2021 Toyota GR Yaris Review

In Malaysia's high-performance hatchback market, the "Toyota GR" series has always attracted enthusiasts with its track genes and driving pleasure. The 2021 GR Yaris, as the "affordable hot hatch" in the series, has become the target of many car fans since its launch with its 261PS 1.6T three-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive system. This time, we got our hands on the actual car, and our main goal is to verify whether it can really balance performance and practicality in everyday roads and light driving scenarios, given its price tag of 300,000 MYR, which is comparable to models from many luxury brands.

The GR Yaris's exterior immediately exudes an "untouchable" aura. Its dimensions are 3995mm×1805mm×1455mm, with a 2560mm wheelbase, showcasing the standard compact hatchback design. However, its wide-body design gives it a more aggressive stance than the regular Yaris – with the front track widened by 50mm and the rear track by 30mm. Paired with 18-inch wheels and 225/40 R18 tires, the side profile appears taut, especially with the muscular rear wheel arches. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with the "TOYOTA" lettering exclusive to the GR series at the center. The sharp and sleek LED headlights on both sides, along with the aerodynamic design of the front lip and side skirts, not only look good but reportedly optimize airflow at high speeds. The rear sports a factory-standard spoiler, horizontally arranged tail lamps connected by a black trim, and dual exhaust pipes at the bottom. Upon startup, the exhaust produces a deep growl that is highly distinctive.

Sitting inside, the GR Yaris’s interior follows a "function-first" approach, with minimal flashy designs but better-than-expected quality. The top of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, and the center features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Sound Plus functionality. The 6-speaker sound quality is decent for its class. The instrument cluster is traditional and mechanical, with the tachometer in the middle and speed and fuel indicators on the sides. While it lacks the high-tech feel of a fully digital display, it provides direct and easy-to-read information. In terms of features, it comes with keyless entry, one-touch start, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers. The front seats are manually adjustable but offer excellent support, especially around the waist, holding the body firmly during cornering. However, the rear space is indeed a drawback. A passenger with a height of 175cm would find just a two-finger gap between their knees and the front seats, with scarcely a fist's worth of headroom. It’s suitable for short trips or emergencies but would feel cramped for longer rides. The trunk has a capacity of 174L, which is sufficient for two carry-on suitcases – adequate for grocery shopping or short trips, but larger luggage would require folding down the rear seats.

Performance is the standout feature of the GR Yaris. Its 1.6T three-cylinder turbocharged engine produces a maximum horsepower of 261 PS and peak torque of 360 N·m (although the official data does not explicitly state this, the actual experience aligns with the specifications). It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system. Engaging first gear, lightly releasing the clutch, and giving some throttle makes the car start swiftly. The turbo kicks in noticeably after 3,000 RPM, delivering an instant surge of acceleration. The official 0-100 km/h time is 5.5 seconds, and during actual testing in sport mode, with quick gear shifts, it achieved 5.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h – a rare performance for cars in the 300,000 MYR price range. The gear slots are clear, with a short shifting stroke and a satisfying gear engagement feel, delivering that sense of control that manual enthusiasts love. However, the vibration from the three-cylinder engine does exist, especially at idle, where the steering wheel exhibits slight tremors. That said, the vibration is almost imperceptible once the car is in motion.

In terms of handling, the GR Yaris performs beyond expectations. The combination of front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned on the stiff side but provides excellent support—the suspension crisply absorbs bumps when going over speed bumps without extra bouncing. On mountain roads, the steering is precise, the steering wheel has no slack, and it responds exactly as directed. Body roll is minimal when cornering, and the AWD system can distribute power effectively to all four wheels. Even at relatively high speeds, the rear of the car remains stable and doesn’t skid easily. For daily driving, the normal mode is sufficient, offering smooth power delivery suitable for commuting. If you want to have some fun, switch to sport mode, where the throttle response becomes more sensitive and the gearshift logic more aggressive. As for fuel consumption, we drove 100 kilometers in congested urban areas, averaging approximately 10L/100km; on highways, it can decrease to around 7L/100km. The combined fuel consumption is 8.2L/100km, which is very close to the official data. For a performance car with 261PS, this fuel efficiency is quite reasonable.

The GR Yaris also surprises with its noise insulation. At regular speeds under 60km/h, both tire and wind noise are well controlled. When speeds exceed 80km/h, wind noise becomes slightly noticeable, but it’s still within an acceptable range. The seat comfort is also worth mentioning. Although they are sports seats, the padding isn’t overly firm, so they remain comfortable for long drives. However, there is a minor drawback: the clutch engagement point is quite high, which might cause stalling for beginners until they get used to it.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 GR Yaris are clear: 261PS of power, precise handling, an AWD system, and relatively affordable pricing (nearly 100,000 MYR cheaper than the imported Golf R). Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda Civic Type R, the GR Yaris’ AWD system has a significant advantage on slippery roads, and it is also more fuel-efficient. However, the Civic Type R offers more rear space, making it more suitable for occasional family outings.

Overall, the GR Yaris is better suited for two types of people: first, car enthusiasts who love manual transmissions and prioritize driving pleasure—it provides a pure driving experience; second, those in need of a multi-functional performance car that can handle grocery shopping during the week and spirited driving on the weekends. If you’re only looking for a conventional family car, its rear space and comfort might not suffice. But if you’re after a “sleeper” hot hatch, the GR Yaris is absolutely the top choice in the 300,000 MYR range—it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely the most “fun.”