Toyota Yaris GR (2020-Present)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The **Toyota GR Yaris** is generally a **reliable hot hatch**, but like any performance car, it has a few **common issues** that owners have reported:

Common Faults:
- **Radar Sensor Recall** – Some models had an issue where the **radar sensor initialization** wasn’t completed correctly, requiring a dealer fix.
- **Interior Rattles** – Some owners have reported **minor rattles**, particularly from the **passenger seat headrest**.
- **Engine Concerns** – While rare, a few reports mention **engine failures**, though these seem to be linked to **driving style or modifications**.
- **Oil & Fluid Maintenance** – Owners recommend **frequent oil changes** and **proper warm-up/cool-down routines** to maintain engine health.

Overall, the **GR Yaris** is well-built, but **regular maintenance** and **careful driving** help prevent potential issues.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Toyota GR Yaris** has gone through **two generations** since its introduction in **2020**, with a major update arriving in **2024** - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/toyota/gr-yaris/). Here’s a breakdown of its **generations and trim levels**:

**Generations:**
1. **First Generation (2020-2023)** – The original GR Yaris, developed for **WRC homologation**, featuring a **1.6L turbocharged three-cylinder engine** and **AWD**.
2. **Second Generation (2024-Present)** – A refreshed version with **improved cooling, revised suspension, and updated interior**, introduced at the **2024 Tokyo Auto Salon** - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/toyota/gr-yaris/).

**Trim Levels:**
- **GR Yaris Base Model** – Standard performance trim with **forged alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control**.
- **GR Yaris Circuit Pack** – Includes **limited-slip differentials, upgraded suspension, and enhanced handling**.
- **GR Yaris Ogier Edition** – Special edition with **matte grey paint, blue brake calipers, and unique drive modes**.
- **GR Yaris Rovanpera Edition** – Features **red brake calipers, rally-inspired styling, and additional drive modes**.

The **GR Yaris** continues to evolve, maintaining its **rally-inspired DNA** while incorporating **modern performance upgrades**.
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Engine/s
The **Toyota GR Yaris** is powered by a **1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine**, known as the **G16E-GTS**. Here are its key specifications:

**Engine Details:**
- **Displacement:** 1,618cc
- **Configuration:** 3-cylinder, DOHC 12-valve with **Dual VVT-i**
- **Fuel System:** Direct & indirect injection (**D-4ST**)
- **Turbocharging:** Single-scroll turbo with ball bearings
- **Bore x Stroke:** 87.5mm x 89.7mm
- **Compression Ratio:** 10.5:1
- **Max Power:** **276 bhp** @ 6,500 rpm
- **Max Torque:** **390 Nm** @ 3,250 – 4,600 rpm
- **Transmission:** **6-speed manual** or **8-speed automatic**
- **Drivetrain:** **GR-Four AWD system** with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch
- **Limited-Slip Differentials:** **Torsen front and rear** (on Circuit Pack models)

This engine is one of the most **powerful three-cylinder engines ever produced**, delivering **exceptional performance** for a compact hot hatch.
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Performance
The **Toyota GR Yaris** delivers **exceptional performance**, blending **rally-inspired engineering** with **everyday usability**. Here are its key performance figures:

**Performance Specs:**
- **0-62 mph:** **5.2 seconds** (2024 model) / **5.5 seconds** (2020 model)
- **Top Speed:** **143 mph** (electronically limited)
- **Power Output:** **276 bhp** @ 6,500 rpm
- **Torque:** **390 Nm** @ 3,250 – 4,600 rpm
- **Weight:** **1,280 – 1,310 kg**, depending on trim
- **Drivetrain:** **GR-Four AWD system** with selectable drive modes
- **Transmission:** **6-speed manual** or **8-speed automatic**

The **GR Yaris** is designed for **maximum agility**, offering **sharp handling, strong acceleration, and rally-derived technology**. It’s widely regarded as one of the most **exciting hot hatches** on the market.
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Rivals
The **Toyota GR Yaris** competes with several high-performance hot hatches, each offering unique strengths. Here’s how its main rivals compare:

**Performance Comparison**
| Model | Power | Torque | 0-62 mph | Top Speed |
|-------|-------|--------|----------|-----------|
| **Toyota GR Yaris** | 276 bhp | 390 Nm | 5.2 sec | 143 mph |
| **Honda Civic Type R | 315 bhp | 420 Nm | 5.4 sec | 169 mph |
| **Volkswagen Golf R | 320 bhp | 420 Nm | 4.7 sec | 168 mph |
| **Hyundai i30 N | 280 bhp | 392 Nm | 5.9 sec | 155 mph |
| **Ford Focus ST | 280 bhp | 420 Nm | 5.7 sec | 155 mph |

Designer/Dimensions
The **Toyota GR Yaris** was designed by **Toyota Gazoo Racing**, with key input from **Morizo (Akio Toyoda)**, Toyota’s CEO, who personally championed the project to ensure it remained a **true driver’s car**.

**Dimensions:**
- **Length:** **3,995 mm**
- **Width:** **1,805 mm**
- **Height:** **1,455 mm**
- **Wheelbase:** **2,560 mm**
- **Turning Circle:** **5.31 m**
- **Boot Capacity:** **141 liters**
- **Number of Seats:** **4**

The **GR Yaris** was engineered with a **bespoke chassis**, combining elements from the **Yaris and Corolla platforms**, making it **lighter, stiffer, and more agile** than a standard hatchback.
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Spares/Specialists NI
If you're looking for **Toyota GR Yaris** spares in the **UK or Ireland**, here are some options:

**UK Locations**
- **Curtis Toyota** – Ballymena, Northern Ireland ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/curtisballymena))
- **Charles Hurst Toyota** – Belfast, Northern Ireland ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/charleshurstbelfast))
- **C Russell Auto Spares** – Downpatrick, Northern Ireland ([Website](https://www.ciaranrussell.com/car-dismantling/))
- **Western Toyota Stirling** – Stirling, Scotland ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/westernstirling))
- **Barnetts Toyota Dundee** – Dundee, Scotland ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/barnettsdundee))

**Ireland Locations**
- **FindaPart.ie** – A network of **Toyota Yaris spare parts dismantlers** in Ireland ([Website](https://www.findapart.ie/cars/TOYOTA/YARIS.html))
- **Toyota Parts Direct** – Supplier of **genuine Toyota parts & accessories** ([Website](https://toyotadirectparts.co.uk/parts/category/toyota-yaris/))

You can also check **Toyota GR Centres** across the UK for specialist parts and servicing ([Toyota GR Centres](https://mag.toyota.co.uk/where-is-my-nearest-toyota-gr-centre/)).
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Specialist Garage Services NI
Northern Ireland has several **specialist garage services** for Toyota vehicles, including the **GR Yaris**. Here are some options:

**Toyota Specialist Garages in Northern Ireland**
- **Curtis Toyota** – Ballymena ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/curtisballymena))
- **Charles Hurst Toyota Boucher Road** – Belfast ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/charleshurstbelfast))
- **Charles Hurst Toyota Dundonald** – Belfast ([Website](https://charleshurstdundonald.toyota.co.uk/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=website_btn))
- **Donnelly & Taggart Toyota** – Londonderry ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/donnellytaggart))
- **Shelbourne Motors Toyota** – Craigavon ([Website](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/shelbournemotors))

These garages offer **servicing, repairs, and performance upgrades** for Toyota models, including **GR Yaris specialist services**.
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Racing
The **Toyota GR Yaris** was developed with **World Rally Championship (WRC) homologation** in mind, meaning it has strong motorsport roots. While the **GR Yaris itself** hasn’t competed directly in WRC, its **technology and engineering** have influenced Toyota’s **Yaris WRC rally car**, which has been highly successful in the championship.

Toyota Gazoo Racing initially planned to introduce a **GR Yaris WRC** version, but the project was **scrapped** in favor of continuing development on the **existing Yaris WRC**. However, the **GR Yaris has been used in various grassroots and national rally events**, proving its capability as a **high-performance rally-inspired machine**.
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Valuation
The **Toyota GR Yaris** has seen a **significant rise in value** in **2025**. The updated model now starts at **£46,045**, with some variants exceeding **£65,000 drive-away**. This increase is due to **higher demand, limited production, and performance upgrades**, including **more power, improved styling, and an optional 8-speed automatic transmission**.
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Clubs
There are **Toyota GR Yaris owner clubs** in **Northern Ireland**, where enthusiasts gather to share experiences, modifications, and event details. Here are some options:

**Online & Local Clubs**
- **Toyota Owners Club – Yaris GR Section**: A dedicated forum for **GR Yaris owners**, discussing maintenance, upgrades, and events. You can check it out [here](https://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/forum/233-yaris-gr-grnm-club/).
- **Toyota Owners Club – Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland Meet**: A broader Toyota club that organizes **regional meetups** for owners in **Ireland and Northern Ireland**. More details [here](https://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/31963-republic-of-ireland-northern-ireland-meet/).

**Dealership & Community Events**
- **Charles Hurst Toyota (Belfast)** – Often hosts **Toyota events** and has a strong **GR Yaris community**. More info [here](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/charleshurstbelfast).
- **Shelbourne Motors Toyota (Craigavon)** – A long-established Toyota dealership with **enthusiast connections**. Check them out [here](https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/shelbournemotors).
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