

©media.toyota.co.uk

The epic 257 hp is enough to make the 2020 GR Yaris as the most powerful three-cylinder in the world, and that claim gets even more compelling with the engine’s certified 360 Nm torque output. Built on a special all-wheel-drive version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the car combines the front end of Toyota’s GA-B platform – debuting in the all new Yaris model in 2020 – with the rear of the GA-C platform, as used on the Corolla.

According to Toyota, this amalgamation has led to a new suspension design that accommodates the GR-Four all-wheel drive system while keeping the car’s stability and handling excellent.

©media.toyota.co.uk

Speaking of the GR-Four, the system can be adjusted to suit the driver’s preference or the conditions of the terrain using a 4WD mode dial switch. The system yields a 60:40 front/rear torque distribution in Normal mode, then shifts balance to the rear at 30:70 in Sport mode. The base Track mode setting puts the ration at 50:50 for fast, competitive driving. “In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behavior and road or track conditions,” Toyota describes.

The two-platform assembly also gives the GR Yaris an entirely new body, with a lower roof, more aerodynamic body form, and three doors instead of the usual five found in regular Yarises. Regarding overall dimensions, the car measures 3,995mm long and 1,805mm wide, and 1,460mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,558mm. Front and rear tracks measure 1,530mm and 1,560mm, respectively.

[gallery columns="2" ids="74801,74800,74802,74799">

Other goodies installed in the new GR Yaris include a performance braking system and an optional Circuit Pack that equips the car with a Torsen limited-slip differential on both the front and rear axle, performance-tuned suspension and 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 225/40R18 tires.

Toyota is now accepting pre-orders for the GR Yaris in its home country Japan, where the car costs JPY 3.96 million (approx. PHP 1.8 million). The car is scheduled for a mid-year release in other global markets.

Also read: 5 Hottest Hatchbacks to Look Forward to in 2020
The 4th-Gen Toyota Yaris is What You’ve Always Wanted the Car to Be

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Shell, Nissan Formula E Team renew technical partnership
    Shell, Nissan Formula E Team renew technical partnership
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Camouflaged Porsche Cayenne Electric proves performance, practicality
    Camouflaged Porsche Cayenne Electric proves performance, practicality
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Lexus NX450h+ Luxury now in Australia, is PH next?
    Lexus NX450h+ Luxury now in Australia, is PH next?
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Green GSM recognized at AREA 2025
    Green GSM recognized at AREA 2025
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Omoda, Jaecoo adds 2 more locations in dealer-network
    Omoda, Jaecoo adds 2 more locations in dealer-network
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025