Toyota lobs pricing for GR Yaris Rallye

TOYOTA Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has revealed pricing for its extra-focused GR Yaris Rallye hot hatch, with the track-oriented newcomer to be offered with an initial driveaway price of $56,200 for the first 200 units sold, after which it will revert to $54,500 plus on-road costs.

The recommended retail price of the GR Rallye places it $5000 upstream of the ‘regular’ GR Yaris, which has so far secured 1200 advanced orders ahead of its imminent local launch.

While the GR Yaris is already aimed at the hot hatch market, the Rallye takes things further with the addition of firmer, track-tuned suspension, Torsen limited-slip differentials (LSDs) on both the front and rear axles, and 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

Set to touch down in March, the GR Yaris Rallye is powered by the same engine as the GR Yaris, namely a diminutive 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine tuned to produce a considerable 200kW/370Nm.

Power is channelled to the road exclusively via a six-speed manual transmission with rev matching, while a permanent all-wheel-drive system provides ample traction, particularly with the pair of LSDs aiding handling.

Its all-paw grip combines with a light kerb weight of 1280kg (standard GR Yaris) to allow a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 5.2 seconds. 

The AWD system can theoretically send up to 100 per cent of torque to the front or rear axle, with a number of settings changing the front/rear torque split in Normal mode (60:40), Track mode (50:50) and Sport mode (30:70).

The GR Yaris rides on a mixed chassis, with the front end being the Yaris’ GA-B architecture and with the wider Corolla GA-C platform at the rear.

A number of aerodynamic and weight-saving aids have been included to the GR variants, including a carbon-fibre roof (a first for Toyota), aluminium bonnet, door and tailgate panels, a large lower bumper air intake and a subtle roof spoiler. 

TMCA vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the strategy to promote early interest in the GR Yaris was being applied to the Rallye version too.

“Now, just as we did with GR Yaris, we want to excite as many fans as possible by ensuring this special-edition Rallye model is genuinely attainable,” he said.

“We want to continue to ignite the performance-car market, broaden the awareness and appeal of our GR brand, and support our customers – many of whom are new to Toyota.”

Along with pricing for the Rallye, TMCA has also announced it is launching the Gazoo Racing Club for fans of the brand’s burgeoning performance arm, where enthusiasts can gain a deeper experience of the GR brand while sharing their own stories and experiences.

Club members will have access to exclusive events, drive days and member-only areas at certain motorsport events, as well as exclusive content, club merchandise and special offers from Toyota.

The GR Yaris Rallye will touch down locally in March.

2021 Toyota GR Yaris pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs