Toyota has an extensive GR lineup of vehicles in Europe and why not Malaysia
Did you know that in the European ‘left-hand-drive’ markets, there are about 8 Toyota models that are GR tuned and it starts with the 4-door hot hatch Yaris? It is not the same Yaris model sold in Malaysia, but it starts with this version which is shared below (the fuel saving base version).
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) started production of Yaris at its manufacturing plant in Kolin in November 2021. TMMCZ was the second European plant to produce the region’s best-selling Yaris, alongside Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF).
To be sold alongside the quick rally ready GR Yaris 3-door version, there is now a 5-door version which in our books looks much better and will probably be as involving to drive but with less power under the compact hood.
So, will we get this 5-door hot hatch in Malaysia?
PRESS RELEASE: The GR Sport brings performance looks and sharper handling to the Yaris Hybrid range, inspired by the international multi-championship-winning achievements of Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Its stand-out styling features include 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloy wheels with alternating red deco lines around the rim and a chrome-framed grille with a piano black G-motif patterned mesh.
The performance theme also introduces a new T-shaped rear diffuser, black door mouldings and door mirror casings and a slim red insert spanning the tailgate between the rear combination lights. As a finishing touch, there are Gazoo Racing badges on the front bumper and tailgate.
The GR Sport can be specified with optional bi-tone paintwork, including an exclusive combination of Ash Grey bodywork with an Eclipse black roof.
In the cabin there are sports front seats featuring the GR logo on the headrests and black fabric upholstery with red contrast stitching. The logo is also on the starter button and the three-spoke steering wheel. Both the steering wheel and shift lever are leather-wrapped with red stitching.
Other standard features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, eight-inch multimedia system, six speaker audio system and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Options
GR Sport owners can add a City Pack to their car’s specification, equipping it with auto-retracting door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors with auto brake function, a Blind Spot Monitor and navigation.
Meanwhile, other options packs include Essential Protection Pack, which includes a rear bumper protection (black), boot liner and front and rear mudflaps. The Protection + Pack has stainless steel rear bumper protection, boot liner, front and rear mudflaps and rubber floormats.
Performance
Incidentally, the GR Sport is not just about looks, it delivers sharper handling, too. Extra underfloor bracing on each side of the car has increased structural rigidity, while aerodynamic drag has been reduced by adding liners to the front and rear wheel arches.
The suspension systems have been upgraded with tuning of the shock absorbers to react more quickly at lower speeds and adjustment of the rear springs to suppress body movement and wheel lift under acceleration and braking.
So, Toyota’s fourth generation Yaris is built in Europe, for European customers, and now offers new choices with enhanced aesthetic options as well as an eye-catching update of the Yaris GR SPORT grade.
