2026 Toyota GR Yaris launched in Japan with updated 8AT, retuned suspension, Aero Performance Package

It’s been barely a year since the Toyota GR Yaris was facelifted and only a couple of months after the refreshed über hatch went on sale in Malaysia. But such is the pace of how Toyota works that it has already come out with an updated model with some surprisingly far-reaching tweaks.

Most of them centre around the eight-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission, which joined the standard six-speed manual last year. At the time, the slush ‘box was touted to offer shift selection similar to that of a professional driver, but Toyota has now made further detailed improvements to the gear selection control, mainly for increasing responsiveness during sporty driving.

The changes include expanding the rev range in which downshifting from second to first is allowed, either in automatic mode or manually shifting via the paddles. The paddle shift latency has also been reduced, while the “sense of directness” when manually shifting near the redline in Sport mode has been improved. The auto also now slightly delays upshifts during spirited uphill driving to maintain a high power output.

No changes to the powertrain – the venerable G16E-GTS continues to produce 304 PS (4 PS more than Malaysian units) at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 3,250 to 4,600 rpm. Also unchanged is the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, which splits the torque 60:40 front-to-rear in Normal mode and 50:50 in Gravel; the Track setting has a variable torque split from 60:40 to 30:70 depending on the driving conditions.

Elsewhere, Toyota has made minute changes to the underpinnings through an unexpected new component – special bolts help fasten chassis components more rigidly, improving steering response and straight-line stability and further adding to the “sense of oneness. You may laugh, but the resulting effect has been so significant that the dampers have been adjusted to suit, improving both body control and ride comfort.

The electric power steering, meanwhile, has been retuned for a more linear feel, with Rookie Racing’s Super GT and Super Formula racer Kazuya Oshima lending his input. The tuning has diverged for the two consumer variants – the RZ High Performance, which continues to come with Torsen front and rear limited-slip differentials, has a more track-focused tune to optimise speed and controllability at the limit, while the regular RZ has been set up more for fast road driving.

Other minor changes include an enlarged footrest for auto models and the new vertical handbrake – previously reserved for the RC motorsport special – now being made an option for all models. The RZ models’ Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assists, hitherto an option for the RC, is now fitted as standard across the range.

Toyota has also announced that the prototype Aero Package shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year will enter production as the Aero Performance Package. More than a simple bodykit, the race-derived addenda includes a ducted aluminium bonnet, front fender vents that reduce turbulence in the wheel wells, a larger adjustable rear wing, drag-reducing rear bumper vents, and a fuel tank cover the smoothen the underbody flow. A front lip spoiler has also been added to reduce lift, at the behest of Oshima.

The revised GR Yaris will be priced at 4,480,000 yen (RM138,800) for the RZ and 4,980,000 yen (RM154,300) for the RZ High Performance, with an additional 350,000 yen (RM10,800) for the auto. The Aero Performance Package is expected to be offered in the autumn at the earliest.

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