About the Toyota GR YARIS
Steven M purchased this Toyota GR YARIS new for $39,950 (including all on-road costs). Steven M wouldn’t buy this car again because: “Unfortunately lacked the ‘theatre’ I was hoping for. The key to a fun hot hatch is well… fun. As much as I tried, I just couldn’t find the joy in the GR.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Zero reliability issues in the 2500km I owned it. Toyota quality!
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Was left a little underwhelmed. Spent the good part of six months watching various reviews saying how amazing it is, so when mine finally arrived, it was on a very high pedestal.
Felt more Golf-like in that it did everything well but didn’t make me feel excited or ‘alive’. Some noise and a bit liveliness around corners would have changed my opinion.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
Ordering the car was very easy and throughout the six month wait was provided with the Toyota tracking so I could follow the build process. Sadly the dealer delivery was extremely disappointing and I made my thoughts known to Toyota Australia.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Pre ordered one of the first 1000 so zero complaints on price, was a steal for that amount of performance and features.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Give it a hard launch (above 5000rpm) and it launches well. But can’t drive like that from every traffic light. Found accelerating from a normal launch, it lacked a little down low.
Also power would die off in 3rd and felt it could do with an extra 30-40kW even though 200kW is impressive from a wee three-cylinder! 10L/100km also great for a new car with a mix of spirited fun and highways. Also would be nice to hear the three-pot sing – it’s dead silent out the back!
What do you think of the technology in your car?
We missed out on the bigger and higher res infotainment here in Australia, so that was a tad disappointing. However the GR came with all the tech I needed. The rev matching was a bit slow to react so would suggest to go with the old heel-and-toe instead
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Suspension was very impressive and well tuned. Wasn’t as harsh as I was expecting and was very compliant over bumps and rough roads. The tyres however… simply awful. The biggest let-down for this car. Found myself quite nervous, especially in the wet with the OEM Dunlops. Some decent rubber would work wonders for the little GR!
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
Kudos to Toyota for building the GR Yaris in a time where homologation specials are no longer heard of. On paper it’s a brilliant car and would make a great daily driver or a fun track toy with some aftermarket bits. But as a standard fun road car, it just missed the mark for me.