Toyota has started taking pre-orders for
the all-new GR Yaris hot hatch in Europe. Customers in selected markets can
register their interest by reaching out to Toyota dealers or accessing the
local official website. In Germany, prices start at a rather hefty € 33,200
(US$ 37,000). That’s only € 2,000 (US$ 2,230) less than the bigger and more powerful
Renault Megane RS and around € 3,000 (US$ 3,340) short of the base BMW 3-Series.
In the UK, the base model is available
from £ 29,995 (US$ 38,462) on the road, while the GR Yaris Circuit Pack starts at
£ 33,495 (US$ 42,950). Toyota is not planning on launching the GR Yaris in North
America.
With deliveries scheduled to commence
towards the end of the year, the supermini hot hatch is available in a single
grade in Germany, with several optional extras available, including the Circuit
and Convenience packs. The former adds a Torsen limited-slip differential,
performance tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels shod with 225/40 Michelin Pilot
Sport 4S tires. Details about the Convenience package and other equipment
offered as standard on the car will be announced at a later date.
Developed with rally DNA, the GR Yaris is
powered by a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 261 PS and 360 Nm of torque. It’s matched to a six-speed
manual gearbox and four-wheel drive and has a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration of under 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 230
km/h.
The Japanese version of the GR Yaris is a
bit more powerful, with the same engine kicking out 272 PS and 370 Nm.
