Turbocharge Comes to Town: Updated Toyota GR Yaris Hits South African Roads

Car enthusiasts gather: the updated Toyota GR Yaris has officially landed in South Africa, and it brings serious upgrades. With more power, added transmission choice and a rally-inspired pedigree, this compact performer is now ready for the local tarmac.

Toyota South Africa Motors announced this latest version just ahead of the final race of the 2025 GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway. The headline figures speak volumes:

• The 1.6-litre turbo-charged triple engine now produces 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque.

• It is available with either a six-speed manual or a newly introduced eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) a first for the GR Yaris in SA.

• Performance numbers: 0-100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h.

In terms of fuel economy the versions claim 8.2 L/100 km for the manual and 9.1 L/100 km for the auto.

Pricing and Local Impact

This is not a mass-market car but a true performance icon. In South Africa the GR Yaris comes only in the Rally specification and is priced as follows:

• Manual: R942,200

• Auto (8-speed): R971,300

Each car comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a nine-service/90 000 km plan.

Five colours are available: Glacier White, Platinum Pearl White, Midnight Grey, Lunar Black and Fierce Red.

What This Means for South African Drivers

For local performance-car fans this launch ticks several boxes:

• You’re getting rally DNA in a street-legal package.

• The optional automatic transmission opens the door to more drivers who appreciate performance but prefer ease of use in urban traffic.

• The exclusivity and price tag place this car firmly in the premium performance segment.

A Fresh Angle: Rally Roots, City Streets

While the GR Yaris has extreme rally origins, its arrival in South Africa is significant beyond performance stats. It signals Toyota’s growing commitment to premium performance cars locally. For buyers, this is not just “another hot hatch” it’s a car with motorsport credentials, local relevance and a strong resale potential as a collector’s piece.

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