Toyota has unveiled the Yaris GR Sport, a warm hatchaback that takes inspiration from the Yaris GRMN, at the Paris motor show. Due to go on sale later this year in international markets, the Yaris GRMN will mark the first time Toyota would have introduced a GR Sport trim level in Europe, having launched the Japan-only GT86 GR Sport in July.
The GR Sport uses the same 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain as the standard Yaris, developing a combined 100hp output from the four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor.
What Toyota has focused on is performance upgrades on suspension, with Sachs Performance dampers and a solid anti-roll bar for added rigidity. Ground clearance has also been reduced by 11mm compared with the standard Yaris.
The GR Sport sits on exclusive black 17-inch alloy wheels, which are fitted with the same 205/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE50 tyres as the Yaris GRMN.
Available exclusively as a five-door, the car shares its exterior styling with the Yaris GRMN, including a rear spoiler and black colour scheme for the roof, front grille, door mirrors, and door mouldings.
Interior tweaks include GR-branded sports seats and the three-spoke steering wheel from the GT86. GR logos have also been added to the digital instrument cluster.
While the Yaris GRMN is based on the hatchback model, the Yaris that is sold in India comes only in sedan form. For our market, it comes with a 107hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine that is mated to either a 6-spoeed manual or a CVT automatic. It is priced between 9.29 lakh and 14.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is a rival to the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City in the midsize sedan segment.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
