Australian deliveries of the updated Toyota GR Yaris may begin before the end of 2024, giving automatic transmission drivers their first chance to own a Gazoo Racing hatchback Down Under.
In addition to gaining an available eight-speed automatic transmission, the updated hot hatch also packs an extra 24kW of power and 30Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
Speaking to CarExpert at the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, a Toyota Australia spokesperson said customers could get their hands on the update before the year is out.
“It’s touch and go whether the updated GR Yaris will be delivered to Australia in 2024,” said a Toyota Australia spokesperson.
“It depends when the cars arrive on the boat from Japan.”
If not by the end of the year, examples are expected to reach buyers in the early stages of 2025.
Despite the addition of an automatic transmission, yearly supply is expected to remain at around 500 cars, split between the automatic and manual models.
A pre-production version of the updated GR Yaris, in automatic guise, is currently on display at Albert Park as part of Toyota’s GR Garage display at the Australian GP.
Toyota Australia is anticipating high demand for the revised GR Yaris.
“The reaction has been super positive, people who couldn’t drive the manual are excited because they finally get to drive a GR Yaris,” said the spokesperson.
“The automatic GR Supra and GR86 cover one market, the new automatic GR Yaris opens up a new market for us.”
The automatic transmission-equipped GR Yaris weighs only 20kg more than its manual counterpart at 1300kg.
In addition to aforementioned engine and transmission changes, other mechanical updates for the updated hot hatch include measures to increase body rigidity such as more welding points, structural adhesive and fastening bolts.
Automatic models gain a transmission fluid cooler, plus the option of a further Cooling Package. Larger lower side grilles are standard for greater cooling performance.
The interior has also been given an overhaul to improve ergonomics – the control panel and display are now tilted 15 degrees towards the driver, while visibility has been improved by moving the rear-view mirror and lowering the upper edge of the centre stack.
Drivers will sit 25mm lower in the updated car.
On the technology front, the instrument cluster has been swapped out for a new 12.3-inch digital unit.
Exterior tweaks include restyled headlights, tail lights and a restyled front bumper with a steel mesh lower grille.
MORE: Everything Toyota GR Yaris
MORE: Sell your car with CarExpert
