FIVEDRIVES campaign with the Toyota GR Yaris
It’s been teased for quite a while, but it looks like the Toyota GR Yaris has touched down in South Africa. The trailblazing GR Yaris has garnered major success globally, even winning the UK’s car of the year award. The GR Yaris has even claimed the title as the fastest 3-cylinder engine in the world, producing a power output of 200kW and 370 Nm of torque. The WRC-inspired hatch has been the headlines in many motoring news pieces, and to make things even more interesting, it comes equipped with a good old-school manual transmission.
At the height of its local launch, Toyota South Africa, and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) has teamed up, to give enthusiasts a sneak peek of hot hatches capabilities. Titled the ‘FIVEDRIVES’ campaign, will combine five of South Africa’s iconic locations with five of TGRSA ambassadors. This will of course give local media a taste of what to expect from this highly powerful vehicle’
The 1st part of this campaign will see Michael van Rooyen, popular for being found behind the wheel the of the TGRSA Corolla Global Touring Car (GTC), will be taking on the incredibly quick GR Yaris on the iconic Aldo Scribante Raceway located in Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota GR Yaris cost in South Africa?
The Toyota GR Yaris is priced at around R899,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive hot hatches on the market but justified by its WRC-bred performance credentials and limited production numbers.
Q: How much power does the Toyota GR Yaris produce?
The GR Yaris packs a serious punch with 200kW and 370 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, making it the most powerful 3-cylinder production car in the world.
Q: Is the Toyota GR Yaris worth buying in South Africa?
The GR Yaris is absolutely worth it if you're after a genuine homologation special with rally DNA, but only if you can stomach the R899,000 price tag and appreciate its track-focused nature over daily usability.
Q: What makes the Toyota GR Yaris special compared to other hot hatches?
The GR Yaris stands apart with its bespoke 3-door body, all-wheel drive system, manual gearbox, and genuine WRC heritage, unlike most hot hatches that are simply tuned versions of regular cars.
Q: How fast is the Toyota GR Yaris?
The GR Yaris rockets from 0-100kph in just 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230kph, making it one of the quickest accelerating hatches you can buy in South Africa.
Should You Buy It?
The best rally-bred hot hatch under R1,000,000 in SA is undoubtedly the Toyota GR Yaris at R899,000. Yes, you absolutely should buy it if you're a proper petrolhead who appreciates automotive excellence over practicality. This isn't just another tarted-up hatchback, it's a genuine homologation special with WRC DNA coursing through its veins. With 200kW from a screaming 3-cylinder, all-wheel drive grip, and a proper manual gearbox, the GR Yaris delivers driving thrills that justify every rand of its premium price. However, if you need rear doors, a smooth ride, or sensible running costs, look elsewhere. The GR Yaris is for enthusiasts who want something truly special in their garage, even if it costs more than most family sedans.
