2021 Toyota Yaris GR

Ok, before we get started, yes we are talking about a Toyota Yaris.

Specifically, the 2021 Toyota Yaris GR AWD, oh hell yeah! It's about time someone comes out with a tiny hatchback that's AWD and makes a fair amount of power (since the 90's). Especially from a three cylinder engine, but we'll get more into that later. Lets start with the design.

Although I'm not to crazy about the exterior of the car, the interior is nice. The exterior feels like it's aggressive, but in the wrong way. The front grill is ENORMOUS, I mean I get it, you need to cool the radiator and the intercooler, but god damn did it need to be that BIG? From a profile the car looks really good, the body lines follow in the right way and you get a really good idea for how wide the car is in comparison to a regular Yaris. Move around to the back, and honestly I just think it looks like a wall on the back bumper. If they based it on the actual WRC car (which is where the inspiration came from) then ok. But, the WRC car has vents where the GR has nothing...

The interior is pretty good, it still has that, "Yaris" feel but with a few upgrades. It comes with JBL speakers, a nice screen right in the middle of the dash, and really cool door handles. I mean look at those things, they look so, so "futuristic". Another key note from the interior; the seats, oh baby did they do a good job with those. Now, I haven't sat in them, so I couldn't tell you if they are comfy or not, but damn they look good! The car does have four seats, but I don't know how well anyone would really fit comfortably in the back. Maybe if you have kids or something it would be good for them.

Now lets get into the nitty gritty, the POWER! The Yaris makes 272hp and 272ft-lbs from a three cylinder turbo engine. You might be thinking at this point, "Only 270hp?" and yes, to todays standards that's not all that much. But, keep in mind that this only has three cylinders and if you compare it to something else in its "class" like a Golf R or Subaru STI (which technically are not in the same class) then it definitely holds it own. The Yaris also has a newly developed "GR-FOUR" AWD system. It has a 6 speed Manuel transmission and two Torsen limited slip differentials. The front is a electronically controlled multi clutch differential, so that gives you and option inside the car for, normal, sport or track. Thats right, track!

So, here is my final thought on the new GR Yaris. I think it is a great idea, and though we might not and probably won't see it in the North American market, I think it would've kicked off here. I don't think they would sell hundreds of thousands of them, especially since we don't know the price. Overall I think it's a great little car, lots of power for the size and with the added AWD system it's going to work great. I think.... I look forward to seeing driven reviews of the car and hope maybe Toyota will fly me out to try it? Hey, Toyota you there?