On the different finish of the spectrum from the Prius is the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris, which has additionally been launched in Indonesia on the Gaikindo Indonesia Worldwide Auto Present (GIIAS). The revised rally-inspired über hatch makes its ASEAN debut with revised seems to be, extra energy and a brand new computerized gearbox choice.
The usual transmission continues to be the handbook, which matches for 1,150,000,000 rupiah (RM332,000), whereas the auto retails at 1,198,000,000 rupiah (RM345,900). Just like the Prius, the GR Yaris is an indent order automotive with a minimal wait time of three months relying on the output of the Motomachi plant in Aichi, Japan.
Below the bonnet lies the identical G16E-GTS 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, however it’s been fettled with a strengthened valvetrain, a brand new exhaust valve materials and higher-pressure direct injection to each produce extra energy and enhance sturdiness. New pistons with wear-resistant rings have additionally been added.
The result’s that the three-pot now delivers 33 PS extra at 305 PS at 6,500 rpm, whereas torque has been bumped up by 30 Nm to 400 Nm, made between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm. These figures, by the way in which, are for the Japanese market, which the Indonesian web site quotes; the remainder of the world will get 280 PS and 390 Nm. With the additional energy comes a quicker century dash, the GR Yaris now getting from zero to 100 km/h three tenths of a second faster at 5.2 seconds.
However the huge information, in fact, is the brand new eight-speed GR Direct Computerized Transmission. This isn’t your typical Toyota slushbox – it’s been developed to ship the quickest attainable downshift and anticipate the correct gear choice primarily based on brake and throttle enter. It additionally will get heat-resistant clutch materials, a brand new torque management system and a compact, high-response linear solenoid. All this, plus extra closely-spaced ratios, permit the auto GR Yaris to attain faster lap instances in comparison with the handbook mannequin.
In fact, actual automotive lovers will nonetheless have the ability to get the automotive with a six-speed handbook (which will get a brand new dual-mass flywheel) with computerized rev-matching, which this Emotional Purple present unit is. Elsewhere, there are new Sport, Regular and Eco drive modes which were divorced from the GR-4 all-wheel drive’s operation, with the auto moreover getting faster shifts and throttle response within the Sport setting.
The AWD system has additionally been reconfigured – as a substitute of the front-to-rear break up being mounted at 60:40, 30:70 or 50:50 relying on the drive mode, the brand new GR Yaris will get variable torque distribution that modifications primarily based on the mode. In Monitor mode, the automotive will shift wherever from 60:40 on nook entry to 30:70 on nook exit, the latter to maximise traction and acceleration.
In the meantime, the brand new Gravel mode defaults to 53:47 and can routinely alter in response to the motive force’s inputs, car behaviour and highway or observe situations. The GR Yaris additionally lastly will get the Efficiency Pack (which Malaysian automobiles got here with) as normal, gaining Torsen entrance and rear limited-slip differentials and light-weight BBS 18-inch alloy wheels.
Below the pores and skin, a 13% improve in spot welds and 24% in structural adhesive has led to a stiffer physique shell, enhancing yaw response, steering suggestions and grip really feel. The entrance MacPherson strut and rear double wishbones – the latter being unique to the GR Yaris, keep in mind, due to using the Corolla’s GA-C platform on the again – additionally get new springs for higher dealing with, plus extra bolts on the dampers to cut back alignment modifications underneath load and improve steering response.
Whereas many of the modifications have been mechanical in nature, there have additionally been vital (and largely practical) tweaks on the surface. The entrance bumper is all new and options enhancements taken from motorsports – the grille (which feeds air to the improved cooling bundle, together with a brand new transmission oil cooler for auto fashions) will get a stronger metallic mesh, whereas the three-piece development implies that any localised injury will be repaired by changing the precise half as a substitute of the entire bumper.
The bumper corners have additionally been formed to resemble flics, decreasing entrance raise. Transferring to the again, you get redesigned full-width taillights (once more, unique to the GR Yaris) that now incorporate the fog and reverse lights. This strikes them away from the rear bumper – which itself receives a diffuser cutout to cut back drag – to minimize the chance of injury. The third brake gentle has additionally been moved downwards for higher visibility and to make it simpler to swap out the tailgate spoiler.
Inside, the modifications are much more colossal, with an all-new dashboard once more being impressed by motorsports. The businesslike, virtually industrial vehicle-esque angular centre console has been canted by 15 levels in direction of the motive force to make sure simple attain of all main controls, together with the nine-inch infotainment touchscreen. A brand new 12.3-inch digital instrument show has been added as properly, with completely different layouts for Regular and Sport modes and a transmission oil temperature readout for auto fashions.
Outward visibility has additionally been improved by decreasing the highest fringe of the sprint by 50 mm and elevating the rear-view mirror, with a corresponding seat top drop of 25 mm for a sportier driving place. As for the entrance passenger, they get a bigger storage tray in entrance of them that additionally gives extra area for putting in additional gauges or a co-driver monitor.
With the facelifted GR Yaris now being offered in Indonesia, we will count on the new three-door to reach in Malaysia sooner slightly than later. Would you purchase the brand new auto mannequin or follow the honest-to-goodness handbook? Pontificate within the feedback after the leap.
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