In more recent years though, Toyota has been more focused on hybrids, as well as models that seem to miss the mark when it comes to the excitement factor. Sure, they offer the GT86 and the soon-to-be-launched Supra, yet something still felt missing.
The new junior hot hatch master?
That is until the biggest automaker in the world let their engineers loose to create something utterly brilliant. It’s called the Yaris GRMN with the latter badging standing for Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nürburgring.
As many of you would have noticed by the now, the GRMN is based on the European spec Yaris that was discontinued earlier this year to make way for the Thai-sourced model now sold in South Africa. This means it is not officially available for the public to buy, with Toyota only bringing in three of the 400 models made globally. Nonetheless, I still managed to spend a few days with it, and instantly fell in love.
Why so amazing?
In a way, the Yaris GRMN reminds me of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI. Like the Germans, Toyota was interested in a performance focused Yaris, yet a number of engineers working behind the scenes though differently.
What they have created has undoubtedly changed the motoring land scape and preconceived notions of the Toyota brand, as the GRMN was built out of sheer passion. It follows the established recipe of taking a small car, add-in a powerful and combine both with fun-to-drive characteristics.
Making up the power part is a 1.8-litre petrol engine that bucks the trend of turbocharging. Instead, Toyota has added a supercharger that helps the motor to develop to 156kW/250Nm, with drive being routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
What’s more, the GRMN also gets a Torsen limited-slip differential, a ride height lowered by 24mm, Sachs performance shock absorbers, 17-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels and uprated brakes. All of this allows the GRMN to reach a top speed of 230km/h and accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed six seconds.
The thrill
Inside the Yaris, the dashboard remains unchanged and because of its European roots, it gets soft touch materials as well as an integrated infotainment display. The seats however are straight from the Gazoo Racing parts-bin as they feel race-car ready.
What really gets the blood rushing though is the way this car drives. I got behind the wheel and after the first corner, I was hooked. The sound from the centrally mounted exhaust inspires you to depress the accelerator even further than the law recommends. The GRMN won’t push you back into your seat or cause your eyes to water but, the power, the eagerness, the handling and the fact that it only weighs 1 135kg, all contribute to the overall driving experience.
Verdict
It is such a fuss free driving experience and one that made me giggle every time I got behind the wheel. It has been by racing engineers using motorsport engineered parts, which has equated to a car that is the ideal for petrolheads. It was a brief moment of sheer brilliance and I do hope that it won’t be the last.
