Many years ago when I was still young, fresh, cellulite-free and a ‘newbie’ in motoring journalism I read a road test by a senior and well-respected scribe that began “This is it. This is the car for me” and thought at the time that was a bit left of centre in terms of impartiality and objectivity.
Fast forward to a week spent go-karting in the Yari GR Sport and I have some empathy for what was going through his mind when he sat down to write the article as, for me, the Yaris brought back wonderful memories of quick little cars driven over the years and long before all the driver aids found in modern vehicles.
In short, the Yaris a bundle of fun.
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With the introduction of a six-speed automatic, Toyota clearly wants to broaden its appeal to urban drivers who want a bit of fizz without the full?fat GR Yaris intensity.
The GR Sport treatment gives the Yaris a purposeful stance without shouting about it. Subtle aero tweaks, a lowered ride height and model?specific alloys give it a planted look. It’s not pretending to be a track refugee; instead, it carries a confident, athletic posture that suits South African roads, where a balance between style and practicality is often more valuable than outright aggression.
Under the bonnet sits Toyota’s familiar 1,6-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, tuned for responsiveness rather than outright punch. It outputs 210 kW at 6 500 r/min and 400 Nm from 3 250 r/min. Paired with the six-speed automatic, the drivetrain feels eager in town and composed on the open road. The gearbox is the star of the show: shifts are clean, well?timed and never flustered by quick throttle inputs.
It’s not a fire?breather, but it delivers enough mid?range shove to make overtaking confident and commuting enjoyable. The automatic suits the car’s character—easygoing, polished and more mature than the badge might suggest.
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The GR Sport’s suspension tuning is firmer than the standard Yaris but far from punishing. On Gauteng’s patchy tarmac, it absorbs sharp edges better than expected while still offering the tautness needed for spirited cornering. Steering is light but accurate, giving the driver a good sense of where the front wheels are pointed.
It’s a car that rewards smooth inputs rather than aggressive driving. Push too hard and it gently reminds you that it’s a warm hatch, not a rally homologation special.
Inside, the GR Sport trim adds supportive seats, sporty accents, and a generally well?sorted driving position. Toyota’s infotainment system is straightforward, and the ergonomics are refreshingly uncluttered.
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Rear space is adequate for a compact hatch, and the boot will handle weekly shopping or a weekend bag without fuss. Noise levels are impressively contained, making it a pleasant companion on longer trips.
Driven sensibly, the Yaris GR Sport returns commendable consumption figures – our test route average being 9,4 l/100 km. The automatic gearbox helps keep revs low at cruising speeds, and the engine’s modest displacement works in its favour. For South African motorists watching fuel prices climb, this blend of performance and frugality will be a welcome relief.
For buyers wanting something sportier than the average commuter but more civilised than a hardcore hot hatch, this Yaris hits a sweet spot.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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