To start with the conclusion, the GR Yaris has no visual gap between the base of the A-pillar and the door mirror, making it difficult to navigate tight right corners and right turns. More specifically, it is terrifying to navigate left corners without a clear sense of distance from oncoming cars.
By the way,I should have clarified this at the beginning, but in Japan, we drive on the left side of the road, so the driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle. When referring to the “right-side mirror” here, it means the mirror on the driver’s side.
Comparing it to the Peugeot 208 (old model) that Rikutsu- Kone-Taro usually drives, there are instances where the issue is not immediately apparent.
In most cases, it’s not a problem, but occasionally, there are moments of discomfort when unable to see desired areas, especially during serious driving.
The relationship between the GR Yaris’s right door mirror and A-pillar is compared to the Peugeot 208 (old model) in the same area.
Most people may not find much issue due to the following reasons:
- With practice, one can develop coping strategies (though risky).
- If using genuine seats, the problem is not significant (but still exists).
- Avoid situations that could pose a problem in advance (troublesome).
- Enjoy large-radius corners without oncoming traffic (rare opportunity).
- There might be a rational reason from Toyota’s perspective (unknown).
Regarding point 2, mentioning that there won’t be a significant problem with genuine seats is because, especially with BRIDE seat rails, the seat position becomes more centered compared to the original (which is a good thing). As a result, there is no line of sight passing through the gap between the car body and the mirror.
However, having the seat more centered creates blind spots in crucial areas like the mirror. (Note: Adjusting the seat angle considerably improved this; click “here” for details.)
Life and the world are indeed not straightforward.
Getting closer to the window allows the line of sight to pass through the slight gap between the mirror and the body.
By the way, in the Toyota 86, the front edge of the side window (is it called the triangle window?) is designed to avoid such problems.
On the contrary, the GR Yaris has black resin and rubber parts in that position. Well, there might be a rational reason, but why?
If it’s possible, something should be done. There are plenty of self-responsible means if you don’t have to worry about vehicle inspections. However, you can’t bring a vehicle that won’t pass inspection to the dealer, which is a dilemma.
I hope a third party somewhere will release door mirrors that do not obstruct the view a bit more, are inspection-friendly, and are practical.
Door mirrors or black triangular parts – one or both need to be addressed; otherwise, tight corners are intimidating. (When consulting GR Garage Kitaikebukuro, who is responsible for full bucket seats, they immediately showed the internal structure of the mirror, explained the inspection requirements, and at this point, there is no solution… and I was convinced.)
Anyway, knowing such inconvenient truths in advance, I, “Rikutsu Konetaro,” will drive carefully, safely, without causing inconvenience to others, and avoid getting caught by the police.
That’s all for this time.
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