Toyota is known for producing reliable vehicles, hybrids, and even a luxury cars but its venture in performance segment didn’t bring too much success. This especially goes if we talk about supermini performance models. Japanese manufacturer didn’t have any endeavors into this territory but that all is about to change.
To compete with Ford’s Performance department and Nissan’s NISMO, Toyota is creating a sports division of its own. The name of this sector is Gazoo and the first model to exit their facilities is Toyota Yaris Gazoo. At this moment we are not sure whether will this be the exact name because there are a few in the mix. Yaris GTI, Yaris GRMN (standing for GAZOO Racing Masters of Nurburgring) or simply Yaris Gazoo.
Yaris Gazoo Design
The announcement about creating a Toyota Yaris Gazoo was delivered at the same time when the company announced that its brand is returning to the WRC. After the news had been made public, the Aichi-based company released first photos of the new model. The car will be similar to the upcoming facelifted Yaris with distinct differences that will signal what lies under the skin. These dissimilarities consist of a pair of aggressive bumpers both at the front and at the back. On the side, there are graphics painted in colors of Toyota’s WRC team. And the main difference is massive spoiler positioned at the back end of lowered roofline.
On the inside, we are not sure what will be all of the changes, because Toyota didn’t release that information, not even for the regular model. The only thing that they said is that Toyota Yaris Gazoo will feature modern cabin and that the interior and exterior will be modified to improve comfort, performances and handling.
Gazoo Yaris Powertrain
Toyota Yaris Gazoo will be a sports car in a real sense of the word. Rumored powertrain for this car is a supercharged 1.8-liter petrol engine. The hybrid mill was also in the mix, but this idea was rejected because the weight of the battery pack would take away from Yaris performance ability. Gazoo Yaris rumored output is 210hp, and with this number, it could quickly overrun the competition.
| 2017 Toyota Yaris Specs | |
| Dimensions And Weight | |
| Wheelbase | 98.8 |
| Length | 155.5 |
| Height | 59.4 |
| Width | 66.7 |
| Weight | 2315 |
| Engine And Transmission | |
| Engine type | Regular Unleaded I-4 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine |
| Displacement | 1.5 L/91 |
| Power/torque | 106 hp, 103 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Top speed | 108 mph |
| PRICE RANGE: The current version of Yaris starts at a price of $14,900 |
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| Competitors: 2017 Ford Fiesta ST, VW Polo GTI, and Peugeot 208 GTI | |
Competitors
There aren’t too many competitors in the segment of supermini performance cars, but it is tough as it gets. Main rivals for Yaris GRMN are 2017 Ford Fiesta ST, VW Polo GTI, and Peugeot 208 GTI.
Release date of Toyota Yaris Gazoo
A new version of Yaris is expected to make its debut at 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Toyota will present regular model, and at the same auto show, Gazoo Yaris will also have its first showing. There is no official date set for the release of this vehicle, but expect more info after the Geneva show is over.
Toyota Yaris Gazoo Price
The current version of Yaris starts at a price of $14,900, but for the new model, we should expect an increase in price. The upcoming mini hatchback was facelifted and has improved interior and more engines in its lineup. Add a performance version to the mix and price will only go up. Expect the price for regular Yaris to be in the region of $16,500 and for the Gazoo count few thousands north from the base price.
