UPGRADE to the New Toyota GRMN YARIS! _ FIRST LOOK
**A Deep Dive into Toyota’s New GRMN Yaris: A Hot Hatch Enthusiast’s Perspective**
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### Introduction to the GR Yaris Collection
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to the channel. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of hot hatches with a focus on Toyota’s latest offering: the **GRMN Yaris**. This isn’t just any ordinary car—it’s the even more hardcore version of the already impressive **GI Yaris**, which has been part of my collection for about a year and a couple of months. While I’ve made several modifications to this GI Yaris, I wanted to take a closer look at the new GRMN Yaris and answer one burning question from many of you: Would I upgrade to the new model? The answer might be simpler than you think.
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### Europe’s Love Affair with Hatchbacks
In Europe, especially in the UK, we have a deep affection for hatchbacks—particularly hot hatches. This is why my collection includes not just the GI Yaris but also the Mark III Ford RS Heritage Edition and other exciting models. The **GI Yaris**, developed by Toyota’s motorsports division Gazoo Racing, has been a massive hit. Its success has been so overwhelming that even though it isn’t available in the United States, demand for it is sky-high elsewhere. Prices have already started to reflect this scarcity, with some owners paying a premium for these limited editions—something unheard of just a year ago.
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### The GRMN Yaris: A Japanese Market Exclusive
Before we dive deeper into the car itself, let’s tackle that big question: Would I upgrade from the GI Yaris to the new **GRMN Yaris**? The answer is a resounding **no**, and here’s why. The new GRMN Yaris is exclusively available in Japan, its homeland. Only 500 units will be produced, distributed through a lottery system—meaning even long-time Toyota owners have just as much chance (or rather, as little) of securing one as someone who’s never owned a Toyota. And here’s the kicker: these limited edition cars are quite expensive.
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### Technical Details and Features of the GRMN Yaris
The **GRMN Yaris** is undeniably a beast in its **Circuit Pack configuration**, with its steel grey paintwork, fixed rear spoiler, and exposed carbon fiber bonnet. It’s an understatement to say this car looks dialed up. One thing I find slightly ironic? The name “GRMN” stands for **Gazoo Racing Tuned by the Meister of the Nurburgring**—yet the car isn’t available in Germany, where the famous Nurburgring circuit is located. That’s a bit amusing!
Here are some key upgrades:
- **10mm ride height drop**
- **10mm wider body**
- **Stiffer chassis** with additional welding points and stronger adhesives
- **20kg weight reduction**, achieved through lightweight materials like carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the bonnet, roof, and fixed spoiler.
- **Rear seat delete** and **Recaro bucket seats** up front for a more track-focused feel.
- **Mechanical limited slip differential** instead of the standard torsen diff.
- **Upgraded gearbox** with stronger components, closer ratios (1st through 4th), and a shorter final drive for a livelier driving experience.
There are also two trim levels: **Circuit Pack** and **Rally Pack**. The Circuit Pack includes features like 18-inch BBS wheels, adjustable Bilstein shocks, and the carbon fiber spoiler, but only 50 of these will be produced—10 in matte steel grey paint. The Rally Pack, on the other hand, adds GR suspension upgrades, a protective under tray, and a roll bar.
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### Price Point and Value for Money
Now, let’s talk about the price. In British pounds, the **base model starts at around £47,000**, while the top-spec version with all the bells and whistles goes for £55,000. For perspective, my Lotus Emira (a mid-engine supercharged V6 sports car) retails for about £80,000, and our team’s RS3 (with its turbocharged 5-pot engine) is around £60,000. The GRMN Yaris at £55,000 isn’t cheap, especially when you consider what you can do with the standard GI Yaris for far less.
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### Modifications and Upgrades on My GI Yaris
Before we wrap up, let’s take a quick look at some of the modifications I’ve done to my own GI Yaris. Inspired by my childhood memories of playing Sega Rally and driving the iconic Seleca GT4 in its Castrol livery, I worked with **Dove Customs** to create a custom styling package that includes a front lip, side skirts, diffuser inserts, and a fixed wing on top of the rear window. Inside, we’ve got **Stun Performance rear seat delete**, a carbon strut bar across the back, and some nice carpets for added flair.
Under the hood, we’ve fitted a **Miltek non-resonated exhaust system** with larger tailpipes for an aggressive sound, along with an **Evanturi carbon intake**. All the red Samco hoses add a nice visual touch that matches the car’s exterior styling.
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### Driving Experience: Fun and Quirks
Now, let’s talk about driving this little beast. Even before the GRMN Yaris came out, my GI Yaris has been a blast to drive—especially in sport mode. The **1.6-liter turbocharged engine** delivers a healthy 257 brake horsepower (268 in Japan), and while it doesn’t have crazy power figures, it’s more than enough for this car’s size and purpose. The standard GI Yaris already has excellent grip, and with the modifications, it feels even more engaging.
One thing I don’t love? The beeps from the lane-keeping assist when you cross or touch the white lines. It’s a minor quirk that could use some adjusting, but overall, this car is a riot to drive.
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### Final Thoughts on Upgrading and Future Plans
Would I upgrade to the GRMN Yaris? As mentioned earlier, no—primarily because it’s not available here in the UK. Plus, modifying my current GI Yaris to achieve a similar setup could be cheaper than buying the GRMN outright. That said, the GRMN is an absolute statement piece. Its price tag and limited availability make it more of a collector’s item than something you’d want to drive regularly.
For now, I’m sticking with my GI Yaris, which still holds its own against other hot hatches like the Ford Focus RS. But I do wonder if Toyota will bring out a special edition version for markets outside Japan in the future. Only time will tell!
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### Closing Thoughts
As I wrap up this video, I’ll need to give my GI Yaris a quick rinse after our little drive—it got quite dirty on those greasy roads! Regardless of its condition, though, this car is a blast to drive and always puts a smile on my face. If you haven’t had the chance to experience a GR Yaris yet, I highly recommend it. It’s proof that even a mainstream brand like Toyota can create something truly special—and bodes well for future projects like the Supra.
Thanks for watching, and as always, thank you for your support! Catch you in the next video—cheers!
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**End of Article**