Toyota Yaris GR
Prepare yourselves, automotive aficionados, because today we’re shining a spotlight on a vehicle that punches way, way above its weight class. It’s compact, it’s feisty, and it’s got a spirit that truly belongs on a dirt track – yet it’s perfectly at home tearing up your favourite back road. Of course, I’m talking about the legendary Toyota Yaris GR. But if you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that in my garage (and in my heart), this turbocharged marvel goes by a far more affectionate, and frankly, accurate moniker: “The Mean Bean.” Join me as we peel back the layers of this incredible machine and discover what makes it such an absolute blast.
Yaris GR Performance
“The Mean Bean” isn’t just a catchy nickname; it’s a testament to the Toyota GR Yaris’s astonishing performance, born directly from the brutal crucible of rally racing. This isn’t some marketing gimmick; the GR Yaris was designed from the ground up with genuine World Rally Championship (WRC) homologation in mind, borrowing heavily from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s expertise. Under its aggressively styled bonnet lies a marvel of engineering: a 1.6-litre, turbocharged, in-line three-cylinder engine. This compact powerhouse, boasting the title of the world’s most powerful production three-cylinder, delivers a formidable 280 DIN hp (206 kW) and 390 Nm of torque in its latest iteration, significantly upgraded from its initial impressive figures. Mated to either a slick 6-speed intelligent manual transmission or a new, competition-standard 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, this engine ensures explosive power delivery.
What truly sets “The Mean Bean” apart is its rally-bred GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system, with its selectable modes (Normal, Track, and Gravel), allows for dynamic torque distribution, sending power where it’s needed most to maximize grip and cornering prowess. This translates to blistering acceleration: the GR Yaris can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds, and some tests have even seen it achieve it in under 5 seconds. With a top speed electronically limited to 143 mph, the GR Yaris isn’t just quick off the line; it maintains its ferocity right up to its limit, delivering an exhilarating driving experience that’s both engaging and incredibly capable, perfectly encapsulating its aggressive moniker.
Maintenance
Maintaining “The Mean Bean” is key to ensuring its continued performance and reliability, though thankfully, its Toyota DNA keeps things relatively straightforward. Regular servicing according to the manufacturer’s schedule is paramount. This typically involves routine oil and filter changes – using the correct grade of synthetic oil is crucial for the turbocharged engine’s longevity – along with checks of all fluid levels, brakes, tires, and suspension components. Given its high-performance nature, paying close attention to tire wear and brake pad life is especially important, as these components will likely experience more rapid degradation under enthusiastic driving. It’s also wise to keep an eye on the health of the all-wheel-drive system, ensuring differentials and transfer case fluids are serviced as recommended to preserve its optimal operation.
While specific performance parts like upgraded brake pads or stickier tires might be considered by some owners for track use, for general road driving, sticking to genuine Toyota parts or high-quality aftermarket equivalents will serve you well. The GR Yaris is a robust machine, but like any performance vehicle, it benefits from a diligent owner who understands the demands placed upon its sophisticated engineering. Treat it well, stick to the service schedule, and you can expect years of exhilarating driving. After all, it’s a Toyota – the “Mean Bean” will definitely outlive us all…
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the Toyota GR Yaris truly shines, carrying the torch of Toyota’s legendary reputation for building vehicles that simply refuse to quit. Despite being a high-performance, rally-bred machine, “The Mean Bean” boasts the same underlying engineering integrity that makes countless Corollas and Camrys tick over for hundreds of thousands of miles. Owners consistently praise its robust build quality and the general lack of unexpected issues, a testament to Toyota’s meticulous attention to detail even in their most extreme offerings. You might push it to its limits on a track day, fling it around winding B-roads, or just use it for your daily commute, and it’ll likely shrug it all off with typical Toyota stoicism. In fact, it’s a Toyota, so it’s practically indestructible – you’ll probably get tired of driving “The Mean Bean” long before it ever decides to give up on you.
Track/Racing The Yaris GR
While “The Mean Bean” might be compact, its natural habitat extends far beyond the twisty B-roads. This car was genuinely bred for the track, with its rally homologation roots shining through in every aspect of its design. From the bespoke chassis combining elements of the Yaris and Corolla platforms, to the widened track and unique bodywork, everything is geared towards maximizing grip, stability, and driver engagement when pushed to the limit. The robust GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, with its selectable torque splits, allows drivers to fine-tune the car’s behaviour for different track conditions, offering immense adjustability that many hot hatches simply can’t match. Whether you’re chasing lap times or simply enjoying the thrill of a performance car on its intended playground, the GR Yaris feels incredibly planted and eager to rotate.
Compared to its hot hatch rivals, “The Mean Bean” carves out a distinct niche on the circuit. The Volkswagen Golf R, while undeniably fast and capable with its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and potent 2.0-litre engine, often feels more refined and mature. It’s a fantastic all-rounder but can sometimes lack the raw, unfiltered aggression and playful adjustability that the GR Yaris offers on track. The Hyundai i20 N, on the other hand, is a brilliant front-wheel-drive pocket rocket that delivers immense fun and engagement thanks to its lively chassis and rev-happy engine. While the i20 N is lighter and incredibly agile, the GR Yaris’s AWD traction and higher power output give it a clear advantage in terms of outright lap times, especially when coming out of corners. The GR Yaris is a pure, uncompromised track weapon that simply wants to be driven hard, and it delivers on that promise with every single lap.
Our Thoughts
Alright, so after spending considerable time with “The Mean Bean” – pushing its limits on track, enjoying its raw energy on the open road, and appreciating its surprising everyday usability – it’s time for our definitive thoughts. Frankly, the Toyota GR Yaris is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s not just one of the best cars Toyota has ever built; it’s genuinely one of the most exciting and fun-to-drive vehicles we’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing, regardless of price point. The way it blends rally-bred aggression with Japanese engineering precision results in a car that constantly encourages you to exploit its capabilities, rewarding you with huge smiles and a sense of connection that’s increasingly rare in modern performance cars. It truly stands out as a high-water mark for driver engagement.
When we consider its place among its peers, “The Mean Bean” holds its head high, even among legends. While it offers a unique all-wheel-drive proposition compared to some of its front-wheel-drive hot hatch rivals, it absolutely belongs in the conversation with the very best. The Hyundai i20 N, with its incredible chassis and mischievous spirit, is a phenomenal driver’s car that shares a similar “pure fun” philosophy. Likewise, the Ford Fiesta ST, particularly in its earlier iterations, set the benchmark for agile, accessible hot-hatch thrills. The GR Yaris manages to capture that same infectious enjoyment while layering on a level of performance and engineering pedigree that sets it apart. It’s a car that inspires confidence and delivers an unadulterated driving experience that is truly up there with the very best hot hatches ever made.
