Toyota GRMN Yaris 2022: hottest-yet AWD hatch breaks cover, limited to 500 units

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The covers have been pulled off the Toyota GRMN Yaris hot hatch at the Tokyo Auto Salon today, marking the return of the Gazoo Racing (Tuned by the) Meister of the Nürburgring badge to the Yaris.

Only 500 units of the limited edition model based on the three-door GR Yaris and GR Yaris Rallye will be sold globally – perhaps for Japan only – with a reservation lottery set to commence today, January 14.

So what makes the GRMN different from the GR Yaris we get here in Australia?

Toyota says that body rigidity has been enhanced, along with overall weight being reduced by 20kg, width increased by 10mm and vehicle height reduced by 10mm, too. Mechanical LSDs are fitted, along with a close-ratio gear transmission and a low final gear set. 

Two packages are available: the Circuit and Rally package. For the Circuit package, it includes BBS 18.0-inch wheels, bilstein shock absorbers with adjustable damping, carbon rear spoiler, side skirts and a lip spoiler. 

The Rally package includes GR shock absorbers and stabiliser link set, GR under guards and GR roll bar. 

Carbon fibre has been used for the bonnet, roof, and rear spoiler, while the rear seats have been removed to take 20kg from the car’s mass. Infotainment has also been removed from the car which helps contribute to weight reduction for the GRMN Yaris. 

This isn’t the first time the GRMN badge has been used on a Toyota Yaris. Two limited editions of the previous, third-generation Yaris carried the badge: a 2013 version with a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder, and the second – reviewed by Chasing Cars – making use of a supercharged 1.8-litre engine making 156kW/250Nm.

Is the GRMN Yaris any faster?

With the 20kg weight reduction and new gearing, it is very likely that the GRMN Yaris will be faster than the GR Yaris models sold in Australia.

Peak power remains at 200kW, however torque has increased by 20Nm to 390Nm which should give the Yaris some extra punch off the line. 

The current GR Yaris manual does the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.2 seconds and the same goes for the Rallye edition, so we could see a 5 second sprint to 100km/h for this new GRMN Yaris. 

What is available in Australia and will the GRMN find its way to our shores?

Toyota sells two trims of the GR Yaris hot hatch in Australia: the standard GR Yaris ($49,500) and the Rallye edition ($54,500). 

Both have the same power outputs of 200kW and 370Nm but the Rallye edition benefits from extra performance parts such as high performance suspension, red brake calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, BBS forged 18-inch wheels and a front and rear Torsen limited-slip differential. 

Standard equipment across both models include 18-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, GR leather heated steering wheel, GR sport seats, head-up display, 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a JBL eight-speaker sound system. 

Standard safety tech includes lane trace assist, pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, blind spot monitoring, road sign assist and reversing camera.

Toyota Australia has not yet confirmed whether the new GRMN Yaris Circuit or Rally editions will find their way to Australia.