A mode switch was added to the GR Yaris during the model update: you can choose between Sport, Normal and Eco modes, and the setting affects the steering assistance, gas reactions, the appearance of the digital instrument panel, the operation of the air conditioning system and – in the case of the automatic transmission – the timing of the shifts as well as their speed and finesse.
Only the structure does not change.
Because Toyota's philosophy in this area has not changed: good setup works on all surfaces, there is no need to make the car more complicated and expensive with adaptive shock absorbers.
What does driving look like?
Photo: Peter Julias (Origo)
First, we managed to do three laps with the automatic and manual transmissions at the Landis circuit. This small race track is full of impassable corners at the top of the hill, which usually means a deceptive tendency to oversteer in a short-wheelbase car. In contrast, the GR Yaris
Both axles were rock solid on the asphalt,
I couldn’t really get the rear to move, even with tricky acceleration, the rear wheels followed the curve of the front wheels faithfully, only under hard braking did grip drop somewhat. In sunny, dry conditions, the 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires stick to the asphalt like chewing gum, but on soft ground the car is probably more playful.
Image: Toyota
When I was still unfamiliar with the route layout, it turned out to be a big advantage that in the automatic GR Yaris I could only focus on steering and finding the right braking and acceleration points, and I didn’t have to worry about shifting. The automatic shifts very quickly and usually knows the perfect gear for any corner, but I didn’t like the fact that in manual mode, when the engine comes to a standstill at 7200 rpm, it only allows the gear to be engaged after a stuttering delay.
The car is believed to be faster with an automatic transmission,
But the cliché is also true: a manual gearbox engages the driver more in the driving process and enhances the driving experience. The GR Yaris even gives you a burst of fuel when you downshift, but if you want, you can turn this off and kick the accelerator yourself with your ankle while braking, which can be a great experience if you time it well.
