Toyota unveils 210hp Yaris hot hatch to mark WRC return
Toyota has previewed a 210hp performance Yaris ahead of its 2017 World Rally Championship campaign, with the production car set for public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Toyota has confirmed a high-performance version of the Yaris, producing 210hp, to celebrate its return to the World Rally Championship in 2017. The car will be unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March, previewed online ahead of its official debut.
The new model, yet to be officially named but expected to carry the Gazoo Racing (GR) branding, is based on the three-door Yaris. Toyota has not released full technical details, but the headline figure is the 210hp output, a substantial increase over the standard car. The engine is understood to be a turbocharged four-cylinder, inspired by the WRC car’s powertrain, though Toyota has not confirmed displacement or final specifications.
Visually, the hot Yaris stands apart from the regular facelifted range with a prominent black roof spoiler, central exhaust, and gloss black front winglets beside the fog lamps. The ride height is lower thanks to uprated suspension, and larger brakes are fitted behind black alloy wheels. These changes signal Toyota’s intention to make the car competitive with established hot hatches in the supermini segment.
Performance Yaris joins updated range
The 210hp Yaris will be shown alongside the wider facelifted Yaris line-up at Geneva. The facelift brings wider taillights and other design tweaks across the range, but the performance model receives exclusive features to mark its WRC connection. Toyota has confirmed that all future performance models will carry the Gazoo Racing name, aligning its road cars with its motorsport activities.
The new Yaris hot hatch signals Toyota’s renewed interest in performance models, following its WRC return and the growing popularity of small, powerful hatchbacks. The car is set to rival the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI, with its power figure placing it at the top end of the class.
- 210hp turbocharged engine (final specs TBC)
- Lowered, uprated suspension
- Larger brakes and black alloys
- Black roof spoiler and gloss black aero details
- Central exhaust outlet
What it means for Toyota and buyers
For Toyota, the hot Yaris is more than a marketing exercise. It marks a shift towards offering enthusiast-focused models, using motorsport to develop and promote performance variants. For buyers, the car promises a genuine alternative to established hot hatches, with a power output that exceeds most rivals in the segment. Pricing and availability will be confirmed closer to launch, but the Geneva Motor Show debut will provide the first opportunity to see the car in detail.
