The standard Toyota GR Yaris was already a sensation—a rally-bred monster made for the street. But for 2025, Toyota Australia turns the volume to 11 with the GR Yaris Rallye, an even more hardcore, track-ready variant that doesn’t just whisper about its WRC roots—it shouts.
This is not your typical hot hatch. Born from Toyota’s World Rally Championship development program and fine-tuned for Aussie roads, the GR Yaris Rallye is built to dominate twisty tarmac, dirt trails, and everything in between.
In this detailed review, we explore:
- The performance and technical upgrades over the standard GR Yaris
- Interior & technology refinements for track use
- Real-world driving impressions in Australia
- How it compares to rival hot hatches in 2025
- Whether it lives up to the “Rallye” nameplate
Let’s dive into the machine that's got both purists and performance lovers talking.
Engine & Performance – Turbocharged Brilliance
1.6L G16E-GTS Turbo Triple – Still a Benchmark
The 2025 GR Yaris Rallye carries over Toyota’s award-winning 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-three-cylinder engine. Producing a whopping 200kW and 370Nm, it remains the most powerful three-cylinder production engine on the market.
0–100 km/h in 5.2 Seconds
Thanks to all-wheel-drive grip and ultra-lightweight construction (just over 1,280kg), the Rallye version rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds. On-track testing shows it consistently outpaces rivals like the Hyundai i30 N and VW Golf GTI.
Upgraded Cooling & Differential Setup
To differentiate the Rallye from the base GR Yaris, Toyota has added:
- Front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
- Track-focused suspension tuning
- Revised intercooler and intake for better cooling
The result? Sharper response, quicker power delivery, and exceptional stability when pushing hard into corners.
All-Wheel Drive Brilliance – GR-FOUR System
Unlike most front-biased hot hatches, the GR Yaris Rallye uses a bespoke GR-FOUR AWD system—a nod to Toyota’s WRC weaponry.
It allows dynamic torque split control, with selectable drive modes:
- Normal: 60:40 front/rear
- Sport: 30:70 rear-biased fun
- Track: 50:50 balance for maximum control
The system reacts in milliseconds, distributing torque precisely for outstanding corner exit traction and reduced understeer.
Transmission – Still a Driver’s Delight
The Rallye retains a 6-speed manual transmission—no CVT, no dual-clutch, just a pure, tactile gearbox with a short throw and crisp engagement.
Rev-matching software comes standard, but you can turn it off for heel-and-toe enthusiasts.
Suspension & Handling – Built for Apexes
Stiffer, Lighter, Grippier
With a wider track and revised suspension geometry, the GR Yaris Rallye dances through corners. Key changes for 2025:
- Circuit-tuned MacPherson struts up front
- Double-wishbone rear with stiffer springs
- Forged 18-inch BBS alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (225/40R18)
The package delivers confidence-inspiring grip on twisty mountain roads, with minimal body roll and precise steering feel.
Exterior Design – Pure Function Meets Aggression
Every design cue on the 2025 GR Yaris Rallye screams purpose:
- Carbon-fibre roof – lightweight and lowers centre of gravity
- Aluminium bonnet, doors, and hatch – further weight savings
- Aggressive bumpers and flared arches – for a planted stance
- Functional air intakes and rear diffuser – aerodynamic and cooling gains
Toyota didn’t go overboard with styling fluff. Everything here serves performance.
Colour options for 2025 include:
- Rallye White (exclusive matte white)
- Feverish Red
- Ebony Black
- Frosted Silver
Interior – No-Frills, All Thrills
Rally Seats & Alcantara Trim
Inside, the Rallye gets deeply bolstered sports seats wrapped in Alcantara with red stitching, offering race-day grip and long-haul comfort.
Other interior highlights:
- Leather-wrapped GR steering wheel
- Aluminium pedals
- GR-badged digital cluster with boost gauge
- Simplified centre console with fewer distractions
This isn’t luxury—it’s all about the driving experience.
Technology – Minimal But Smart
While the Rallye is stripped of fluff, it still packs essential modern tech:
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 6-speaker JBL audio system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Wireless phone charging
- Keyless entry & push-button start
Advanced driver assists are kept to a minimum. You get:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Rear-view camera
But no unnecessary intervention—exactly what enthusiasts prefer.
Safety – No Compromises Where It Matters
Despite its hardcore focus, the GR Yaris Rallye includes essential safety features:
- 7 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
It holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, giving buyers peace of mind for daily use.
Daily Driving – Surprisingly Usable
While track-honed, the GR Yaris Rallye isn’t punishing on regular roads.
Urban Drive
The car’s compact dimensions, excellent visibility, and tight turning circle make it great for city driving. Suspension is firm but compliant over speed bumps and minor potholes.
Highway Cruising
At 100 km/h, the engine sits comfortably below 2,500rpm. Noise insulation is decent for a car of this type, and the JBL sound system helps drown out road hum.
Boot Space & Practicality
With 141L of boot space, it’s not ideal for long hauls—but you can still fit a week’s worth of groceries. Rear seats are tight, but usable for short trips.
Fuel Economy – Better Than Expected
Toyota rates the GR Yaris Rallye at 7.6L/100km combined, and we observed around 8.0L/100km in mixed testing.
That’s impressive for a car with AWD and this level of performance.
Fuel tank capacity is 50 litres, and 98RON premium unleaded is recommended.
2025 Pricing & Value in Australia
The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Rallye has a drive-away price of around $59,990, making it one of the most affordable homologation-style cars in Australia.
Included are:
- 5-year/unlimited km warranty
- 12-month/15,000km capped-price servicing (~$280/year)
- 3-year roadside assistance
No other car at this price offers this blend of exclusivity, performance, and WRC pedigree.
GR Yaris Rallye vs the Competition
| Car | Power | Drivetrain | 0–100 km/h | Price (Drive-Away) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GR Yaris Rallye | 200kW | AWD | 5.2s | ~$59,990 |
| Hyundai i30 N | 206kW | FWD | 5.4s | ~$52,000 |
| VW Golf R | 235kW | AWD | 4.8s | ~$75,000 |
| Subaru WRX RS | 202kW | AWD | 6.0s | ~$57,000 |
| Mini JCW GP | 225kW | FWD | 5.1s | ~$70,000 |
While not the fastest on paper, the Rallye wins for engagement, purity, and true rally DNA.
Verdict – Who Is This Car For?
The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Rallye is not for everyone.
- It’s not built for ultimate comfort.
- It’s not packed with luxury features.
- It doesn’t seat four adults comfortably.
But if you want a raw, road-legal rally car that delivers thrills on every drive, this is the real deal. It’s made for:
- Hardcore enthusiasts
- Track-day warriors
- Drivers who care about connection, grip, and speed
And in a world of electric and hybrid hatches, the GR Yaris Rallye is a glorious, defiant celebration of old-school petrol-powered joy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Rallye on Aussie roads today. It’s small but aggressive, raw but usable, niche but wildly desirable. For under $60K, it might be the most driver-focused car available, full stop.
Toyota’s rally roots shine through every nut and bolt. This isn’t just a hot hatch—it’s a hero car.
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