Toyota has given the GR Yaris a sharper, more race-focused feel without stripping away the comfort expected from a car used on public roads. The latest updates are aimed at making the hot hatch more precise, more stable, and still easy to live with in daily driving.
The changes are not limited to a single area. Toyota revised the steering, electric power steering system, handbrake placement, tires, and damping so the car feels more responsive while remaining manageable in ordinary use.
Motorsport lessons shape the updates
Toyota says the New GR Yaris was developed from global motorsport experience, with continuous improvement as the core idea behind the latest round of changes. Input from international rally competition helped guide the work, while feedback from GR Yaris users in various countries also played a role.
That combination of track knowledge and real-world use was then translated into improvements in handling, stability, and comfort. PT Toyota-Astra Motor Marketing Director Bansar Maduma explained that the GR Yaris is built on a philosophy rooted in motorsport development, and the newest updates follow that direction.
A steering setup built for faster control
One of the clearest changes is the GR Exclusive New Steering Wheel Design. Toyota reduced the steering wheel diameter so driver inputs can be made more quickly and efficiently.
The grip area was also shaped to feel more ergonomic in the hands. The goal is to make the car easier to control during maneuvering while giving the driver more confidence in different driving situations.
Toyota also moved the handbrake closer to the steering wheel and made it more upright. Based on World Rally Championship experience, that layout is intended to improve access during quick maneuvers.
Comfort remains part of the package
Even with its stronger motorsport focus, Toyota did not remove comfort-oriented features. Heated steering wheel and heated seats are included to make the cabin more accommodating, especially in cold weather or during long trips.
That balance between performance and comfort is one of the main themes of the update. The car is meant to feel sharp when driven hard, but still friendly during everyday use.
EPS, tires, and suspension receive key revisions
Another important improvement is the Electric Power Steering system. Toyota updated the software and certain components to expand the system’s detection ability, allowing the EPS to work more effectively when the car is under heavy load on a race track.
At the same time, the steering character remains smooth on public roads, so daily driving stays easy. This dual personality is central to the New GR Yaris update.
Toyota also introduced new tires developed through intensive testing. Changes cover the tread pattern, internal structure, and a new rubber compound, all aimed at improving vehicle control.
The result is claimed to be better stability and performance both on regular roads and on circuits. To support that change, Toyota also optimized the damping characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers, helping keep body movement balanced while preserving the car’s response to direction changes.
New GR Yaris details at a glance
| Update area | New development |
|---|---|
| Steering wheel | Smaller diameter and more ergonomic grip |
| Handbrake | Positioned closer to the steering wheel and made more upright |
| Comfort features | Heated steering wheel and heated seats |
| EPS | Software and component revisions for broader detection ability |
| Tires | New tread, internal structure, and rubber compound |
| Dampers | Front and rear shock absorber characteristics optimized |
Hiroyuki Oide, Marketing Director of PT Toyota-Astra Motor, said the latest refinements make the GR Yaris more enjoyable to drive. He added that input from racers and enthusiast communities helped create a car that responds more quickly and more faithfully to the driver’s intentions.
In Indonesia, the Toyota New GR Yaris is priced at Rp 1.173.600.000. It remains Toyota Gazoo Racing’s production model that brings rally-inspired technology into everyday driving.
-
-
-
-
