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Toyota GR Yaris 2024 review

Hatchback Petrol

Toyota GR Yaris 2024 — front three-quarter view

Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris is the facelifted second iteration of the rally homologation special that single-handedly revived the affordable performance car. Toyota's Gazoo Racing division turned up the wick: the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo now produces 280PS and 390Nm — the most powerful three-cylinder engine in series production. UK pricing jumped too, to £44,250 for the six-speed manual and £45,750 for the new eight-speed automatic, with the Ogier and Rovanperä special editions at £60,000 each. Cars were sold in limited numbers through a ballot.

The engineering is the star. The G16E-GTS engine is hand-built with a strengthened valvetrain, a larger intercooler and new pistons, driving all four wheels through the GR-Four system — 60:40 front/rear in Normal, 30:70 in Sport and 50:50 in Track — with Torsen limited-slip differentials at both axles. The new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic is a proper torque-converter box tuned for performance, not a dual-clutch compromise. The 0–62mph sprint takes 5.2 seconds and the top speed is limited to 143mph, while official WLTP economy is 32.1–32.5mpg (expect high-20s when driven enthusiastically).

The chassis is comprehensively revised: a stiffened bodyshell, MacPherson front and double-wishbone rear suspension retuned for the extra power, forged 18-inch BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and uprated grooved brakes. Inside, a new GR cockpit with a lowered driving position keeps the driver at the centre of the action. Yet it remains a practical four-seater hatchback with a 174-litre boot — one you can daily-drive.

The elephant in the room is the price: over £12,000 more than the original, putting it into Civic Type R territory. But residuals are extraordinary — the GR Yaris has cult status and the ballot system kept supply tight. For driving purists, this is as close to a rally car for the road as anything sold in Britain, and the 2024 car is the fastest, sharpest version yet.

UK price from: £44,250

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Specifications

Engine	1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol (G16E-GTS, 1,618cc)
Power	280 PS (276 bhp) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque	390 Nm (288 lb-ft)
0-62 mph	5.2 seconds (manual)
Top speed	143 mph (limited)
Transmission	6-speed manual (8-speed auto optional)
Drive	GR-Four all-wheel drive (60:40 / 30:70 / 50:50)
Fuel economy	32.1 mpg combined (WLTP)
CO2 emissions	197 g/km (WLTP)
Boot space	174 litres (VDA)
Dimensions	3,995 x 1,805 x 1,455 mm (L/W/H); wheelbase 2,560 mm
Insurance group	43A - 44A
Warranty	3 years / 60,000 miles (extendable to 10 yr / 100k with Toyota Relax)

Features

Hand-built 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder (G16E-GTS), 280PS and 390Nm — most powerful production 3-cyl
GR-Four permanent AWD with 60:40 / 30:70 / 50:50 drive modes and front + rear Torsen LSDs
6-speed intelligent manual (iMT rev-match) standard; new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic optional
5.2-second 0–62mph sprint with a 143mph limited top speed
32.1mpg WLTP combined with 197g/km CO2
Forged 18-inch BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres; uprated grooved brakes
MacPherson front / double-wishbone rear suspension with reinforced bodyshell
New GR cockpit with lowered driving position; 174-litre boot with four seats
Insurance group 43A–44A; Toyota Relax extends warranty to up to 10 years/100,000 miles

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£79.99	Pattern part; OEM specification
Oil filter	£12.99
Cabin pollen filter	£19.99	Activated-carbon type
Front wiper blades (pair)	£24.99	28in/16in flat blades
12V battery	£109.99
Engine air filter	£16.99

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Explosive 280PS triple in a 1,280kg hatchback — genuinely thrilling pace
Superb GR-Four chassis with Torsen LSDs: adjustable, engaging, confidence-inspiring
New 8-speed auto is a proper performance gearbox, not a compromise
Extraordinary residuals — cult status and ballot sales keep values rock solid
Usable daily: four seats, hatchback practicality, hatch-sized footprint

Cons

Huge price jump — over £12k more than Gen1, now Civic Type R money
Ballot-only, limited availability in the UK
Thirsty when driven hard; 197g/km CO2 means a 37% BIK band
Rear seats tight under the low roofline; 174-litre boot is small

Frequently asked questions

How much did the 2024 Toyota GR Yaris cost in the UK?

UK launch pricing in May 2024 was £44,250 for the six-speed manual and £45,750 for the new eight-speed automatic. The Ogier Edition and Rovanperä Edition special editions were £60,000 each, and cars were sold in limited numbers via a ballot.

How powerful is the 2024 GR Yaris?

The facelifted car's 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder produces 280PS (276bhp) at 6,500rpm and 390Nm (288 lb-ft) of torque — Toyota claims it is the most powerful three-cylinder engine in series production.

What is the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system?

GR-Four is a permanent all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled centre differential. Normal mode splits torque 60:40 front/rear, Sport sends 70% to the rear axle, and Track is a 50:50 split. Torsen limited-slip differentials at both axles are fitted as standard.

Is the GR Yaris 8-speed automatic good?

The new-for-2024 Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic is a torque-converter auto specifically tuned for performance, with extra-short ratios and rapid downshift response. Toyota says it is similar to — or slightly quicker than — the manual on track, while being far easier to live with in traffic.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the GR Yaris?

The official WLTP figure is 32.1–32.5mpg combined with 197g/km CO2. Long-term UK tests report around 27–30mpg when driven enthusiastically, though gentle cruising can beat 35mpg.

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