Recently, car sales have been in decline, and people have been calling for a shift away from cars. However, the Corona disaster, coincidentally, has put a stop to this trend. Cars are now attracting renewed attention as a means of transportation that avoids contact with an unspecified number of people.
Toyota's GR Yaris appeared in this new trend. Based on the popular Yaris compact car, the GR Yaris is a sports model that incorporates motorsports expertise.
It is characterized by its dynamic driving performance even though it is a production car, and its popularity and ability are well documented, as evidenced by its winning of the prestigious "British Car of the Year 2021" award.
This time, motor journalist Azusa Ito took the much-talked-about "GR Yaris" for a spin on the track. What is it that makes it so appealing, not only for daily use, but also to the experts who are particular about driving? We interviewed Ms. Ito to find out.
PROFILE
His love of cars led him from graphic designer to editor of the magazine Car Graphic, and in 2018 he became an independent freelancer to convey the appeal of cars more broadly. . He is currently active as an automotive writer and illustrator of car subjects.
What kind of image did you have of GR Yaris?
ITOH: I got the impression that the GR Yaris is a car designed for racing. I had the impression that it was a stoic model, with a hard suspension, and that it would not be an easy car to drive on ordinary roads.
. What was your impression of GR Yaris when you saw it live for the first time?
ITOH: It is better in person than in pictures. . I like the exterior because it has the "Yaris" look while following the GR design. It is a sports model, but it also has a sense of luxury and is cool!
What do you think of the interior?
ITOH: The interior looks surprisingly simple. The GR badge is cute and understated.
How do you feel when you actually sit in the driving seat?
ITOH: I don't have the image of a sports car with a narrow field of vision that makes it difficult to drive. The seats are more comfortable than I expected. The rear seats feel a little narrow, but I think the cargo area is spacious enough.
How do you feel about driving?
ITOH: The engine hood, trunk lid, and door panels are made of aluminum . The roof panels are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. . . They've achieved a robust body with a sense of balance while reducing weight. The combination of a powerful engine and 4WD with excellent traction performance makes driving fun for everyone.
. In general, I think people have the impression that sports models are not comfortable to ride in.
ITOH: The body frame is solidly built, and the legs stroke properly, which seems to contribute to the ride comfort. The impression that sports models are uncomfortable has been removed by the GR Yaris.
How did you feel when you participated in the circuit?
ITOH: The GR-FOUR sports 4WD mechanism was a big hit. I liked the fact that by switching drive modes, the balance of traction between the front and rear wheels can be changed depending on the situation. When I drove the car on the circuit, I always had the feeling that all four wheels were firmly on the ground, so I could step on the accelerator pedal with confidence.
Also,GR Recorder (GAZOO Racing Recorder for retrofit parts). If you have the "GR Yaris", your times on the track and accelerator/brake opening will be recorded, and you will be able to see your issues at a glance, which will make driving the "GR Yaris" even more fun!
How does it differ from the normal Yaris?
ITOH: The normal "Yaris" is a fun and nice enough car, but you should think of it as a completely different model. . After just one ride in the "GR Yaris," I felt that the "Yaris" is not merely an evolution of the "Yaris" model.
What specifically made you feel that way?
ITOH: The solid rigidity of the body, the lightness of the body, the explosive power, and the overwhelming traction. Not only is it a high-level sports car, but it also has a more solid foundation as a car, which gives it a much higher level of performance as a car.
The GR Yaris is also highly acclaimed in Europe.
ITOH: The car itself, the fun of driving, the atmosphere that only a high-quality car can create, and the sense of security that comes with a well-protected car, to name a few, all add up to a sense of satisfaction that cannot be fully appreciated until you actually drive the car. It is a satisfying experience that can only be experienced by actually driving the car.
What kind of situation would you like to drive in?
ITOH: The handling is pleasant, so how about a weekend drive on a winding road? Of course, you can also enjoy driving around town in your daily life. The compact size of the GR Yaris makes it easy to maneuver around narrow streets in Japan, which is difficult for ordinary sports cars to do, and I'm sure you will enjoy driving it without any stress.
The GR Yaris is packed with motorsports-derived technology while retaining the lightness and convenience of a compact car. For car enthusiasts, there is no greater luxury than being able to enjoy full-fledged driving in a variety of everyday situations. We hope you will try the "GR Yaris" for an exciting driving experience.
