GR Yaris (2025) 8-speed auto explainer and rivals
Yaris GR is the purist’s hot hatch, sacrificing practicality for performance. The latest version adds power and a self-shifting transmission. Are there any other hot hatches that can rival it?
Toyota’s production positioning intuition is unrivalled, and it’s not limited to bakkies and SUVs. But hot hatches, too.
As most of its European and Japanese rivals discontinued their hot hatches, Toyota introduced the Yaris GR. Since 2021, the compact Toyota hot hatch has been the purists’ choice, offering a more engaging driving experience than anything else. A driving experience, much enhanced by its six-speed manual gearbox option.
Five years is the tempo for model upgrades, and Toyota’s latest version of the Yaris GR is now available. But what’s new, why does it matter, and are there any credible rivals to the all-conquering Toyota super city car?
Yaris GR gains power – and a torque converter
The three-cylinder 1.6-litre engine has no core component or mechanical upgrades as part of the latest range update, but it makes notably more power.
Some digital engine control trickery has boosted peak power from 198 to 224 kW, with torque swelling from 360 to 400 Nm. In a car as light as the Yaris GR, an extra 26 kW and 40 Nm isn’t academic.
In a market where German hot hatches from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz don’t offer manual gearboxes (something purists value and are willing to pay for) Toyota’s six-speed manual gearbox option for the Yaris GR has always been a strong demand driver.
Unlike Porsche, Toyota product planners won’t charge you extra for choosing a manual, even with the auto now offering a second drivetrain option.
But Toyota’s product people also know that some Yaris GR owners use their cars as daily drivers, which means they face the reality of awful, crawl-speed morning and afternoon traffic.
A high-performance turbocharged car, with a six-speed manual gearbox, isn’t a fantastic driving experience. That’s why the option on an automatic transmission is so essential. Because everyone loves the idea of a manual hot hatch, until they are crawling along in Midrand traffic, getting thigh cramps.
Why not a dual clutch?
Unlike many other dual-pedal performance cars, which usually feature a dual-clutch transmission, Toyota’s Yaris GR engineering team opted for the proven reliability of a torque converter automatic.
Dual-clutch transmissions offer rapid shifts and the most immersive driving experience. Still, they have many moving parts and can become a long-term maintenance burden, especially in a performance car where throttle and shift demands are extreme.
In peak city traffic, the Yaris GR’s 8-speed automatic is the easiest and least taxing drivetrain to operate. Torque-converter automatics tend to be more reliable than automated manuals, dual-clutch transmissions or CVTs. And with dedicated software calibration, the Yaris GR’s 8-speed auto, with its paddle shifters and selectable shift modes, will give drivers complete manual control, when they want, to exploit the Yaris GR driving experience to the full.
There’s a small weight burden with the 8-speed automatic option – it’s 20 kg heavier than a 6-speed manual. But when you are cruising along, without left leg cramps, in Midrand or Cape Town N1/2 ttraffic, that 20kg weight gain over the 6-speed manual is entirely irrelevant.
Yaris GR rivals
There are precious few 3-door compact hot hatches in production anymore. And that means the market for Yaris GR rivals, is very narrow, especially in South Africa. Most legacy hot-hatch nameplates have been retired or discontinued in the local market.
We’ve selected the rivals for Yaris GR based on comparable engine power and performance. Not purely on size or door count.
Golf 8.5 GTI
The defining hot hatch and as version 8.5, possibly the best family performance car you can buy. It’s bigger than Yaris GR (obviously), so if you need five-door convenience and rear passenger comfort, it’s much better than the smaller, more driver-focused Toyota.
GTI’s bigger 2-litre engine makes less power than the Yaris GR (195 kW versus 224 kW), and it’s front-wheel drive only. Not as quick, agile or rewarding to drive as the Yaris GR, for those who want the most from the invested hot hatch Rands. But it’s a lot more practical.
Like the Yaris GR, a well-kept Golf 8.5 GTI will retain a lot of its value over time. It’s an iconic nameplate.
Want to purchase a new or used Golf GTI? Browse vehicles for sale
Audi S3 Sportback
Some people refer to the Sportback as a pseudo station wagon. Others say it’s a 5-door hatchback. Audi’s marketing people want you to think of the S3 Sportback as a design-centric 5-door performance car, with all the benefits of Quattro traction and 2-litre turbopetrol power.
The interior is an ode to Audi’s design-obsessed cabin architecture, but it’s not better-built or assembled than a Yaris GR.
Can’t match the Yaris GR as a driver’s car, but it’s probably the apt choice for hot hatch owners who value status and cars as sculpture. And need something with crushing highway overtaking performance.
Want to purchase a new or used S3 Sportback? Browse vehicles for sale
BMW M135i
The latest M135i is a very different car from BMW’s original hot hatch, which shared the same name, was rear-wheel drive, and had an inline-six engine, offering something very unique in the hot hatch market.
BMW’s current M135i is all-wheel drive, with a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder that delivers very decent outputs of 233 kW and 400 Nm. Heavier than a Yaris GR, so it’s slightly slower on the timing stats (0-100 km/h in 4.9 sec), but the driving position, steering, and suspension tuning are typical BMW. So, it delivers a rewarding driving experience.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is rapid-shifting, but, like all transmissions of this type, it costs some preventive maintenance to keep operating smoothly at very extended mileages.
Want to purchase a new or used M135i? Browse vehicles for sale
Mercedes-AMG A35
Powerful, but less of a driver’s hot hatch than Yaris GR.
All-wheel drive traction, 235 kW, and AMG’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission make the A35 hatch a very rewarding car on the right roads for experienced drivers. Firm ride equates to great high-speed stability on smooth roads, but on poorer South African backroad surfaces, the AMG can become a lot of work.
A35’s larger cabin and 5-door configuration make it a better high-speed touring car than the Yaris GR, but it’s not quite as exciting or involving. The rear three-quarter blindsports can be an issue for shorter drivers. And doesn’t have the same future collectability status.
Want to purchase a new or used A35 hatch? Browse vehicles for sale
Mini JCW
Possibly the truest rival to Yaris GR, because engineers at Mini still prioritise the core hot hatch driving experience with their JCWs.
Like Yaris GR, it’s got a 3-door bodyshell, making it notably impractical if you ever have more than one passenger along for the ride. But the added body structural stiffness of a 3-door over a 5-door hatch is a real thing, benefitting the on-the-limit driving experience.
The JCW’s 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is in a milder state of tune than its similar capacity German rivals. It also has a lot less power than Yaris GR’s 1.5-litre powerplant at only 170 kW and 380 Nm.
True to its Mini performance car heritage, JCW’s agile vehicle architecture rewards the skilful and confident hot hatch owner. Making it the (slightly) more affordable rival to Toyota’s Yaris GR.
Want to purchase a new or used Mini Cooper JCW? Browse vehicles for sale