Toyota isn't really a brand associated with performance locally, but rather dependability and reliability. But dependability and reliability come as a result of good engineering, design and development, all of which can be better honed in the motorsport arena, which opens a manufacturer up to producing performance machines from extensive motorsport experience. 

With great success in the Dakar, the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the World Endurance Challenge (WEC), Toyota's motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, has emerged as a new sub-brand that is set to release a number of performance-oriented models in the future. I travelled down to Kwa-Zulu Natal to sample the rare Yaris GRMN and also had a chance to drive the mildly tweaked GT86.

A history of performance

Known predominantly as a producer of bakkies, sensible sedans, budget-friendly hatchbacks, SUVs and more recently, crossovers, the perception of Toyota as a slightly vanilla manufacturer is perhaps a tad unfair when one looks at its history of performance machines.

Iconic cars such as the MR2, Supra, Celica and AE86 give the brand some performance clout while locally, we've seen badges such as RSI/RXI and TRD gain a cult-like following.

In recent times though, the brand has shifted away from this performance potential in search of global sales domination but has now affirmed its commitment to making cars that are fun to drive. These new models, such as the upcoming Supra and indeed, the accessories that will likely be available for retrofit to current models, will wear the GR badge in some shape or form.

The performance model range is likely to make use of the tiered approach which will include; the GR-Line which will be limited to cosmetic upgrades, GR-Sport which alters the vehicle's suspension, GR which is a power upgrade and then finally the GRMN which will be a fully developed performance vehicle, much like the Yaris that I was able to drive.

Yaris GRMN

Upon arrival at the King Shaka International Airport, my colleagues and I were greeted by three Yaris GRMN (Gazoo Racing Master Nürburgring) models, which as we discovered, are the only three coming to South Africa.

With a global allocation of just 400 units outside of Japan, this is a very exclusive little car. Under its bonnet lurks a supercharged 1.8-litre petrol motor that is good for 156kW/246Nm, which allows the 1.1-ton Yaris to get from 0-100km/h in a claimed six seconds and on to a top speed of 230km/h.

But as I discovered, the GRMN treatment given to the Yaris is about far more than the numbers, it's about how the car makes you feel as a driver. With extensive development at the Nürburgring, the Yaris has been very well sorted for dynamic driving.

Key features include bucket seats developed by Toyota, 17-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza rubber, a mechanical limited-slip differential, Sachs performance dampers and springs as well as beefier brakes. The result is one of the most engaging, responsive and indeed, satisfying little cars I've ever driven. Out on the highway and in the city, you're certainly reminded of its stiff suspension and focussed nature, but once we got it on the track, it all made sense.

It feels wonderfully neutral but is willing to wag its tail under braking. It coped with the elevation changes and over some of the more unsettling bumps and tight corners, far better than I'd anticipated. If this is the future of performance Toyotas, we're all in for some exciting products in the coming years.

The updated GT86

It's no secret that the GT86 hasn't proven to be much of a success within the local market, with single-digit monthly sales figures plaguing the brand's sports coupe for some time now.

The brand tweaked the GT86 last year and has now given the car a further update, which now includes Brembo brake calipers, Sachs dampers and an improved infotainment system. My time with the updated model included a passenger lap with Giniel de Villiers around Dezzi Raceway and a gymkhana session at the facility's skidpan.

The brief encounter reminded me of what a fun car the GT86 is and indeed, what a great driver's Toyota has produced. Despite the fact that we were at sea level, I still feel that the car needs more power and a more exciting powerplant, which will help cement its reputations as an instant classic.