Toyota GR Yaris RS Is An Entry-Level Hot Hatch With Front-Wheel Drive
by AutoExpert | 22 January, 2024
As far as we know, the cheaper Toyota RS is still available in Japan. The GR Yaris RS, available in Japan, skips the all-wheel-drive thrill of its full-fledged sibling. Instead, it offers only front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Unlike its powerful counterpart with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, the GR Yaris RS settles for a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter three-cylinder, giving a modest 118 hp.
Although the GR Yaris RS may look like the real hot hatch, it falls short in performance. However, it comes at a more affordable price, with Toyota asking for 2,650,000 yen (about $18,000). In contrast, the higher-end GR Yaris RZ, boasting all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, starts at 4,560,000 yen ($31,000).
The 2024 model's pricing will be revealed closer to its spring launch. Toyota GR Yaris RS, while appearing similar, reveals its true identity through details like a speedometer limited to 112 mph, distinguishing it from the more performance-oriented variant with a 174 mph limit.
