GR Yaris: A Stunning View on the First Winding Drive with Suspension Upgrade

Since the end of last year (2023), when I changed the suspension and removed the passenger seat of the GR Yaris, I finally got to go on my usual winding road, so this time I’m here to report on that. (Click here for the coilover suspension kit name and other modifications.)

I think the ride height and damping force were set to the manufacturer’s recommended values. The tires are still stock. First, I plan to drive my usual route with this setup to feel the difference.

I left home early in the morning and headed west on the highway. As the altitude gradually increased, the mountains nearby started to turn white. (Photo 1)

Exiting the highway, I continued to ascend on local roads. There were several beautiful spots along the way, so I took commemorative photos of the car there. Are those the Southern Alps in the distance? (Photos 2)

As I climbed even higher, there was a beautiful view waiting. (Photo 3)

This area is probably the highest point in this winding road. The road surface is very well cleared of snow, and there don’t seem to be any icy patches in the shade.

The elevated sections of the road seem fine too. (Photo 4)

Beside the road, there’s a valley with a river flowing through it. I stopped to take pictures. (Photo 5)

Usually, this is a lake with much more water, but did they release water? (Photo 6)

A little further on, the scenery became beautiful again. (Photo 7)

So, since everything was fine up to this point, I decided to turn back and enjoy the feel of the suspension while pushing it a bit on the way back, sticking to the same route I came.

The return journey involved slightly more spirited driving, so there are no photos or videos at all.

All photos were taken with the OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) OM-1, equipped with the Panasonic Leica DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 lens. Shot wide open, with aperture priority AE.

I really like this winding road in the Tokyo metropolitan area because it’s convenient, offers a long enjoyable distance, and you can see beautiful seasonal changes every time you go.

Moreover, if you choose the right time, you can connect to well-maintained scenic routes, so if you just want to enjoy a light drive, you can truly have a full day of enjoyment.

If you want to drive a bit more aggressively, you really have to aim for the early morning when the sun has risen enough. Unfortunately, due to the timing, the scenic routes aren’t available.

Anyway, today I hardly encountered any other cars, and I was able to enjoy the feel of the new suspension.

As for the crucial changes before and after, I couldn’t compare the sensations directly because the feeling from before the modifications had faded from memory, and I was too distracted by the stunning scenery to notice any differences after the modifications.

However, I’m very satisfied because I feel that the absorption of undulations on the road, the quietness inside the cabin (the trim remains RZHP), and the responsiveness of the steering input for initiating turns have definitely improved compared to before the modifications.

That’s all for this time.