TOYOTA GR YARIS RALLYE OWNERS REVIEW- WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE - GR NORMAL vs GR RALLYE/CIRCUIT PACK

Summary

This video review, hosted by Scotty from 'We the Car People,' covers the 2021 GR Yaris Rally Edition. He discusses the car's performance, comparing it to the standard GR Yaris, and highlights key differences such as improved tires, brakes, and a tighter suspension. Scotty shares insights from his track experiences and explains the car's standout features, including its limited slip differentials. He humorously addresses quirks like the high seating position and rearview mirror issues, while emphasizing its value as a JDM classic. The video concludes with future modification plans and a call to support the channel.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The 2021 GR Yaris Rally Edition has been driven for around 6,000 kilometers, primarily on two track days, including Phillip Island and Haunted Hills.
• 🏎️ The GR Yaris Rally Edition feels faster than an Audi RS3 straight out of the box, with distinct differences from the normal GR Yaris, like brake ducts for cooling and red calipers.
• 💰 The GR Yaris Rally Edition's starting price was around $58,000 to $59,000 AUD, but aftermarket prices now hover around $70,000 due to high demand and limited availability in Australia.
• 🎨 The car comes in limited colors, with the Rally Edition primarily available in a pearlescent white, which is praised for its striking appearance in sunlight.
• 🛞 The Rally Edition has forged BBS rims and Michelin PS4S tires, which wear slightly on the outside but perform well on track days.
• 🚦 Key upgrades for the Rally Edition include stiffer suspension (20% firmer than the standard GR Yaris) and limited-slip differentials (LSD) front and rear, significantly enhancing performance.
• 👨‍✈️ The interior features a heads-up display and digital cluster, offering a good driving experience, though issues like a high seating position and rearview mirror placement are noted.
• 🧰 Upgrades to the car include a Max Performance exhaust, which improves the sound, and small modifications like a strut bar and HKS panel filter for better airflow.
• 🔧 Some downsides include a default lane assist setting that resets every time the car is started, high seating positions, and awkwardly placed window and door controls.
• 📈 The owner plans to further modify the car over time, as the GR Yaris Rally Edition is becoming a JDM icon, with many aftermarket parts and customization options available.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is a review of the 2021 GR Yaris Rally Edition, focusing on its features, performance, and differences from the standard GR Yaris.

What makes the GR Yaris Rally Edition different from the standard GR Yaris?

Key differences include red brake calipers, forged BBS rims, Michelin PS4S tires, 20% stiffer suspension, and limited-slip differentials (LSD) on both the front and rear. The rally version also features brake ducts for improved cooling.

How much does the GR Yaris Rally Edition cost compared to the standard version?

The GR Yaris Rally Edition originally retailed for around AUD 58,000 to 59,000, compared to AUD 40,000 for the standard GR Yaris. However, due to its popularity, the Rally Edition now commands aftermarket prices of about AUD 70,000.

What upgrades has the reviewer’s brother made to the GR Yaris Rally Edition?

Upgrades include a Max Performance exhaust, a front strut bar, a HKS panel filter, and modifications to the airbox for better sound and potential power gains.

What is one of the reviewer’s main complaints about the car?

One major complaint is the high seating position. Although there is room for a helmet, the reviewer feels the seating position could be lower.

What does the reviewer say about the brakes and tires?

The Rally Edition has red brake calipers, which are larger than those on the standard GR Yaris, providing excellent stopping power. The Michelin PS4S tires perform well, but after 6,000 kilometers and two track days, they show wear, though this is expected.

How does the reviewer feel about the GR Yaris Rally Edition's suspension?

The Rally Edition’s suspension is 20% stiffer than the standard version, making it more responsive in corners, similar to the Circuit Pack in the UK. The reviewer appreciates this stiffer suspension for track performance.

What features does the interior of the GR Yaris Rally Edition have?

The interior features include a heads-up display, a numbered plaque (indicating this car is number 274), and supportive seats. However, the reviewer mentions minor issues like the awkward placement of the door handles and window controls.

What does the reviewer say about the exhaust sound after the upgrade?

The upgraded Max Performance exhaust transforms the car’s sound, making it louder and more aggressive, resembling a WRC rally car. The reviewer describes it as sounding like an 'AK-47'.

Why is the lane assist feature mentioned as a problem?

The reviewer dislikes that the lane assist feature is automatically turned on every time the car starts, which contradicts the car's identity as a driver-focused vehicle. The reviewer wishes this feature were off by default.