Toyota GR Yaris 2021 Review

Nowadays, in the Malaysian performance car market, hot hatch models have become the first choice for many consumers pursuing driving pleasure, thanks to their compact body and strong power. The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris, as a flagship model under Toyota's performance sub-brand GR, enters the market with a 1.6T three-cylinder turbocharged engine and full-time four-wheel drive combination. Its original racing genes and balanced configuration have piqued the curiosity of many car enthusiasts. This test drive focuses on its actual driving performance, daily practicality, and whether its configuration justifies its pricing, providing a reference for potential buyers.

The GR Yaris parked by the roadside has a high recognition factor, with an overall style leaning towards compact sportiness. The front face adopts a large trapezoidal grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The black surrounds on the lower front lip and fog lamp areas add to its aggressive appeal. The side profile showcases smooth lines, and the short front and rear overhang design emphasizes its handling orientation. The 18-inch wheels paired with 225/40 R18 tires provide a full-bodied visual impression. At the rear, the spoiler and dual exhaust arrangement highlight its performance identity, and the LED taillights offer clear recognition at night.

Opening the door and stepping inside, the interior uses black as the main tone, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trims, providing a texture that aligns with the positioning of a sports model. A 7-inch touch screen is positioned atop the dashboard, featuring a simple and easy-to-use interface, supporting Sound Plus features and a 6-speaker system, sufficient to meet daily entertainment needs. The instrument cluster adopts a traditional mechanical design, with legible readings that display core driving information such as engine speed and vehicle speed in real-time. In terms of configuration, keyless entry, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers are all included. However, the front seats are manually adjustable, which feels slightly disappointing considering its price of RM 299,000.

In terms of space, the GR Yaris has body dimensions of 3995/1805/1455mm and a wheelbase of 2560mm, positioned as a 2-door 4-seat model. The front row provides spacious seating, with a passenger of 175cm still having a fist's worth of space above their head and between their legs after adjusting to a comfortable sitting posture. The rear space, however, feels relatively compact. For a 170cm passenger, their legs will touch the front seat, making it more suitable for short trips. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk volume is 174L, which can easily accommodate two carry-on suitcases. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the storage space. Interior details like door panel storage pockets and central armrest compartments are sufficient to meet daily use needs.

Start the engine, and the 1.6T three-cylinder turbocharged engine emits a deep roar. With its impressive data of 261PS maximum horsepower and 360Nm maximum torque (3000-4600 rpm), it pairs with a 6-speed manual transmission. When starting off, the engagement point of the clutch is clear, making coordination between the accelerator and clutch easy to master. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, with the turbo kicking in noticeably after 3000 rpm. The acceleration provides a strong sense of push-back, validating the official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. Downshifting and rev-matching during overtakes deliver direct power output, instilling confident driving behavior.

In terms of handling, the GR Yaris is equipped with a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, with the chassis tuned for stiffness. The steering feels precise with minimal play. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the full-time four-wheel-drive system quickly distributes power, ensuring strong cornering stability. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, but noticeable jolts can be felt when passing speed bumps, given the performance-oriented setup. The daily driving fuel consumption is approximately 8.2L/100km. Using 95-octane petrol, the 50L fuel tank provides a range of around 600km, which is reasonable for a performance car.

In terms of ride comfort, the seat provides good support and wraps well, ensuring adequate lumbar support for long drives. However, manual adjustment requires frequent tweaking. Regarding noise control, wind noise and tire noise become noticeable at high speeds, though within acceptable limits. Engine noise penetrates into the cabin at high RPMs, but for driving enthusiasts, this could enhance the driving ambiance. Safety features are relatively comprehensive, including 6 airbags, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, ensuring safety during daily drives.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris lie in its powerful powertrain, precise handling, and all-wheel-drive system. Its factory racing genes endow it with exceptional driving fun. Compared to peers like the Honda Civic Type R (which is priced higher), the GR Yaris has advantages in terms of value for money and the AWD system, but it falls short in rear passenger space and seat adjustment options.

This car is more suitable for individual users or small families who value driving enjoyment. It balances daily commuting with weekend track days seamlessly. If you pursue a pure manual driving experience and don’t mind the compact rear space, the GR Yaris will be a good choice. Overall, it is a performance car that brings racing technology to the streets. In the Malaysian market, its balanced performance and the GR brand backing make it a strong contender in the hot hatchback segment.