I threw in a HKS exhaust system. Best mod.. made the car a proper car im totally in love wt. No drone and coasting on the road, the HKS is quiet. Put your foot down and it comes alive. Best of two worlds. It made the GRY what it always shud have been straight out of the factory gates.
Hi Guys , just an FYI if you haven’t already found it . On mine , I have a widget fitted that automatically turns off the annoying “Lane Departure Warning” and also automatically turns on the “IMT” rev match . I believe they do other widgets to turn off the Start Stop. Also I have to say a brake bleed and some Goodridge braided brake hoses made a huge and very welcome improvement to the brakes
Can’t believe you are complaining about the brakes Damian. 356mm disc 4 pot brakes (with 296mm 2 pot rear) for such a light car are unreal. I’ve had my GRY almost a year now and have always found the braking performance to be one of its strongest points. Definitely agree on the other annoyances though. The other annoyance I find is that the suspension is just a little too firm and fidgety. It’s okay when really pushing on but as a daily driver it does become pretty draining after a while when the smallest bumps feel like a pothole.
I love the GR yaris but I get what Jason is saying. My impreza turbo was like it in that only if you were driving like a loon did you really enjoy it. These days I would prefer a simple MX5 ND because it would be fun at 40.....
The NC is better due to the steering, get one of those with a BBR turbo kit and you have something that is not incredibly fast but makes any B road enjoyable at sane velocities.
Really enjoying mine, and fully accept the foibles/compromises when considering all its brilliant points. It’s a joy on UK roads at sane speeds. Had it since April 21 and it’s a keeper.
I’ve had mine for pretty much as long as Jason. It was the 2nd or 3rd car in I’m told. It quickly got Recaro CS sportster seats on JCR rails, Eventuri Intake, full titanium exhaust, String theory garage spring kit and corner wieighting, tuning box to take the power up to 300/310 and some wider 265 cup 2 tyres. The car is night and day from a dosile stock example. This is what Jason needs. Such a shame to judge such a one off car based on its “built to please everybody and every regulation” stock setup. Just a few things needed to make it come alive starting with Eventuri and an exhaust!
I highly recommend the assembly of a complete exhaust from the Polish company MG Motorsport, consisting of a downpipe, a frontpipe with a sports catalyst and a street rear section. It will completely change your GR Yaris so you won't recognize the car. It really unlocks 100% potential. I have such an exhaust system in my car and that's why I recommend it.
21000 in mine… but then I live in Yorkshire and my commute is A/B road mixture… can’t think of anything to change it to, it’s utterly fantastic. Maybe an exhaust would help the sound, but my neighbours appreciate it compared to previous cars
Mine has had the full Litchfield makeover. Its a completely different car from factory spec. Its so savage, I love it. Not an easy to drive around a town or as daily. Heavy clutch, manual etc. But on a fast, undulating road I don't think it can be beaten.
Great video, I have just paid off the finance on my GRY and have no intention of selling anytime soon. Agree with everything Damian says except the brake’s which are exceptional, way better than the brakes on my 997 which after a reasonably hard drive start to fade and the feel allows you to use them right to the point the abs kicks in. People complain about the ride but compared to my previous Renault sport twingo with cup suspension, mk7 fiesta ST and my 997 with sport’s suspension it feels like a limo. There is a terrible road near me that the in the 997 feels like it wants to bounce you into the hedge at 30mph, the GRY after a few runs getting faster and faster I gave up at 70mph as it just took it in it’s stride. The only thing I can think of I would consider swapping it for at the moment is an alpine A110 but that doesn’t turn into a van like the GRY does when you fold the seats down
Hi mate. Did you know if you put the car in sport mode that also turns the auto-stop thingy off. The lane departure alarm is pissingly annoying for sure!! Also if you get the dealer to switch that in cabin artificial noise off the car sounds heaps better, as does addition of the HKS Super Turbo exhaust and an Eventuri intake. Re steering feel. Adding camber bolts and anti-lift bushings make this thing turn in like nothing you've ever experienced. As for brakes? Braided lines and racing fluid dramatically improve feel and bite. Good luck
Has Jason considered the Litchfield upgrade? Would that do it for him? Perhaps he can get to drive their demonstrator and give us his thoughts? (Litchfield IS outside of Essex though so that could be a problem…😊)
I got a cheap Bluetooth OBD2 dongle and switched the synthesized sound off. Strange at first but after a day or two I prefer the natural sound. It then sets you up for the perfect exhaust and intake for your aural (and power) needs. As with a lot of Japanese machinery, I think you're meant to customise this car. For me what a blast its been and will keep it a long long time. You're absolutely right about the start up procedures LOL. Especially when you're in a hurry and forget to do it!
I've switched fake sounds and the ANC off 18 months ago - never looked back. Now it doesn't hurt your ears by emitting annoying noise cancelling sounds.
I owned one for a year and have to say I agree with Jason. It was fantastic when driving really fast but general day to day driving I wasn’t keen and always took my other car.
Hi Guys, I sold mine after six months as it was just too clinical ( too good at everything ) Older cars have more feel at much lower speeds so I’m buying a Celica gt4.
Interesting video as I've just paid the PCP off on mine having decided to keep it. I'd still love you guys to do a proper road trip in the two Yari(?). I did a trip to Scotland last Spring that was just epic and at that time of year the car was just perfect for those less than perfect roads and conditions. Like you I've kept mine completely stock but keep thinking about a trip to Litchfield for a couple of the reasons you mentioned. I'm in Wales so it's perfect for the roads (and the weather) here. I'm looking forward to doing some more proper trips to some foreign mountain road in the future. Damian you said you were going to tell us what you were going o do with the car next........
Auto-braking is so dangerous. Much like auto-steer. Or automatically seeing speed limit signs and slamming on the brakes (even if the signs are for lorries). I could go on.
I20N startup procedure is very similar, however, press start button then N custom and start stop is automaticall set off, rev matching automatically set on and any other annoying settings can be defeated or adjusted in advance so in fact it's a two button start.
I've had mine for around 2 years now and I feel the same way. My biggest gripe is the lack of low end torque and inconsistent boost levels. You never know what you're going to get with each drive. I've also had the diff overheat a few times. I also have a Mitsubishi Evo and it's far more engaging and raw to drive.
Agree about boost-level. Very inconsistent. Different car different days. So many sensors and security-systems in the engine that must be right to allow full boost. Sold mine after 1 year, the boost difference was annoying.
Interesting video, I’m a owner and I agree with both sides . It’s exactly those things. In the mountains ! Wow ! On the street I’m invisible form all but thoughts who know. Cops seem to not pay attention . It’s all good my end . Every time I’ve contemplated a custom change it last about a week or two and than that idea fades away . They are what they are and I’m keeping mind .
You didn't mention this but I was always surprised when reviewers praised the gear shift on the GR Yaris as I thought mine was annoyingly notchy. I had the 2 year service done a few weeks ago where they changed the clutch fluid and wow, it feels dramatically better! Just a heads up in case anybody has experienced the same.
@@Philbyyyy mine still is after service, but only when cold, amplified over the colder winter. It’s ok as you shouldn’t be caning car until all fluids and reciprocating parts are warmed thru anyway.
@@gaycha6589 yeah it's better once it's warmed up. Mine was similar and more notchy when cold. But after the linkage adjustment that was less of an issue too.
ive got a GT3RS and this is the only other car that I end every drive with such a smile...how can soem+one call it "dull"! LOL...just put a MILTEK exhaust on it with CF tips and you'll see a huge diference!
But the Yaris is a great starting platform for aftermarket builds. Ever think about changing a few parts like exhaust and brakes to make you bound closer to the car. To make you get to the point where’s its enjoyable or do you believe a stock car should already be fun out of the box. For me I’ve been waiting for the Toyota Corolla GR-Four. It’s finally here and planning on getting mine soon.
This is a GReat update (sorry about that 🤣). Completely agree with the annoying traits but shocked to hear about the brakes. It’s one of the car’s strongest areas. They are hugely better than the frankly atrocious brakes on my F82 M4 Comp (which melted after two laps of Blyton). I’d definitely get them looked at Damian.
Best get your brakes looked at then because I’ve yet to be in a stock car in the GRs price range that stops better…I always say I can only drive the Yaris so fast because the brakes let me stop so well.
Sounds like the Yaris is a car that tuning will bring alive You can get a 400hp kit for 10k that and a set of coil overs with a straight through pipe and you will have a modern 6r4
just reached 14000 miles , its a proper solid car , I also agree with all you points , still a top car, I feel like ive out grown the car will also be selling soon, its held its value very well some front bumper chipping but I hope I can get about 32k for mines
Gentlemen, gentlemen, are you having a rush of blood to the head? Please don't let either of these appear in a future episode of "cars I wish I had never sold". I agree with Gren Phelps below, take them to Lichfield, he is one of the really good guys in the industry. Make a video there, I'll bet it gets good viewing numbers. He has properly developed answers to all your issues as well as an excellent suspension kit. Please don't give up yet!
I mostly agree with this great review. I Iike the GR Yaris, it's a fantastic car, it's very efficient, but the sound of the 3-cylinder engine... After a long trip on motorways, I don't like it so much. But on B roads I like it again!
try an i20N. really is the most modern version of the 90's classic hatches out there, 10k less than a GR, more practical and for me has been the real modern version of a hot hatch, cheap, practical; fast , well equipped and lets not forget, a realistic level of power, circa 200 bhp and a great chassis and LSD is all you really need. try one, I have loved mine, sits all next to my EP3
20 years from now you'll see i20N prices to the level of Clio's 182...GR Yaris will be maybe worth what Evo's now...here lhd in EU the good ones are +40k €. No disrespect, but that 10k less you paid will be 20-30k less in the future. i20N is a really really good car...no disrespect...but you can't consider the GR a hot hatch...it's in the homologation specials or Evo's league. Just get one if you can afford it. You won't miss the i20N at all.
@@franciscocabrerabrito5945 not in a million years, evo’s have rally heritage and actually success. The GR is not the same . Homologation model does not mean instant hero status. Just look at the bmw 320si and the 206 granturismo, both forgotten . Plus all cars will be banned in 20yrs.
@@antj29 good on you mate. If you prefer it enjoy it. But cant deny the Yaris is something special that car guys have been wanting for 2 decades anyway...
IF you think the brakes are shit you have a fault on your car mine are superb. the only annoyance being the hazard lights coming on every time i brake hard.
Well “familiarity does breed contempt”….. 🤨 I’m not allowed to sell mine as my two lads seem to think it’s part of their inheritance! 🤪. I’ve done about 2500 miles and mostly on track, which again, I’m happy to let my lads loose in, whereas no way I’d let them out in my other cars… it’s a future classic and deffo a keeper for this kind of cash, which TBH can be lost in 1 years deprecation on exotics.
Seems like Jason was hoping for a relatively cheap, reliable and modern Delta Integrale. Would a RU-vidr special possibly do the job enough, ie, an absolutely obnoxious and annoying aftermarket exhaust?
I recently did a video with another channel putting my GRY CP against a Mitsubishi Evo Tommi Makinen RS. I drove the Evo and it was so raw and unforgiving, even in the dry it was edgy. I got out after shaking with adrenaline and shaking my head at how raw it was. It was undiluted 90’s gold which is what I miss. We did pulls in acceleration via radio and there was nothing in it. When I got back in my GR it just felt so much more easy to hustle along at pace without feeling you were going to get bit like in the Evo. The GR is diluted but it has to be in these times. Although to have a car like this in the ever growing electric age that’s a homologated rally car for the road is such a blessing and I’m so grateful Toyota made it. I’ve owned 7 Imprezas and the step up in the cabin is really appreciated. As you’ve stated it’s not perfect, no car is but I’ve got to disagree with you about the brakes. They are absolutely phenomenal especially when you fit braided lines. The exhaust is quiet but I’ve read that due to the solid nature of the cars frame etc there were vibrations coming through the cabin during testing. Other aftermarket exhaust manufacturers have had people come back to them complaining of vibrations. Of course you may not mind this but as a daily or when driven to say the Nurburgring it could become very annoying. Other option is a valved exhaust but then the price becomes a bit silly as tbh the systems now are over priced imho. As you can tell I love my GR, I can drive it slow/fast, on track and it always feels special to me , its honest awesome ability just totally wins you over.
If you just put the traction control in 'semi-off mode' then the auto braking won't happen. It works for me and you don't need full TC even in wet conditions. Also it cancels the start-stop, so one less button to press when you get in!
@@TheCarGuysTV Ok, you got me on that one. But for me it's - Press start, turn dial to sport mode, T/C off(ish), pull away whilst holding the annoying lane assist button and off you go. More of a faff than a simple "individual' setting but it's like a muscle reflex now!
I had a car that was far worse. You had to find the right key. Stick it in the ignition. Turn it. Let go. Then you had to push the clutch pedal. Then you had to find 1st gear. All before you pulled off. What a lot of hassle 😂
My wife's been given strict instructions to bury me in mine. I got Toyota to switch PCS to stored state (so once it's off it's always off). The only complaints (or more correctly niggles) are the damn electronics in it - bit of a faff disabling them but they can't stay on, they ruin it.
You are the first one complaining about the brakes. Those are the biggest ones on the market for such a small and lightweighted car. Even those guys getting serious on the Nürburgring have been enthusiastic how well the brakes perform.
Had mine for over 2 years done 26k miles lot’s of track days, the ring etc. You can turn off the collision control as well as everything else it’s a 1 minute routine whilst the car warms up. I,Ve always found the brakes fantastic and as Jason says I defy any other car to beat it on a damp, bumpy British b road. I am lucky to have it as a second car which I initially bought as a winter back road blaster to which it excels, however it is so good at everything I use it all the time. When most people have their Supercar’s tucked up in the garage all winter I’m out ripping up the back roads having the best time and that I believe is the point. Also if you only have one car it really is the do everything car. Loads of mods available to tweak it to your desired spec. I think when you have a collection of cars you can forget that most people are not in that lucky position and need one car to do lot’s of duties. For me it’s right up there with the best car’s I’ve owned she’s a keeper looking forward to the next 26k miles.
Jason needs to take his Yaris up to Fensport to get it more raw and involving. They can do power upgrades but that's not what's needed here. Stripping it out and making it free of its downbeat persona is. And can do the Toyota sprint series of course.
i got bored with mine after 6 months, still lament the decision to sell it sometimes when occasionally i see another one go down the road, but everytime i get in my vw up gti, and drive at normal pace on normal reasonably congested uk suburb roads, i 100% know i made the correct decision to get the up..... much more fun to drive for me
None of the commonly cited complaints (seat too high, poor visibility, exhaust note, etc.) bother me. The gears feel very long throw (previous car was an EP3 tbf) and i actually don't rate the 4WD in the wet. It also occasionally feels underpowered. But the main thing i struggle with is that the whole car/experience is quite numb. I'm just not able to really *feel the car.
Great car but it is a bit of a younger persons car, I thought he was going to say after drinks he took Cindy outside where she laughed in his face when she saw the Yaris.
Jason I agree. I've only had mine since January. Drove it loads for a couple of months. Expected to want to be buried in it one day. A car for life. But somehow I just can't fall in love with it. It only feels special at ludicrous speeds and even living in the countryside there are so few opportunities to hit those highs. The rest of the time it just feels ordinary. The ride is joggly and for some reason it makes my right leg ache. By comparison I'm lucky enough to have a Jaguar XKR (x150) and although it cost me loads less to buy, it manages to feel special whatever speed I'm doing. Similarly I have a modified Smart car that's probably only worth £1500 with a full tank of fuel. But it involves me in every mile I drive, has better steering and delivers it's thrills well within the speed limit. There's no doubting the GR is a bogglingly competent piece of kit. And I feel so lucky to have been able to own one. But it feels significantly less analogue than I'd hoped and only comes alive at bonkers velocities.
there are many amazing performance cars that are DULL when driven legally on public roads - think about that and whether your desire for a performance car (to drive on public roads) actually makes any sense
It seems that your complaints are that of all Modern cars, Too quiet, annoying tech, not involving enough. The answer as always is the after market. A trip to Litchfields is required I think.
i agree its a modified eco car in a scene may be the fastest thing on a back road but its not cool looking as a daily be a fun car to buy if it was priced right all that hand built stuff is a moot point
Few things scare the absolute bejesus out of me like the collision alert audible in my Toyota. I hope I'm never on the edge of heart attack when this occurs because it will surely put me over the edge. And the hanging on at 99.9K like a poop that just won't come. There must be RU-vid gods.
Totally agree with both you guy's, it's a little disappointing for a Toyota & should be much better, can't really see the hype tbh? I had much more fun in a little Abarth, it always left me with a smile, if only they'd made it all wheel drive & a few more weeks it would have slane everything. I do miss it though crude. Don't think I'll be keeping the Yaris to long?
Everyone drunk the kool-aid. I had one here in AU. One year, 3000km. Boring boring boring. Sold it for same price I bought it for. I’ve got a 991.1 C2S and a CLS63S. I would go for them over the Yaris every time.
I think these are great little cars if you own a small collection of toys and want something a little different to pop out for a takeaway or evening out without any stress. ❤
I have done 22k km in a year and it‘s a great car for anything. The trip last year from Switzerland to John O‘Groats was one of the best road trips you can do and even on a track day in wet Dijon was a blast. I fully agree with Damian‘s criticism about starting procedure and sound, breaks however work perfectly on mine. For me best bad weather car besides the good weather Porsche 718 Spyder, which you own in your stable as well…
You guys are funny. Pretty much agree with you on many of the comments, but its still an epic epic mini-GTR, incl the dull steering. I've settled on using my Rallye just for the track days, and its epic. As a stock car with just a set of tyres it does1:52.9 around Phillip Island, 1:25.0 around Sandown and 1:37.0 around Winton. Only these damned Caymans beat it in the over 2L class. It needs bit more power, another 40-50bhp will wake it up.
Another nod to Jason.....had mine a year and sold it. Brilliant, Brilliant when pushing on....super fast....but day to day mundane stuff....I found it boring, Had one though so scratched the itch and glad I took the plunge.
Well let me tell you I’ve done 35000 miles in my October 2020 car, yes it’s the first delivery batch, it’s a really great car, but if you want silly thrills and more extreme noise and something is missing in your life get yourself a bmw s1000r job done, none of my supercars come close.
May i ask you if its actually reliable or not based on its an actual 3 cylinder car? Any mechanical issues did you face after driving it for 35 thousand miles
@@m.a1663 it’s now done 50,000 miles, just had a 48,000 mile service and required nothing, it’s been used hard and not one thing has gone wrong, just changed the wiper blades for Bosch which work equally as well, a few very tiny stone chips on the low front. It’s so light it doesn’t excessively wear out tyres or brakes. A fab car, I’m not bothering with the new one as the MK1 is so raw I love it. Still got 50,000 mile warranty left. Get a MK1 for £25k and Ackro the exhaust, map it to 340bhp, bonkers road racer in all conditions.
i think the gr yaris was made to be a tuners car, probably why it seems a bit bland out of the box. a full hks exhaust will wake her up, aftermarket pads will give her a bit more bite on the brakes, and a mild tune up to something like 320 hp will give her a bit more pep in her step.
Surely there must be a way getting those those ‘lane crossing and auto braking’(admittedly that would piss me off..)and other such annoying things off?!
I've had my GRY for 3 years now and the brakes are excellent always - get it checked out. I have the convenience pack version (no torsems etc) but all the mod cons incl sat nav / stereo etc. and I never use iMT and rev match down shift and heel and toe for fun. Noise from exhaust?? You can get many after market exhausts and tune the level of laryness - some good kit in the UK. I live in Australia and we have bucketing rain that feels biblical at times and the GRY is awesome as conditions deteriorate. This is when Honda Civic Type Rs wet their pants.... I do love the Type R but the GRY cost half as much!!! MY car was AU$41,000 new and the Honda is more like $80,000 (and you can't test drive them first) and the new Toyota Corolla GR is $86,000. Also you can tune the GRY to anywhere from +50 to +200HP if you need this.... which I don't - I'm keeping mine til dinosaur fuel becomes unavailable.
As much as I love the GRY, have to say I'm overjoyed my (manual) GR86 doesn't seem to have any of the nannies that need turning off like the GRY does. Odd that's the case seeing as they're both from the same manufacturer. The only thing that needs attention is turning off is the air recirculation which seems to come on whenever it feel like it, but then apparently that can be coded to be fully manual by the stealership which I'll get done at the next service.
Cars are like shoes…no single pair can cover all bases well enough without significant compromise. Hence why car appreciating people need two or three cars.
I agree with all you mention other than the brakes like everyone else has said they are unreal, I will never sell my GR but what helps is owning three different cars an X5 for family duty an E92 M3 For V8 soundtrack with DCT and the GR for manual B road fun. If it was my only car I would have to move it on at some point as it does not tick all boxes for daily use.
The fake engine noice is easily sorted with Carista or similar app. But why do you need to administer messages with the back-button during your start up procedure? 🤔
Damian...do I detect a bit of tongue in cheek/dry humor in this one? Because I am rolling "mate"! Taking the Star Trek shuttle home...LOL I love how you guys give the manufacturers the beans at every turn...the accountants and legislators are the Anti-Fun! All joking aside, most of said issues to your specific or personal dislikes are fixable...no?