The GR Yaris is a homologation model born to win the FIA World Rally Championship. High-performance division Toyota Gazoo Racing rebuilt the Yaris from scratch to achieve a high-rigidity body coupled with its “GR-FOUR” all-wheel drive system.

The system uses a multi-plate clutch to transfer the power of the 261-horspower, 360 Nm of torque 1.6-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine with minimal loss. From its default 60/40 front-to-rear power split, the GR-FOUR system can differ it to 50/50 in Track, and even 30/70 in Sport mode. Front and rear Torsen-type limited slip differential is standard.

The sole transmission is a 6-speed manual with rev-matching function.

For the Thai market, it will be offered in three colors: Super White II, Emotional Red II, and Precious Black. It also receives features such as leather/Ultrasuede interior upholstery, a leather steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. It also gets Toyota Safety Sense, too.

Aside from Thailand, Malaysia is also raising its hand, hinting that the GR Yaris will be offered there as well.

In the Thai market, the GR Yaris is priced at around 2.7 million baht or about P 4.31 million. While that sounds expensive, it’s worth noting that Thailand is notoriously protective of its locally produced cars, taxing Completely Built-Up (CBU) units such as the GR Yaris heavily. For comparison, the Subaru WRX STI is priced there at P 2.79 million or about P 4.458 million. 

If Toyota Motor Philippines does decide to bring in the GR Yaris, and the chances of this is now increasingly likely, expect it to compete against the likes of the Civic Type R and WRX STI in terms of price. This would mean it’ll be priced around P 2.8 million to P 3.1 million.