The updated Toyota GR Yaris: 'The era of hot hatches is back!'

Toyota's updated GR Yaris has landed in South Africa, and motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson says it's a thrilling ride.

The revamped version of the popular hatchback comes with the addition of an eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), which is what Ferguson put through its paces on the Zwartkops Raceway.

Toyota says it benefits from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving experience.

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It's a really exciting development from Toyota, Ferguson enthuses.

"There's a lot of brand loyalty in South Africa, but Toyota's not known for its breathtaking performance and sexy wheels. However, the Yaris GR is one of the naughtiest, most badass cars I have ever driven!"

The updated GR Yaris boasts a 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 210 kW and 400 Nm of power.

As Ferguson attests, it can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

What she also loved is the all-wheel-drive system, which makes the car stand out from its potential rivals.

"You probably can't find a rival for this GR Yaris... You might look at the GR Corolla, the Honda Civic Type R or the Golf GTI; but none of them are this all-wheel off road-type of hot hatch. It stands out, I think, as the lone ranger of the era of hot hatches that have really been put out to pasture."

The GR Yaris has precise steering, which makes it feel very safe despite its lightweight body, she said.

Ferguson also highlighted the driver-centric cockpit design, which she said was a huge improvement - "with the previous design you felt a bit like you were perched on the car".

The manual GR Yaris sells for R942,200, with the eight-speed auto also coming in under a million, at R971,300.

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Saskia Falken on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below (SKIP TO 7:36 for Toyota discussion and 9:13 for GR Yaris)