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How good is the Toyota GR Yaris?
- Thread starter Lankan
- Start date
I phoned the local Toyota dealership for a chat (in lieu of my test drive). I figured it would be worth getting my deposit down and working out the nitty-gritty later. Unfortunately, the chap knew zero about the model but was kind enough to insist that all Toyota models ordered had a maximum 12 week lead time...
ed_harland
Member
Lankan":2g94wrjp said:
Dulan
Of course I've read the previous posts and there is no need for you to justify anything, I wasn't suggesting you should. I hope you find it a cracking little car...enjoy.
I was only pointing out that I myself am not keen. Sorry to have spoiled the ' love in'.
Anybody see this? It’s on ITV Hub regardless... GRY commentary was notably absent - I assume it’ll feature more heavily tonight having made the cut to ‘final 8 contenders’.Kett":1g7wcpxo said:
Just seen this post on Facebook...
Format was magazine-like. Not sure it makes good TV watching, but I enjoyed.
No worries Ed - From the points you were raised and the questions being asked I hadn't realised that you had read the previous posts. Anyway moving on...ed_harland":hm4xl1v0 said:Dulan
Of course I've read the previous posts and there is no need for you to justify anything, I wasn't suggesting you should. I hope you find it a cracking little car...enjoy.
I was only pointing out that I myself am not keen. Sorry to have spoiled the ' love in'.
Sounds sensible Kett. There is zero risk since the deposit is either refunded if you don't like it after your test drive, or it can be rolled into the down payment.Kett":hm4xl1v0 said:
Seems like Déjà vu when it comes to dealerships' knowledge with regards to the technical aspects - in my case I knew more about the car when the pre-production Euro-spec car made the rounds in July than the dealership that where it was on display, and back then few knew about the GRY anyway, unlike now with plenty of journos and YouTubers waxing lyrical about it!
Did you watch ECOTY Part 1 - was a bit disappointed as there was too much chit chat and not enough driving for my liking. Hopefully, Part 2 will be better, with the finalists going through on-road assessments on Scottish roads.
EDIT: Just seen your post above - yes, but it was rubbish. There wasn't enough footage of cars being driven around the Anglesey circuit. Recorded the programme via Sky and watched it afterwards so that I can skip all the adverts.
Lankan":1iynlu82 said:
Part 2 was equally dire.
Very strange how the final 8 were carefully sorted into top 4 & bottom 4 (the bottom 4 got a great deal of dialogue & footage)... and then the top 4 were announced in podium 1, 2 & 3 position. (As GRY was supposedly 4th - it didn’t get a proper mention).
I’m guessing they didn’t want the TV show to detract from magazine sales, so were deliberately short on tangible content.
Given that eCOTY 2020 issue has already been released in printed form (Jan 2021 issue no. 281), I think the TV programme was aimed at those who had read that article. I do have the mag, which I received a few weeks ago, so was aware what to expect as an outcome. Hence the reason why it was disappointing to not see actual footage of the cars being driven with a POV or forward-looking camera so that viewers (and readers) can appreciate the dynamics of each car has to offer. Instead, most of the footage aired (repeatedly) was shot at Anglesey, and more often than not with the tail out and smoking tyres, which was utterly pointless.Kett":1gfkojsk said:
Here are the results:
Merry Christmas All, and hope we can have some proper motoring in 2021, and get to visit Silverstone Classic... :race:
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For those interested or have placed orders, Toyota have published a list of GR Centres. You would need to book it in with one listed below when the time comes to have your car serviced: Where is my nearest Toyota GR Centre?
So, top tip, dealerships may sell the GRY, but they can be serviced and worked on by specific centres...
So, top tip, dealerships may sell the GRY, but they can be serviced and worked on by specific centres...
Lankan":1fn5gp88 said:
Congrats! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after 'living' with it for a bit.
I also found the ECOTY too painful to watch, shame! Wonder whether it was due to TV editing by someone not familiar with what people want from car videos; it's hard to believe with those cars in those locations, they didn't have reels of great footage! The ones they used to put up on YouTube were much better - although it helps that the 'cast' was more recognisable in the older vids.
https://youtu.be/mcwciifl3K8
Still not convinced, i’m sticking with my Mini as a daily (well very occasional driver) but a friend just ordered one.
Still not convinced, i’m sticking with my Mini as a daily (well very occasional driver) but a friend just ordered one.
Thanks, Oli. Indeed I will post my feedback as time passes. However, for now, the GRY has been SORN'ed (shock, horror!). The reason is, as you probably know, Japanese cars have next to no rust proofing, so, as I am likely to keep this car for a long time, I need to make sure the underside (and those protruding arches and other vulnerable areas are adequately protected. Afterall the GRY excels in damp/wet/greasy conditions, and its trump card is being superb in inclement weather. So, the plan is to use as such, but until the COVID situation is under control I will have to sit tight, and it is killing me, from the inside!10":2209lmvb said:
Yeah, the televised version of eCOTY was a mess. The publication was very much better, and I don't know why they had to hold back since Issue 281 was released end of November! Very disappointing, but perhaps given that it was the first time they had attempted it, maybe it was dow to lack of experience.
Understood, and I too wouldn't be convinced just by watching that video. My reasons are noted below:SJ":2209lmvb said:
1. A drag race between a 4WD vehicle and an FWD vehicle is never a fair comparison since the 4WD vehicle is likely yo get off the line quick, no matter how hard you try to optimise the launch in the FWD vehicle.
2. Even though it is quite capable, the GRY is not really built for drag racing or winning the 'traffic light challenge'. The GRY's 'drag-racebility' is better articulated in Top Gear's recent article: 2020's best hot hatches: which is the fastest of all?. I think the following excerpt explains it best:
"Couldn’t care less, it’s not the numbers that make the Yaris fun. Although the off-the-line party trick is bloody amusing – I’d just like to point out that its 0-30mph time of 1.48secs is faster than an Audi TT RS, Ferrari 488 – or 488 Pista – Lambo Urus, Honda NSX, any McLaren 570, any Tesla Model 3 and the A45 S that’s the fastest thing here. Make no mistake, if you run up against one of these at a traffic light, be very afraid."
3. Australia's initial batch (of 1,500 cars) comprised of UK's equivalent of the Convenience Packcar, so it is not equipped with the MPS 4S tyres and the twin LSDs, which, together, make a huge difference, along with the tuned suspension that makes the Circuit Pack car stand out (I posted a video in an earlier post where a Spanish test where the CP car was just over 4 seconds faster than a non-CP car on a twisty track). So far, it is reported that Australia will get only 200 of the CP variants (called Rallye) in 2021 (all sold out).
4. IMO the GRY CP is built for this type of driving: Toyota Yaris GR-FOUR - PURE DRIVING - GARAZ.TV - Rasťo Chvála - YouTube (28 Dec 2020)
I don't think the GRY will be a good daily driver, or only car unless you are willing to live with its compromises; limited rear visibility, no rear wiper, and, in the case of the CP car, at £1,500 per wheel, those BBS forged alloys are very expensive, so the rigours of daily use may take its toll on them (kerbs, potholes, etc).
Having said that, I think the only way one can convince themselves is to actually drive one, which is exactly what I did - even though I placed my pre-order in March 2020, and even though the car arrived in the UK on 29th October, I delayed collection until I actually drove an identical spec demo car, twice, over 3 hours in total, before I was convinced. I only collected it last Wednesday (23rd December). As such, best is not to get swayed by the media, and especially YouTube influencers, but either drive one or check out feedback from established motoring journalists who you know. In my case, I am still waiting for Chris Harris' and Harry Metcalfe's reviews. Always liked CH's approach to testing cars (from my days of owning Porsches) and HM was the one who convinced me to buy a 182 Trophy.
EDIT: I guess this will be the last review of the year: Toyota GR Yaris vs the world: hot hatch megatest 2020
ed_harland
Member
Lankan":zqz3tojz said:
Yes I know that !
I thought maybe not everyone wants a circuit pack car and there's a chance to jump the waiting list (if there is one).
Fair point above about Chris Harris and Harry Metcalfe doing a video, Harry Metcalfe more so.
The car has lost a little fizz for me if I'm honest and sadly that is down to what is online, almost like everyone has become a journalist. Then folk trying to sell them for more money although you can still buy them. Appreciate same things happen with other cars but they are usually all sold.
I recall reading earlier its like an Impreza, will see them for a while, dissappear then be really appreciated. The whole PCP I feel spoils it.
On a separate note I remember a friends dad had an Impreza and other drivers would give a thumbs up, a wave. Hope the same happens with the GR.
I am still sorely tempted but it would be a daily for me. We need some pictures. If James allows :race:
The car has lost a little fizz for me if I'm honest and sadly that is down to what is online, almost like everyone has become a journalist. Then folk trying to sell them for more money although you can still buy them. Appreciate same things happen with other cars but they are usually all sold.
I recall reading earlier its like an Impreza, will see them for a while, dissappear then be really appreciated. The whole PCP I feel spoils it.
On a separate note I remember a friends dad had an Impreza and other drivers would give a thumbs up, a wave. Hope the same happens with the GR.
I am still sorely tempted but it would be a daily for me. We need some pictures. If James allows :race:
Just thought I’d chime in and say I have put an order in for a Pearl White Circuit pack as a garage buddy for the V6 based purely on the reviews I’ve read and seen on YT ... so it’s great to see a few others taking ( or thinking of) the plunge too. As soon as lockdown is over I’ll try to get a decent test drive - in the meantime 10 months of reading about others experiences will have to do,,.,
Congratulations - exactly the same spec as I ordered back in March 2020. When is yours due?Paulg390":1pphj2b8 said:
Looks like you have some degree of catching up to do, but there is a very good chance that you will not be disappointed as long as you are realistic about what the GRY can, and will, offer when it comes to the experience and feel of driving something special.
Would be great to hear your views once you get to drive one.
Lankan":2cqo2m4x said:
Cheers, and congratulations to you too, You obviously have a great taste in cars
Mine is not due until November which is ages away, but have a couple of cars to sell to make way for it so isn’t as much of a pain as it could have been. I think I have read and watched more about the GRY than I have on any car so I’m hoping it will live up to the hype. The idea behind it is to have a car that can act as the local run around for the wife and I 12 months a year while also being fun for a blast in the winter when the V6 and R33 are tucked up... and of course the odd Trackday will be booked. I did ponder reasonably hard as I literally never ever buy a new car as I hate depreciation (the only new car I bought was when Vauxhall knocked £12k off the VXR8 and were selling them brand new for £23k in 2009 - sold it 4 years later for £19k, probably worth £23k again today). Then I thought “life’s too short” and I hope like the V6 and R33 it will be a keeper. I look forward to reading about your experiences with the GRY... my next hard decision is which number plate to buy as you early birds have nabbed all the best ones so thinking something ended WRC 
