Tokyo Auto Salon: Huge upgrade for Toyota GR Yaris

The updated 2024 Toyota GR Yaris has been revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon today and the world’s biggest car-maker certainly hasn’t rested on its laurels with its pocket rocket, which scores a huge upgrade for 2024.

Most notable is the introduction of an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, joining the existing six-speed manual, which will not only widen the customer profile of the pint-size hot hatch but should also improve acceleration.

The transmission has been tested in various Japanese domestic race and rally series and uses not only g-force and road speed to adjust its shift parameters, but also detect how the driver is stepping on the accelerator and brake.

The shift pattern is the ‘right’ way around this time too, pulling back to change up and pushing forward to change down, reversing Toyota’s typical orientation.

Next up is a more potent version of the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the output of which increase from 200kW/370Nm to 224kW/400Nm.

Combined with the new automatic transmission, we expect the 0-100km/h time will drop towards the 4.5sec mark.

Toyota has clearly taken notice of reviews as it has also overhauled the GR Yaris interior, focusing on providing a better driving environment.

The seat has been lowered 25mm and forward visibility is drastically improved by raising the rear-view mirror and dropping the infotainment display 50mm.

Replacing the previous analogue instruments is a new 12.3-inch display lifted from the GR Corolla, and the entire dash has also been tilted 15 degrees towards the driver for more of a cockpit feel.

Chassis changes are fewer, but the number of bolts attaching the dampers to the body has tripled to three and the increased use of spot welds and structural adhesive has stiffened the bodyshell, says Toyota.

A new Circuit mode, adding to the existing Eco, Normal and Sport drive settings, introduces anti-lag and maximises cooling fan output, while also removing the 180km/h speed-limiter on Japanese domestic cars.

Toyota Connected Services is also included on the GR Yaris for the first time.

There is currently no word on how the upgrade will affect pricing (expect an increase, but how much?), which currently stands at $51,390 plus on-road costs and $56,390 for the Rallye version.

That information is set to be announced closer to the car’s Australian arrival in late 2024.