Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally auto driven!
The original Toyota GR Yaris was already a legend—a pure, homologation-special rally car for the road that is sure to go down as one of this era's best hot hatches, and now there's an updated version, with the option of an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
For some, its only 'flaw' was the requirement to row your own gears, particularly for those who aim to use the car daily, where traffic sometimes comes into play. Toyota has now addressed this by introducing the 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), bundled with other updates. We spent time with the GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally Auto (R971 300) to see if the two-pedal setup maintains the raw, addictive spirit of the original.
The new automatic gearbox
The biggest question is: Does the new 8-speed auto ruin the GR Yaris? The answer is, not really. Toyota's engineers have created a traditional torque-converter automatic that's been beefed up and tuned for fast shifts.
Faster shifts: The GR-DAT shifts quickly, feeling almost like a dual-clutch unit, but with the perceived reliability of a torque converter. In Track mode, shifts are snappy and precise, never upsetting the chassis balance.
Predictive intelligence: The gearbox uses "AI-enhanced shift control" and vehicle sensors to anticipate the driver's next move—downshifting hard under braking to keep the engine in the powerband. For mere mortals, this feature allows the driver to focus intensely on steering and braking, which Toyota says translates to faster lap times than the manual.
More power, more gears: The engine has been upgraded to 210kW and 400Nm (up from the original's 198kW/360Nm), matching the GR Corolla. The closer ratios of the 8-speed 'box also make this a faster car in general. The 0-100 km/h sprint is clocked at a claimed 5.2 seconds.
The 6-speed manual is still immensely satisfying for the purist and a 'must-have' for a weekend toy. However, the automatic is a highly capable option for a fast daily driver or a dedicated track tool where consistency and lap times matter. Having raced both a GR Yaris and Corolla in manual guise, I can tell you that after a few laps at Zwartkops Raceway during the launch event in the new automatic variant, it feels like a good balance between track capability and daily use, which is really the essence of a performance hatchback, the only problem is that it's near as makes no difference, R1.0-million in 2025.
Upgrades beyond the gearbox
The automatic option arrives alongside a significant facelift that addresses some of the few original complaints, making a great car even better.
| Feature Area | GR Yaris Rally Auto | Sentiment / Impact |
| Ergonomics | Lowered driver's seat and dashboard | This is a significant improvement. The seating position is now lower by 25mm, and the dash is lower by 50mm, resolving the original model's "perched" feeling and improving forward visibility. |
| Interior | New digital display | Introducing a 12.3-inch digital driver's display is far more useful and crisp than the older analogue dials, although purists may prefer the older setup. |
| Chassis | Stiffer body & uprated suspension | More spot welds, structural adhesives, and increased spring rates enhance the car's composure. The handling remains sublime, with immense grip and satisfying steering feedback that feels almost "old-school hydraulically-assisted." |
| Daily use | New convenience features | The Rally Auto spec includes a Heads-Up Display, Blind Spot Monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control, making the car a much more viable and comfortable daily runabout, even if it remains noisy on the motorway. |
The Driving Experience: Rally Car for the Road
Despite the addition of the auto 'box, the core rally spirit is not lost. The GR Yaris car makes you feel like you're driving something special. From the precise steering to the impressive brakes, it feels like a bespoke road car that is every bit as special as something from Porsche's GT or BMW's M divisions.
Handling: The all-wheel-drive GR-Four system allows phenomenal control and rewards good driving. The short wheelbase makes it lively and immensely agile. There is now a 'Normal", "Gravel" and a "Track" mode to choose from with selectable 60:40, 30:70, and 53:47 torque splits.
Engine: The powerful 1.6-litre three-cylinder is punchy, with a strong pull in the lower gears.
The Compromises: The interior still features some hard plastic, and practicality remains limited. The back seats are minimal, and the boot is small (174 litres). You're not buying one of these for its practicality.
Verdict
The Toyota GR Yaris has evolved from a purist's darling to a dual-purpose weapon. For the purist, the manual remains the emotional choice; for everyone else, the GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally Auto is the faster, more accessible, and ultimately more polished version of what is one of the best hot hatchbacks of the decade. It's a car that makes you feel special, and importantly, keeps the love of driving alive.
If the BMW M135 (R 982 768) and Volkswagen Golf R (R 1 016 600) represent the mature, polished segment of the hot hatch market, the GR Yaris remains the scrappy, motorsport-bred giant killer. Now, it just happens to shift gears for you.
Pricing
