Toyota has revealed the new Yaris GR Sport ahead of the model’s official debut at the Paris Motor Show, marking the arrival of the first GR Sport specification vehicle in Europe.
Inspired by the Yaris GRMN hot hatch, the Japanese automaker says its new Yaris GR Sport delivers “genuine fun-to-drive performance and sports styling”.
While there are three examples of the supercharged Yaris GRMN in South Africa (although not for sale), it seems unlikely this Yaris GR Sport will make it to local shores, considering that Toyota South Africa Motors earlier this year switched from the Euro-spec Yaris to the Asian-spec model.
Although the new GR Sport model doesn’t gain any additional power (the five-door model will be offered with the standard 1,5-litre hybrid powertrain used in Europe), its suspension has been suitably upgraded, which Toyota promises lends the hatchback “engaging handling and responsiveness”.
It uses Sachs Performance shock absorbers similar to those fitted to the GRMN and a solid anti-roll bar for added rigidity. The ride height, meanwhile, has been dropped by some 11 mm compared with that of the standard Yaris, while the gap between wheel and body has been cut by 18 mm.
Black 17-inch cast alloy wheels are exclusive to the GR Sport, but are fitted with the same Bridgestone Potenza RE50 205/45 R17 rubber worn by the GRMN model.
The exterior styling follows that of the Yaris GRMN, too, and includes a black roof with rear spoiler as well as piano black door mouldings, a black honeycomb grille, black side-mirror caps and black foglamp surrounds. The headlamps, though, are unique to the GR Sport, and gain black detailing.
Dark-tinted rear privacy glass is also fitted as standard, along with GR badging. Red decals can be optionally added to the front lip and the top line of the lower rear bumper.
Inside, you’ll find GR-branded sports front seats upholstered in black Ultrasuede with contrast white stitching and white inserts. The GR Sport is equipped with the same small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel used in the GT86.
The cabin furthermore features black headlining plus a satin chrome trim for the gearshift lever, air vent surrounds and speaker surrounds. Black GR-branded mats with silver edging are also part of the package.
