What is it? The Toyota Yaris has never been lauded for its power, but that is set to change in a big hurry. The Gazoo Racing Masters of the Nurburgring (GRMN) – the group behind Toyota’s WRC efforts – basically doubles the Yaris’ engine output! Out goes the anemic, 106-horsepower 1.5L four-cylinder in favour of a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder motor that’s good for “more than 210 horsepower.” Now that, in something barely larger and not much heavier than an oversized skateboard, has promise and then some. Expect a six-second run from rest to 100 km/h.
Why does it matter? Beyond the healthy hike in power, the GRMN brings with it much more street presence, much of which was inspired by the Yaris WRC car. It gets aggressively styled front and rear bumpers, a large centrally mounted exhaust and a rear spoiler to differentiate it from the mortal model. It also gets better brakes, reworked suspension and a snazzy set of rims. It’s a handsome package with potential galore.
When will Canada get it? Nobody at Toyota would confirm if the Yaris GRMN is going to make it across the Atlantic — it will be sacrilege if it does not!
Should you buy it? What’s not to love about a pocket-rocket that would undercut many hot hatches, including the Honda Civic Type R, by thousands of hard-earned dollars? Yes, it is a Yaris, but one with the bite of a pit-bull and a potential fun quotient to put it at that lofty league!
