Photo: Toyota
When it comes to hot hatchbacks, we're currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance. Some automakers are pushing the envelope with performance-oriented all-wheel-drive and almost 400 ponies from a displacement of 2.0 liters, while Toyota is rewriting the subcompact class rulebook with the Yaris GRMN.
The Japanese automaker used the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal all the information we were expecting from the hottest Yaris yet, and the pricing will make some jaws drop. Limited to 400 units for the European market, the go-faster model will start from €29,900 in Germany. Add 75 euros to the price of the Yaris GRMN, and you’re stepping into Volkswagen Golf GTI territory.
Available in both left- and right-hand drive, the coolest front-wheel-drive Toyota currently on sale in Europe has all the right reasons to carry the apparently high price tag. For starters, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine isn’t turbocharged, but supercharged. And at 212 PS (156 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), it’s sensibly more powerful than the 2.0-liter boxer in the GT 86.
Tipping the scales at 1,135 kilograms, the Yaris GRMN has the best power-to-weight ratio in the subcompact hatchback segment at 5.35 kilos for every metric pony. This, in turn, translates to serious performance. Equipped exclusively with a six-speed manual, the 1.8er can thrust the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds, and onto a maximum speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
Considering that GRMN stands for “Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of the Nurburgring,” it’s obvious Toyota made sure the hot hatchback is adequately exciting in the twisties. Starting with a Torsen limited-slip diff, upgrades include a lateral bar across the engine bay, rear chassis underbody bracing, shorter springs, Sachs shock absorbers, and a larger front anti-roll bar.
Bigger brakes and bespoke wheels are on the menu as well, as is the choice of tires. To ensure the Yaris GRMN “bites” the tarmac as hard as possible, Toyota ships the car with 205/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires.
Available in both left- and right-hand drive, the coolest front-wheel-drive Toyota currently on sale in Europe has all the right reasons to carry the apparently high price tag. For starters, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine isn’t turbocharged, but supercharged. And at 212 PS (156 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), it’s sensibly more powerful than the 2.0-liter boxer in the GT 86.
Tipping the scales at 1,135 kilograms, the Yaris GRMN has the best power-to-weight ratio in the subcompact hatchback segment at 5.35 kilos for every metric pony. This, in turn, translates to serious performance. Equipped exclusively with a six-speed manual, the 1.8er can thrust the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds, and onto a maximum speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
Considering that GRMN stands for “Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of the Nurburgring,” it’s obvious Toyota made sure the hot hatchback is adequately exciting in the twisties. Starting with a Torsen limited-slip diff, upgrades include a lateral bar across the engine bay, rear chassis underbody bracing, shorter springs, Sachs shock absorbers, and a larger front anti-roll bar.
Bigger brakes and bespoke wheels are on the menu as well, as is the choice of tires. To ensure the Yaris GRMN “bites” the tarmac as hard as possible, Toyota ships the car with 205/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires.
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