The Toyota Yaris GRMN is another sharp hothatch of our editorial summer. After the Hyundai I30N and the Peugeot 308 GTI , the GRMN comes with great expectations. We had arranged the editorial test of this little missile well in advance, so the feelings of curiosity and excitement that lingered in us lasted quite a long time. Unfortunately, due to certain service repairs and the need to change the tires, the car rental date was postponed by a day and a half. Nevertheless, we went to the slightly shortened test, because the next offered date in November was simply not an option for us.
The editorial test of this car may seem pointless at first, because you simply cannot buy a new Yaris in this modification. Unfortunately, this is a limited edition, within which only 400 pieces were set aside for sale for the European market. On the other hand, it will certainly be interesting to follow this unique car further on the used car market. Its exceptionality and certain unavailability will certainly continue to attract attention with its price.
Gazoo Racing's motorsport department took care of the unconventional modification of this shopping bag. Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring, that's the full name of the limited edition Yaris. We have already explained the first two words, the second two indicate where this limit was tested. The car underwent major changes to the chassis, steering, brakes, exhaust system, transmission, the vehicle also received a self-locking differential and, most importantly, it also received a different engine. This Yaris is powered by a mechanically supercharged 18-cylinder engine from the Lotus Exige, which has an output of 156 kW (212 hp) and 250 Nm. of torque, all at a weight of just 1135kg.
The exterior appearance of the GRMN is not that different from the classic Yaris, which makes it all the more sensational wherever it arrives. The GRMN has a small, discreet wing of the rear door, as well as a rather handsome exhaust tip, which is located in the middle of the rear bumper. Rather than an end piece, it is a chrome grommet, because behind it is the classic termination of the exhaust pipe. Also worthy of praise are the black-painted seventeen-inch BBS wheels, or the effective black-and-red decals on the sides and front hood of the car, which optically connect the GRMN with its rally siblings. The car enthusiast's eye will certainly not miss the chassis lowered by approx. 24 mm. The only blemish on the beauty of this Yaris is the location of the muffler of the exhaust system, which quite strangely protrudes from under the bumper near the right rear wheel. However, I assume that there was simply no other place for its placement on the chassis of the car, so I will not discuss it further. The Yaris GRMN is a very decent car in its external appearance , which does not show its sharp elbows in any significant way, and I really appreciate that about it.
The interior of the GRMN is dominated by a pair of anatomical shell seats, which have very good lateral guidance. Unfortunately, the origin of this limitation cannot be denied here, the seat behind the steering wheel is oriented very high, and this, in combination with the small range of movement of the steering wheel closer to the body, does not make a completely comfortable combination. However, I praise the steering wheel from the GT86 model, which fits very well in the hand, or the sporty shift knob and aluminum pedals. Air conditioning or navigation, these are elements from the regular Yaris that are sufficient as a result. On the other hand, it must be said that I didn't pay that much attention to them :-). I kept the windows down to hear the exhaust symphony and the roads I drove were well known to me.
But let's get to what this car is really about, namely the pure joy of driving, which the GRMN will provide you in a really proper way. Just starting the car using the button with the GR logo will put a smile on your face. The combination of a supercharged 18 and an exhaust system is a balm for the ears of every car enthusiast. Its sound is simply beautifully clear, sharp and direct. Supercharged engines are characterized by a continuous, uninterrupted pull, the same applies to this Yaris. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and with a maximum limiter cut to 230 km/h is not the slightest problem. Of course, a great engine must be supported by a great chassis, and yes, the Yaris GRMN succeeded in that. As I already wrote, the chassis is lowered by approx. 24mm and has Sachs Performance shock absorbers, which are seconded by shorter springs. The front axle has a mechanical self-locking differential and the excellent cooled brakes must not go unnoticed either.
Just a few turns and you will see what a sharp tool the GRMN can be. The GRMN does not have any switchable driving modes, it is simply a purely sporty and uncompromising car from the very beginning. Sharp driving calls for frequent shifts, but the six-speed manual transmission is very well graded. The engine revs so aggressively and quickly that every now and then you simply hit the limiter, quickly shift to another gear and the whole carousel starts again, a very effective thing. The Yaris is at home in corners, its driving behavior is very readable and even quite playful. Its chassis is slightly oversteerable, which is mainly due to the rear axle. GRMN simply requires your attention and a certain amount of ingenuity, but as soon as you harmonize together, the real and genuine joy of driving begins.
The price tag at the time of availability of this model was around 850,000 CZK, in the context of its competition, it is certainly not small. Still, taking into account its limited availability (limited edition), the Yaris GRMN sold out quite quickly.
The Toyota Yaris GRMN will constantly tempt you to drive dynamically, but if you resist even for a little while, you will find that it is not alien to this position either. Toyota has really created a very balanced, purely mechanical car, which we had a lot of fun with as a result.
Thanks 008/400.
