FIVEDRIVES campaign with the Toyota GR Yaris - Part 2
For locals who have not heard the good news will be happy to know that the world's fastest three-cylinder engine has touched down in Mzanzi. It comes in the form of the Toyota GR Yaris, and during its launch build-up, has seen Toyota South Africa and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) team up for its FIVEDRIVES campaign. In part one, TGRSA Corolla Global Touring Car (GTC) driver, Michael van Rooyen, took the dashingly quick GR Yaris on the iconic Aldo Scribante Raceway.
Part two of this exciting campaign will see, South African motorsport hero, Giniel de Villiers take the GR Yaris for a spin on the legendary Killarney International Raceway. With a beautiful view of Table Mountain in the background, Giniel will be free to sample this brisk hatch. This scenario will also test the vehicle’s three-mode driver-selectable AWD system, with the quick steering rack, weight distribution, and punchy power delivery all being placed under near scrutiny.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota GR Yaris cost in South Africa?
The Toyota GR Yaris is priced at R749,500 in South Africa, making it one of the most affordable homologation specials you can buy locally.
Q: Is the Toyota GR Yaris worth buying?
Absolutely, the GR Yaris delivers genuine rally-bred performance with its 200kW three-cylinder turbo engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, making it exceptional value for money compared to European hot hatches.
Q: How fast is the Toyota GR Yaris?
The GR Yaris rockets from 0-100kph in just 5.5 seconds thanks to its 200kW/370Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, making it properly quick by any measure.
Q: What makes the Toyota GR Yaris special compared to other hot hatches?
The GR Yaris is a genuine homologation special built for rallying, featuring a unique three-door carbon fibre roof body, motorsport-derived all-wheel-drive system, and the world's most powerful three-cylinder production engine.
Q: Does the Toyota GR Yaris come with a warranty in South Africa?
Yes, the GR Yaris comes with Toyota's standard three-year/100,000km warranty plus a six-year/90,000km service plan, giving you proper peace of mind with your performance purchase.
Should You Buy It?
The best rally-bred hot hatch under R800,000 in South Africa is definitely the Toyota GR Yaris at R749,500. This is your only chance to own a genuine homologation special that was actually built for the World Rally Championship, not just some tarted-up shopping trolley with a badge. With 200kW from three cylinders, proper all-wheel-drive, and Toyota reliability, the GR Yaris offers supercar thrills with hatchback practicality. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you can afford it, because cars like this simply don't come around often, and when they do, they become instant classics. Just don't expect amazing fuel economy or a quiet ride, this thing was built to go fast, not to be sensible.
