I recently test-drove a Toyota Yaris GR and the model on test is currently on the market for £34,080.

Okay, first thing’s first, that’s not a misprint. This really is a £34k Toyota Yaris, more than double the £16k entry price for the small sub compact that’s popular with new-drivers and older people alike.

But this hasn’t been built for them. It’s not a city-shopper, or a frugal, low-powered first car. It has a 3-cylinder 1.6 litre engine that on paper sounds suited to new drivers or those who just want to nip to the shops. But that engine is fitted with a turbo and four-wheel drive system that delivers 257bhp to all four wheels. This then, is a hot hatch. And then some.

Toyota has designed this car because they want to challenge for the World Rally Championship (WRC) again, and to do that, there are certain rules that have to be met. Along with the aerodynamics (a little more on that later), essentially to be eligible for entry for the WRC, homologation rules mean that 25,000 production cars need to be made and offered for sale – good news for fans of hot hatches!

More than a little bit different

From the outside, it clearly looks different to a ‘normal’ Yaris, and when you start it up, it’s even more abundantly clear that this is more than a little bit different!

The styling has changed, improving aerodynamics and power balance, but the aero changes to make this a rally contender go further than that. Again, looking at the rules, WRC states that there can be no aerodynamic aids on the rear doors of the car. Toyota has bypassed this by only making this available as a three door – so no rear doors!

Personally, I think the hot hatch bar is currently set by the Fiesta ST – something I reviewed just before the first lockdown and a car that I loved driving. So this has a lot to live up to in order to take that crown.

The roar is an early indication of the pocket-rocket you’ve started up
But the GR is actually on another level. From the second you get in and hit the starter, the roar is an early indication of the pocket-rocket you’ve just started up. That level of power to all four wheels is potent to say the least. It’s fast, agile and sounds incredible…

I have to be honest, of all the cars I’ve reviewed recently, this one drew the most attention. Not surprising it’s won such affection from petrol-heads and the trade press alike – Toyota really has done an incredible job with this car and I think they will be a serious contender for the WRC this year.

Not your everyday car

But sadly, I don’t see the point. I loved driving this – it’s an absolute blast. But it isn’t usable as an everyday car, and for me, that’s a box the Fiesta ST ticks adequately. The Ford probably isn’t as fast, as agile, or as noisy, but it’s a great balance of power and practicality, while this Yaris is all about the power.

In fairness, I’m over 40. I’m not the target audience for a hot hatch, so maybe this is an unfair review. I loved it, but would take the Fiesta ST. Yes, it’s about 60bhp less, but it’s also £10k cheaper for a specced up, 5-door Fiesta ST-3.

And for me that, and the added practicality, is a deal breaker.