Toyota launches new GR Yaris facelift at 2024 GIIAS

KUALA LUMPUR: Alongside launching the all-new Prius, Toyota Indonesia also introduced the GR Yaris facelift at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The new GR Yaris hosts a number of cosmetic and performance enhancements, making the rally-inspired hatch even more desirable.

PT Toyota-Astra Motor offers the new GR Yaris facelift in two variants - a 6-speed MT and an 8-speed AT, priced at IDR 1,150,000,000 (RM 332,074) and IDR 1,198,000,000 (RM 345,935), respectively.

Powering the new GR Yaris is an uprated 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is considered as one of the most efficient and powerful engines in the world. The revised mill boasts a reinforced valvetrain, higher-pressure direct injection, new exhaust valve material, and new pistons. 

With all these improvements, the output has increased significantly from the previous 261 PS to 305 PS, while torque has increased from 360 Nm to 400 Nm. The car is also capable of reaching 100 kmph three-tenths of a second faster at 5.2 seconds.

On the transmission front, there is a new 8-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission, which is capable of offering swift gear changes and maximising engine power in all engine speed ranges. The performance of this smart transmission was tested by the TGR World Rally Team and TGR Rally Challenge participants on various race tracks. The six-speed manual transmission is also available for real car enthusiasts with a new dual-mass flywheel. 

The hatchback also benefits from new Drive Mode options and optimization of the GR Four 4WD system. Drivers can now choose from three drive modes - Sport, Normal, and Eco, each offering different handling characteristics. The GR Four system has three modes - Normal, Gravel (formerly Sport), and Track, which adjust the power distribution between the front and rear wheels as per the terrain and driver’s preference.

Toyota engineers have also strengthened the vehicle's chassis and increased body rigidity with 13% more spot welding and 24% more body adhesive. They also utilised a 3-point suspension mounting method for better handling stability and ride comfort.

Apart from the technical enhancements, the new Toyota GR Yaris also gets cosmetic tweaks for a refined look. It features a new steel mesh lower grille, a new front bumper for better airflow, and redesigned full-width tail lights with fog lights. Additionally, there are new separate structures on the right and lower left sides of the front bumper for easier repair and replacement of parts if necessary. 

The cabin boasts an all-new motorsports-inspired dashboard with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display incorporating different layouts for Normal and Sport modes and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The centre console is angled 15 degrees toward the driver for easy access to controls. The driving posture has also been improved by lowering the driver's seating position as low as 25 mm.

The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris colour palette includes - Precious Metal (new), Platinum White Pearl, and Emotional Red.

Also read: UMW Toyota sold 7.6k units in June 2024, YTD stands at 47k