Hot-hatch enthusiasts have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the Toyota Yaris GRMN. The wait will be over soon as production is set to kick off this fall, but before it does, the Japanese automaker has released its key final specifications.
While output from the 1.8-liter supercharged inline-four was previously said to exceed 205 hp, it’s now been confirmed at 209 – 212 on the metric scale, or 156 kW. That’s coupled to 184 lb-ft of torque, all channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential.
The 0-62 time, as a result, is estimated at 6.3 seconds, with the top speed restricted to 143 miles per hour. That’s thanks in no small part to the spritely curb weight of 2,502 lbs, giving the Yaris GRMN “the best power-to-weight ratio in its class,” according to the manufacturer. The figures also promise to put it out ahead of key competition like the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Polo GTI. And while the top Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy boasts more juice, the Toyota still claims quicker acceleration times – and its supercharged engine ought to offer an intriguing alternative to the turbocharged competition.
Since revealing the hot hatch in Geneva this past fall, Toyota’s been tweaking the Yaris GRMN on the Nürburgring and surrounding roads. It’s dropped the standard Yaris’ suspension by 24 mm, beefed up the anti-roll bar, and fitted Sachs shocks, 275-mm front brake discs, 17-inch BBS alloys, Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires, the steering wheel from the GT86, and the cooling system from a V6 engine. The aero package has also been further optimized to the benefit of downforce, balance, and cooling.
Even if the performance didn’t, pricing would elevate the Yaris GRMN above its rivals, with a market-dependent sticker quoted at €29,900. But with only 400 of them (now confirmed) to be made for the European market, Toyota ought to have little trouble selling them all.
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