New Toyota GR Yaris first drive - best WRC homologation hot hatch? // The Late Brake Show
Finally Jonny gets to drive the Toyota GR Yaris - but is it the best WRC homologation hot hatch creation ever? Certainly there haven't been many in recent living memory. What happens when a sensible car company like Toyota returns to world rally and decides it wants to DOMINATE? Its boss Akio Toyoda (who is handy behind the wheel of his AE86 Corolla) gets all dewy eyed about 1990s Celica GT-Fours and ridiculously proportioned homologation road cars from the 80s, and green lights the development of the Gazoo Racing Yaris. It is a Yaris in name and headlights, nothing more.
This thing is the most powerful three cylinder engine in production, with 1.6 litres and a ball bearing turbo kicking out 257bhp. It has 4WD with an electro magnetic decouple to the rear axle when you yank on the manual handbrake. Yes, manual handbrake. And manual gears. It has optional Torsen LSDs, forged wheels, bigger brakes than the GR Supra, a pedal box set up to heel-and-toe, no lame exhaust pipe embellishments. Instead the £30,000 (£269 per month 0% with 24 month PCP and 25% deposit) GR Yaris is Toyota's late entry into Group B WRC, but for 2021.
They have to sell 25,000 of these to become eligible for WRC next year, and I think that won't be a problem. Rest assured Jonny believes that it is an instant classic - with vibes of Subaru WRX STi and Tommi Makinen Mitsubishi Evo. Funny that, as Tommy helped develop this car with Akio Toyoda to conquer the tarmac, gravel and snow. And also daily commutes to work.
Frustratingly Jonny didn't get chance to push the GR nearly as hard as he'd like, due to a short filming day just before the second UK lockdown in a busy spot. People were everywhere and no country road seemed to be quiet enough to fully uncork this Gazoo Racing oddball. Hopefully you will get a flavour of what the car is about.
Better brake late than never, eh?
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Filmed by: Michael Rock Perring -
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Jonny Smith aka CarPervert
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.comInstagram: / jonnycarpervert Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#toyotagryaris #gryaris #toyotawrc #gryarisreview #latebrakeshow
After listening to your Smith and Sniff podcast yesterday I was looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. How did you keep a straight face as the old man parachutist walked through the shot! 🤣
My thoughts exactly!
Er, strictly speaking he was a paraglider...
Yeah, he looked a bit knackered!, perhaps he had a hard landing.
😂 Yes! Proper hilarious
If you watch the Video Jon will pass him on the road test
Akio Toyoda is a legendary CEO in my books. Since taking over he's made Toyota a legitimately cool brand again. There's true passion in the cars.
I fear that this car could be one of the last gasps of manufacturers’ purely for fun projects. I’m glad it exists.
I remember Clarkson saying that about an Aston about 15 years ago. Think we've got a few more years of stuff like this yet
I think what we'll find is that, at least in the medium term, as EVs take over the mass market these types of 'specials' and other 'special use' vehicles will be where we find IC propulsion. They'll be found in more niche products either for enthusiasts or for people with specific needs in areas where the charging infrastructure hasn't reached.
Just wait a couple of years! EV cars will be the thing to drive for performance reliability cheapness and FUN! Give it 2 maybe 3 years max.
EV’s will dominate in a few years, but I think the last of the ICE cars will be for the enthusiasts. EV’s are brilliant, but it will be a very sad day when pure ICE cars will be banned for sale. The GR4 is definitely on my used car list!
Yes this looks great. Petrol cars will be around for at least 30 years - but think they have already peaked. Since 2017 and the lower emissions drive they have had to comprise engines, exhausts, power etc. Anything 'exciting' for next gen cars is likely to be automatic and hybrid only.
F**k. Has anyone else just binged all the GR Yaris videos on KZhead & just fallen in love? I know I have!
I'm a 90s jdm car guy, this is the first modern day car I've been excited about for a long time
I wished really that this was to become a money spinner for Toyota as that might wake some other manufacturers up to try and do the same. We need more cars like this.
If you count marketing and brand kudos it could be an enormous money spinner
Yea, I hope they do the same with the Honda Fit "Type R"
@@Wolf_Larsen One of the reason for that number is again, the homologation rule. They just need to made a certain number of cars to be qualified. While GR Yaris is a limited run car (at least for now), the tech from this car can be applied for other small hatchback from Toyota (like Corolla for instance)
Cars like this don't make money though that's the issue.
Should call you captain obvious not captain baseball bat 😂
So impressed by this car. Everything i've ever wanted in a car, especially when living rurally. Just fantastic!
Would you buy one? Probably not. And that’s why other auto makers stop making this kinda vehicles.
@@ieditedmyname289 I will buy one
@@ieditedmyname289 if they made a DSG I’d have one😂
@@-LK34- that'll kinda ruin the point of it being a driver focused engaging little car 🤷🏻♂️ Also manuals are much more fun in small cars like this
They should have revived the celica model and used its reputation to drive sales and bring recognition to these new efforts
We just placed an order for one after watching this Jonny! Hope you're well bud! Loving the channel.
Lucky bastardos
Enjoy 🆒️
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Finally something to get rid of all those french pos’s in the DW garage. Great choice.
Wish you lots of fun with it. I hope Toyota makes them long inaf until I can afford one.
Who slowed down the video setting speed to 0.75!! To listen to the Tech Specs!!
Bloody shame they did that.
I just paused and read it lol
I was normally watching on 1.5x, then when I switched to normal speed on specs part I thought the youtube just didn't react to my command because he was still going fast as hell :D
If i have to read something, i just pause it. By the time i've faffed about getting the settings up and slowed down the video i've already missed what i wanted to read. Pause...read...play!
I wish we got more of these cars, reminds me of 90's JDM cars. Absolute first class video as always Jonny!
You are kind of right. Imagine if Nissan didnt fuck up the new Pulsar :D
@@Blazerri Nissan's making a new Z might be nice
@@IBadlyNamed twin turbo 6 with a manual box and the 370z chassis, sounds like a winner to me! Now hopefully they don't get crazy with the price, it has to be less than C8 money for sure.
22:20 The Honda E, Suzuki Jimny, and GR Yaris. The holy trinity of cars you can't get in the states
We aren't getting the 400Z or the 2021 BRZ so it's square.
Think of all those great American cars that Brits can't get like the .... hmm. OK.
You’re so right about the appeal of this car - I’ve got the new Jimny and I have the exact same excitement for the GR. This is definitely a great era for Japanese cars at the moment.
They've always been great hence biggest car manufacturer in the world......just brand snobbery puts more focus on EU cars
I can so relate to the mention about your emotions about the Honda E, Suzuki Jimny and this GR Yaris. I feel the same way. Thank you for sharing your experience with this machine, can't wait to see these on the roads.
USA does not get Honda E, Suzuki Jimny, or GR Yaris... what gives ?
@@rcDoom I suppose it really depends what the USA branch thinks what will work and what will not for their sales figures. My thinking is, with the Honda E and Jimny, they think because of the Honda's low range and the Jimny's small engine, people in the USA won't want it. Annoying I know... but that's probably how it is. Annoying that we don't get some of the cool stuff in AUS as well...
@@mikeyp8020 For the Jimny, i think that was because of the controversial statement by 'Consumer Advise' who said that Jimny (or Samurai in America) was prone to roll over & dangerous (even though there's no problem at all in the rest of the world)
After years of driving German sports cars and big saloons I never thought I’d be ringing up Toyota for a test drive. Absolutely love it, very well presented too!
Ahahah!! I'm driving an M2 comp and later i'll go to test the GR. I know it's lot less powerful but it intrigue me reminding old school mini rally cars (205 T16, R5 Maxi turbo, i.e.). I'll share my impression if you want
Wow.... I'm considering an M2 Competition or a C8... but this wolf-in-hatch-clothing has me thinking it would be more fun than either of those.
Lol same.....looking at swapping a 3ltr 6cyl M240i for this little go cart ha
Wonder if anyone posting on this does the speed limit. Im guessing you will all think im boring for saying that but ive had quick cars, and was still able to enjoy them without being the sort of prat that you see on dash cam footage. Problem is today, too many drivers have no self control and big egos.
@@oddities-whatnot Walking the razor's edge of the threshold does not require lots of speed. If speed is a requirement... there is always a local track. :-)
Amaazing to see a car like this produced in 2020. I hope it gets the sales to encourage this more.
They only making 25k so will be a loss to Toyota
You continue to up your game with the production of these videos, arguably the best yet. And boy do I want some grrrr in my life, what a riot. First new car I've genuinely wanted for years. Love it!!
Best "I want to buy this Car" advert ever. Thanks Johnny!!
Grrrrrrrr! It’s not coming to the US! Damn I want this thing! Well done Tommi!
this not coming to the states is one of the largest disappointments of 2020.. almost as bad as a BMW supra...
It’s your own fault for buying all those ridiculous truck things ;) You can have your tundras, we’ll have this !
You live in wrong continent
@@yournightmare9999 I almost agree except that I live snow land of Canada and this car really belongs here.
Americans only buy shitty SUV's and pick-up trucks so you don't get nice cars. Sorry.
Loved this video when I watched it 2 months ago. Hadn’t paid any real attention to the GR Yaris until I watched this, 24 hours later I had one on order!
This was just amazing review! Cant wait mine GR Yaris to be delivered!
Ooh, a late night treat. Cheers Johnny. Bloody love that Gazoo Yaris. Wish it had vented box arches though.
Like everything Japanese I bet you'll get a body kit in no time, but yes a vented arch rear bumper would be mega
They’ll never be cheap..
Beautiful engineering, one last throw of the ICE dice.
Great review Jonny, glad you enjoyed your time in it
The opening was just like a 90's Rally VHS! Awesome!
That sound! Oh my goodness!
Had a look at this when it came up on a dealer tour in Scotland and I was impressed with it. Now hearing it on the move makes me want one. Great review Mr Smith. Would this fit in my life??? Not really but it would look good in my life!
As a US Citizen who loves small, light cars and rally hatchbacks in particular: damnit. Now that Toyota's back in rallying I'm waiting for Honda to give us a 3 cylinder Fit Type R with a 9000 RPM redline... but then, we probably won't get that either.
This is the first time for nearly 15 years (Lancer Evo IX Wagon)that I've genuinely WANTED to buy, and been excited by a brand new car!
This is Beautifully well put together footage. Really kept me interested all the way through. And kept me awake lol Its 2.20am here now I love this car and I love this channel.
I really appreciate that you went though the nerdy details. Excellent video Johnny
Absolutely loving your content Jonny. It's a treat to see a notification when you post a new vid. Keep up the good work.
Great watch, I really like and want this car. keep up the good work!
When this car was first revealed I really wanted one, now I really, really want one.
Future classic, for sure, looks great fun. Your videos are just getting better and better too Jonny!
Your best car review to date, well done!
Holy cow Jonny, where did these production values come from?! Amazing video!
amazing programme once again jonny. shows how you’re a true all rounder car dude 👏🏼
Really glad you enjoyed the vid Alex. Welcome to the Late Brake Show!
Love it, great vid Johnny, brilliant production.
Great vid Johnny. I'm already in love with this.
This is a future classic. Collector's car. If Jay Leno doesn't already have one he will.
I wish this thing was sold in Canada so I could get one used in 5-10 years time
For another 10k on the price.
I don't think it's gonna be used in 10 years. Might be 20 years later.
Well, if those rumours are true then NA market will get the GR Corolla instead.
It will be a collector's car and extremely hard to get 1 in 10 years time
In America were kinda screwed with hot hatches, I might get a civic si for fuel mileage and fun
Grateful you've included the engineering points. It makes the car that much more special.
12:08 “it feels special because it’s so damn compromised” i love that! hahaha
That intro was so good I had to watch again! Lol
Your quickly becoming one of my favourite journalists, great content really honest opinions and enjoyable funny chat. Keep up the great work 👍
Another fantastic film, thanks Jonny!
Wonderful production quality of this channel, love it!
Gordon Murray would approve of that steering wheel 👏
Amazing intro! This is the best review I've seen of this car so far. Completely agree with everything you said. Toyota do know how to make fun cars by themselves when they choose to, but I can understand why they've been the way they've been. This is also why I'm actually more excited and proud for this car over the new MK5 Supra. Ever since that Japanese economy bubble burst in the early 2000's, they needed to change to stay afloat and hopefully at or near the top. The market also changed over time. People started to value comfort, features, space, and gimmicks rather than fun, agility, and quirks. To add fuel to the fire, as soon as the economy started recovering (at least for the American market), people started to go crazy for SUV's. Especially as SUV's started to get better gas mileage over time. Our roads are definitely not restrictive unless you live in a dense city like San Francisco. So for the same price or not much more, people would opt for the SUV over the equivalent car/sedan. They get more space, more car for the money in their eyes. An analogy would be like shopping for a house. Lets say both homes are next to each other. Same prime location, but 1 is a 2-story and the other is a 1-story. If you priced both homes almost equally, wouldn't most people choose the 2-story? So huge props to Toyota for producing this car, even though I'm totally bummed it will not be sold in America.
Is the Yaris sold in the US?
Great video and loads of detail cheers Johnny
Yet another honest, energetic and amazing episode. Thank you!
I'm so sad it's not available in North America. Rumour has it that we will get a (watered down) Corolla version. We will see.
Can you guys get a grey import ? Or do you have some silly bureaucratic rules.
NOOOOOOO ffs I’m done with the U.S man
@@realMaverickBuckley In Canada we would be able to import it in 2035 and the US 2045 lol. We don't get this Yaris at all. The model that is sold here as a Yaris is a rebranded Mazda2. And Toyota will stop offering that too. We even had a petition to get the GR Yaris here.Which probably resulted in a GR Corolla with the same setup (engine, maybe AWD). It's not the same of course, but it's something. It has not been revealed yet.
Yeah in general the USA market wants CUVs and SUVs. For "safety" and "comfort" reasons. I think Canada is going that way Only hot hatches we have are the VW Golf range, Civic Si and R, the Velostar N and that's it. Hyundai pulled the Elantra GT. Ford pulled the Focus RS. Audi has pulled their hatches. We still get small hot sedans, but they aren't the same.
@@keithcotter-reilly At least we get the next gen BRZ. Europe won't.
The perfect Fiesta ST upgrade when you don't to be paying £200+ more a month for a boring S3 or Golf R
People who buy those are badge snobs. The cold hard facts are the Japanese can compete for far less. Wait until Hyundai releases their RN30 or whatever name they will call it. Mid engine, AWD. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
@@supercooled Partially agree but they are great cars if you want no compromises, wouldn't knock someone getting one when they commute via motorway
@@supercooled hyundai is korean😂
I wouldn't suggest they're boring. And built quality is far superior.
Golf R is very underwhelming. Its very quick but rock hard ride and doesnt sound of anything. Weird car to drive. Not my cup of tea at all
Amazing how quickly your channel has grown Johnny, great work!
Another great video.So glad I've found this channel.Many more videos to look forward to.
Really great content. I watched this, Carwow's and STG's videos on the same car and in all cases the driver's grinning made me want one. You nudged me to order one, and mine arrives in March! :-)
Hey Michael, that is excellent to hear first hand people taking the plunge. Obviously it was my vid that swayed you, right?
@@TheLateBrakeShow Obviously, it is you who should be getting the commission from Toyota! In all seriousness, I did order white based on your suggestion; you influenced me. So I guess that makes you a successful KZhead influencer? :-)
"It's gripped!" 🤣
Easily the best review out there on the GR Yaris. Love the detail you added here. You even listed the total spot welds on it which I was weirdly wanting to know. Stellar work!
Great show and content J. Keep up the great work
I'd love this car especially if I were in my 20s again even though I'd enjoy it now at 69.
I'm seriously thinking of getting one and I'm nearly 65 why not?
Hell yeah Craig go for it. I recently picked up a 2016 Chevy Spark EV to experience what an BEV is all about and which is a lot of fun but lots less $$ for a toy. That car will be a blast. We know age is just a number anyway.
@@billsmith810 Absolutely why drive a "boring" car just because your 60 odd, bet it felt strange the first time you drove it I have never been in an electric car, my problem is that I live in a small house with nowhere to charge one and our charging infrastructure is still pretty poor here in England.
@@cmpillred277 BEVs have torque everywhere, my little golf cart has 327lb ft worth. I own a 61 yr old home and when I was looking at having a new circuit run ifound out my electrical panel is out of date with electrical codes so I'm looking at more $$ down the road to add capabilities for a level 2 charger. I charge at 110v which takes a long time but since I'm retired I'm OK with it for now. I love little cars like the Yaris GR. Cheers!
Hey you old boys(just turned 62 lol). These little monsters are absolutely built to precision. I just bought myself a 2019 Ford Mustang 10r80 and it is the most complete car I have driven. Had it upgraded with magnetic suspension, huge auto gearbox, dropped 2 inches all round, Roush TVS 2650 supercharger, sub frame brackets back and front, coolers for gearbox, differential, supercharger, brakes and more. It is an absolute animal and really loves to eat little euroboxes, . So perfect in handling you really need to drive to survive
On your Jimny comment, a mate of mine has ordered one of these, and he already has a new Suzuki Jimny that it'll be sitting next to in the garage haha A question though, can the traction and stability control be defeated just with the button or do they stay on and just give you a longer leash to play in
i cannot wait for this to be in the usa!! this is the first car that ive seen possibly as more fun than my abarth 500!
Great video Jonny. Your videos are getting better and better.
If I didn't have a fiesta st and I wasn't poor I would buy one of these now 😂
Surely this is the spiritual successor to the Delta Integrale? 4wd turbo stuffed into compact cooking hatchback!
The perfect base for a track weapon. This Friday we had one of the first cars in Germany in our workshop and fitted our 9.5x18 wheels with 255/35-18 semi slicks. What can I say...fits plug and play and lift the car on another level. The first laps on Northloop are already done. 👍
Great review.. great footage. Top quality video up there with the big budget automotive channels!
I am loving your show and your format! Cheers from Arizona and keep up the great work! I’m a one-legged sailor after an IED in Afghanistan spoiled an afternoon for me so I’m chuffed this won’t come with a dual clutch but I’m frankly surprised they made it at all. Can’t wait to see our hero Chris drift it around a track somewhere!
Toyota, bring this to the US!!!
Kudos to Toyoda-san for continually chasing his passion which gifted us such precious gem of a car!
Much appeciated insight in the Toyota techical slides. Super refreshing to so someone sharing real engineering details vs. common KZhead.
Nothing even comes close to this these days. An absolute bargain.
When we visited Belgium last year, I got a tiny brand new Kia Piccanta...that was perfect for carrying all my wife"s luggage while still allowing me to drive it down tiny alleys and park it on sidewalks in the old cities... I see the same small flexibility in this, but fast! I would totally own a tiny car like this if i lived in Europe or Asia.
Exactly, that's what people tend to forget. In most European cities / villages, you can't fit in when you drive a big heavy SUV. Also, it's a Picanto (not Piccanta) :) Where did you go in Belgium?
@@QrisSx Antwerp, Brugge and Ghent...it was great! Most refreshingly delicious beer I've ever drank, nothing like it in the states! Absolutely gorgeous place to visit... Get a table on the square or by a river and enjoy the people/view...awesome!
What car do you own in the states?
@@willpark7483 C350 coupe...my 300hp AWD rocket! But moving to a GL/GLS soon for some space and passenger comfort. How about you?
@@joelcrow wow I bet that really goes! 2.0 turbo petrol is it? before you think I am going to say an Alfa Giulia like my pfp..... I am not it was my Dads Giulia lol! - I have a Vauxhall Corsa C SXI 😂👍
Great Video Mr @carpervert and team thanks
Great review Jonny..Can not wait to drive this!!
Is that beeping from the Toyota collision avoidance system?
What happened to TRD? Why is it all GR now? Still a great car though.
TRD is now slapped on some cosmetic kits on Toyotas in Southeast Asian market. And on Tacoma TRD but that's about around the only good place the TRD name slapped on to.
@@AntoniusTyas there's a TRD Camry in North America too. And some Corolla Apex thing. both just versions of the base car with a body kit and some extra tuning
TuRD
TRD failed to win any races and is basically dead now.
Oww😆 I had my earbuds in on full and that intro I was listening to jazz. Then a heavy riff intro Cheers
Great job Jonny. The quality of your videos is getting to be ridiculously good. Love the channel.
Why do we always have to speak about these things as if it’s somehow wrong to make or do something fun? The tone of any review or comment on an interesting product is always a rather reminiscent, if not mocking one. Are we that beholden to government’s grip on our safety and rationality that something cool, interesting, unusual.. dare I say exciting, is somehow a dastardly thing?
I noticed you didn’t title it I’ve ordered a Yaris GR with follow up videos 5 thinks I like / dislike, I’ve wrapped my Yaris GR then I’ve sold my Yaris GR 😂
I accidentally clicked the "trending" tab today and spotted that title 5 times....RIGHT as I write this on the right of this comment there is a video of shmee selling his Focus RS.... you have to choose the stuff you watch on youtube wisely
The production quality of these videos lately have been incredible! Loving the older gentleman and his parachute just casually waddling through the shot!
Beautifully done video on very special car. Loved the review, thanks very much.
So basically Yaris is better than Supra as a driver’s car.
Yes. If only America got these. We’re kinda stuck with the Ford Focus, fiesta and veloster N , golf gtis. We need something crazy like this here.
@@jcbnty3443 the new Fiesta is an awful car. Bland, no character. Nasty three cylinder engine that feels lumpy and inconsistent when driving spiritedly.
@@oddities-whatnot if it doesn’t have a hemi it’s not a real mans car.
@@jcbnty3443 Except there's no new Focus or Fiesta here anymore, although the Civic Type R is here now. Being that this car has awd, it seems to be more of a competitor to the WRX. If I were going fwd, I'd get the Veloster N, for awd, I'll stick with my STI for now.
Its just perfect
8:15 holy light speed batman! You sped up the most important part! Slow it down. I wanna hear/see the real specs. That’s what makes this car special.
You can slow KZhead video's down, click on the settings icon by the fullscreen button. You can speed up or slow down a video. Good for watching pirated top gear thats running too fast.
@@R-Dub-Ya Exactly. Thank you.
Fantastic, I've been waiting for this. Love that Toyota has gone full out for this. Wanted one since I first heard about it.
Amazing video. That Blade Runner Vangelis style soundtrack in the end just nails the vision of me and my GR Yaris driving of to the sunset. Love it!
14:08 i think the 3 cylinder engines sound like V6 when rev'd lol
Nothing alike
" i had it with the Honda E, I had it with the Suzuki Jimny and ive got it with this" that and the s800, its fair to say you like small japanese , quirky, cars?
They happen to be Japanese, but are totally different.
@@djoetma yes, but all as stated. small, japanes and quirky
Johnny, you are doing a BRILLIANT job here on this stuff, keep it up mate, top notch and very compelling viewing.
That 3 cylinder sounds absolutely mad. Love it.
Toyota be like "what EV???" .. just going back to basics
"EV? We've got three whole cylinders to use!"
Europe always gets cooler cars. The US gets all the bloated crossovers
we're getting the GR Corolla!! Same engine and drivetrain :D
The US has v8 Muscle cars
Brilliant video Jonny! I've been following this little car since it was announced and I want it even more now!
Great video thanks. Excellent production
Johnny, this is some really great work. You’ve really hit the mark with this channel. It’s properly nerdy and erudite, but still managing to be really fun. And this video did all of that.
Amazing Intro! I miss my Yaris T-Sport I had back in the day.
speeding up through the technical parts... genius!!!
This video is brilliant. Great work Jonny 👍
What a very fine video, entertaining and very informative. Makes me nostalgic for the days when we all used to enjoy WRC on the telly before it sort of disappeared. Great fun, great driving... What a shame the humble standard Yaris wouldn't even be considered for the Show, rather Yarist of you...