If you think of the Toyota YarisThe first thing that comes to mind is the economical hybrid version. But the Yaris can also do other than good.
Small cars in Germany have an average range of engines in the power range from 75 hp to 130 hp. Every now and then there are outliers upwards: Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST with 200 hp each or Hyundai i20N with 204 hp, for example. Recently, however, a Japanese has been mixing up the league of powerful small cars. The GR Toyota Yaris makes 192 kW / 261 PS, written out in full so that nobody believes in a tipster: two hundred and sixty-one. And another high value in addition: The little one costs at least 33.200 euros, with the Perfomance package it is 37.700 euros.
Joy for PS fans
There were actually only two reactions to our test car with 261 hp. Some used the windshield wiper gestures to comment on their lack of understanding. The others got big eyes, their hands were already wet in anticipation of mental driving fun and asked for further technical data.
We fulfill the wishes of enthusiastic petrol heads and list the technical data. The engine of the three-door is a 1,6-liter three-cylinder (yes, you read that correctly: 3-cylinder), which the racing specialists at Gazoo Racing (GR) have trimmed for performance. Permanent four-wheel drive is always on board; In the performance variant we drive, a Torsen limited-slip differential is also part of the standard equipment, so that the torque is also distributed between the wheels on the respective axle. Speaking of torque: the maximum torque of 360 Nm is between 3.000 and 4.600 revolutions. It is shifted manually, 6 forward gears are available. The racing dwarf completes the standard sprint in 5,5 seconds, the top speed is limited to 230 km / h. According to the WLTP, Toyota specifies the average consumption as 8,2 liters.
You can really drive with it
So much for the impressive data. The sporty dwarf impresses even more in practice. Before you can start driving, you have to do a little gymnastics. Since the sports seats with defined side and seat parts are mounted comparatively high and cannot be adjusted in height, you must first get in with your head bent and your upper body supple. Whether this introductory pose, which is discreetly reminiscent of humility, is intended? One thing is clear: the vehicle is not for novice drivers or occasional drivers - and also not for people who do not have their emotions under control. Because with the first light pressure on the accelerator, the little athlete conveys his will to convey driving pleasure, if not even driving pleasure. Of course, it can be driven quickly in a straight line, on a free motorway the mark 200 km / h and more can be reached quickly. Is this fun? So-so. The main discipline of the GR Yaris are curves. He proves his skills in the narrow run. The steering is very precise, the brakes grip properly, the crisp shifting is a pleasure and the vehicle lies like a board on the road.
Keyword Brett: The driving comfort is limited with this sporty cornering. This is due on the one hand to the 18-inch model, and on the other hand to the chassis, which is tuned for driving on racetracks. Every bump is passed on quite directly to the buttocks and back. Anyway, it goes on with a big grin on your face. Only looking at the speedometer slows down driving pleasure. And the weather. With wet and dirty roads you shouldn't push the limits of physics, despite all-wheel drive. Incidentally, this can be set using a rotary pushbutton using three driving modes: more front-heavy (normal), more rear-heavy (sport) or balanced (track). In case of doubt, however, the electronics react and determine what makes sense.
A lot of fuel for a little car
A look at the consumption display is disillusioning. It is not surprising that the average consumption of 8,2 liters cannot be maintained. That the little one draws a good 11 liters on moderate journeys is more likely. It is 14 to 15 liters if you give it a little bit of the spurs, with "species-appropriate" exercise on a circuit, consumption is likely to increase even further. If you want an economical Yaris, you prefer the hybrid version. It can be moved with an average of less than 4 liters.
The GR Yaris does not differ from its civilian siblings in terms of consumption. Actually, they're more like cousins. The GR uses two different platform components, which are used for small cars and for compact cars. Visually, it does not hold back: wide sills, large air inlets, red brake calipers and double tailpipes attract attention. It's more subtle inside. But here we missed a digital speedometer or a head-up display for the speedometer. That the GR was not necessarily designed as an everyday car is shown by the small trunk (174 liters) and the access to the rear. Compared to the normal Yaris, the roof line, which drops almost 10 centimeters, makes it even more difficult to get into the two rear seats.
The only one of its kind
At a good 33.000 euros, the GR is fairly priced in, in addition to the racing genes, two-zone air conditioning, sports pedals, reversing camera and a classic handbrake (with the option to turn on the spot) are part of the standard equipment. In addition to the Torsen limited-slip differential and the red-painted brake calipers, the performance package also features Michelin Pilot Sport tires instead of Dunlop Sport Maxx.
No question about it: the little racer has fallen out of time. Driving pleasure is only part of socially accepted reasons to buy. In normal road traffic, its potential cannot be "experienced" due to the traffic density and out of respect for traffic regulations. It should serve its owners for pleasure in their spare time on the racetrack. The hybrid variant is the better choice for everyday use.
Technical data
Three-door, four-seater small car; Length: 4,00 meters, width: 1,81 meters (with exterior mirrors: not specified), height: 1,46 meters, wheelbase: 2,56 meters, trunk volume: 141 liters
1,6-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, 192 kW / 261 PS, maximum torque: 360 Nm at 3.000 - 4.600 rpm, six-speed manual gearbox, all-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: 5,5 s, Vmax: 230 km / h (regulated), standard consumption: 8,2 liters / 100 kilometers (WLTP), CO2 emissions: 186 g / km (WLTP), test consumption: 11,6 liters, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: G,
Price: from 33.200 euros (with performance package: 37.690 euros)
In brief
Why: 261 hp!
Why not: 261 hp!
What else: currently unrivaled in its segment