Toyota has unveiled an interesting new vehicle at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon; the refreshed GR Yaris hot hatch featuring an auto transmission for the first time.
It has been rumoured for a while now, but it seems Toyota is ready to confirm it is indeed planning to launch an automatic option for the GR Yaris pocket rocket. It used the Tokyo Auto Salon to officially unveil such plans.
The transmission is an eight-speed DirectShift auto, and it has been subjected to rigorous testing including “breaking and fixing” measures to ensure it lives up to the toughest of demands. It features a highly heat-resistant clutch and close ratios for a punchy and energetic feel. In a statement, Toyota said:
“TGR World Rally Team drivers put the new automatic transmission to the test on a range of road surfaces, including in the Japanese Rally Championship and Toyota GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge under the ethos of ‘breaking and fixing’ to help make the new transmission as durable and reliable as possible.”
Not only is there an auto option, Toyota is upgrading the engine so it’s similar to the GR Corolla’s output. Yep, the 2024 GR Yaris and its 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder engine produces 224kW (from 200kW) and 400Nm (from 370Nm).
Toyota hasn’t mentioned acceleration figures but I’ve personally timed the manual across 0-100km/h in as little as 4.80 seconds using a Vbox. I suspect the auto might be even quicker, provided the revs can be built up before setting off.
The new model also comes in for other revisions, including an updated dashboard that’s tilted 15 degrees more towards the driver for better feel, while added safety tech has been introduced, including Toyota Connected Services.
Toyota Australia confirms the updated model will go on sale locally during the later stages of 2024, likely as a 2025 model, and says more info will be announced in the lead up to its arrival.
