GRYARIS: A Mass Of Mechanism Made By TOYOTA

I, Rikutsu-kone-Taro, was fortunate enough to purchase TOYOTA’s self-made sports car, the GR Yaris RZHP First Edition, which made its debut in the world after 20 years.

As an owner from now on, I plan to describe my life with this car from the perspective of a novice driver on this blog.

This article is the first one about the GR Yaris.

To briefly explain about the GR Yaris, it’s a sports 4WD with a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo engine.

Of course, the 272PS and 370N.m of power and torque are impressive, but what particularly drew Rikutsu-kone Taro in was the 4WD system called Sports 4WD. Moreover, it’s equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Just typing these words on my computer right now makes me feel excited.

Since around 1983 when Audi Quattro entered rally races and gradually replaced 2WD, I’ve wanted to try this driving system someday.

After 37 years, I finally obtained a Japanese-made sports 4WD that suits my stature.

The energy born from a single gasoline engine is appropriately distributed to four tires according to the situation. This should require a fairly complex mechanism and electronic control. The GR Yaris, packed tightly into a compact body, is an extremely attractive presence.

If it were motor-driven, attaching a motor to each wheel and controlling it electronically would undoubtedly create a sports 4WD with much higher precision than an engine-driven car, but that’s a different story altogether.

For now, with the GR Yaris, I want to enjoy the gasoline engine and ultra-complex gear mechanism that I have been familiar with as the most important mechanisms of a car for years.

It’s only been a few days since Rikutsu-Kone-Taro got his hands on it. I’m gradually getting used to it.

The engine is powerful, the driver interface is okay but needs customization. The body is compact, and the interior is slightly cramped for four adults. Plus, the ride is quite rough, which might not appeal to girls.

However, there’s a tremendous feeling of driving a fast car with a stiff body. Of course, it’s Toyota quality, so it’s safe and reliable. There’s no arrogance that forces sacrifices on the driver anywhere in this car. The clutch is also smooth and light (maybe the stroke is too long?).

I’ve been finding time to drive around here and there these past few days, and I’m extremely satisfied (click here for things that bothered me after delivery).

Anyway, it runs, turns, and stops just as I want. Surprisingly, the fuel efficiency isn’t that bad either.

Today (December, some day in 2020), I woke up at 6:00 AM and drove to the Kujukuri Coast. Under the clear winter sky, there were many surfers playing in the sea (photo 1).

I drive about 45,000 kilometers a year commuting , but for such purposes, I already have a car that is inexpensive, reasonably fast with an automatic transmission, and has good fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban areas. I already have a favorite car for that purpose.

However, the GR Yaris is an entertainment car for me to enjoy driving itself. Sometimes I wonder if it’s a luxury that will come back to haunt me, but this is also my own way of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m looking forward to life with the GR Yaris from now on.

Stay tuned!

That’s all for this time.