The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris is the hot hatch hero of its generation. This 257bhp hot-shoe is one of our favourite cars of the moment, priced at only £33,495 (including a Circuit Pack) but capable of 0-62mph in 5.5sec and with a top speed of 143mph.
But we wondered, given it has a bespoke four-wheel drive system, just how capable it was in lousy conditions. So we arranged it to meet with another four-wheel drive performance car, the 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo, in very cold, very wet and quite foggy conditions.
The two cars are quite different. The Toyota is small and, relatively, affordable and modestly powered. The Nissan, meanwhile, has 592bhp, a 196mph top speed, can go from 0-62mph in 2.8sec and costs some £180,095.
On track together, though, how different will their driving characteristics, capabilities and lap times prove? Join Matt Prior as we find out.
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Autocar writers' cars of 2020: Toyota GR Yaris
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I am really surprised by the power of the Yaris GR. Having had a stock Yaris a few years ago, I didn't think I'd see it compete with a Nissan GTR even with a V8 in it. Hats off to
Take a high powered car to a Track that's short, no real straights, and pit it against a small-ish, light car with 270bhp, whose going to win?, this was a non event, ok, it wasn't ideal conditions, do it again when Summer appears.
I've seen GR Yaris yesterday in the city, very cute car! I also like bicycles, I have 4 of them (none is electric), but, before some low life career politician forces me onto an electric bicycle I will drive the big petrol car.