Toyota Gazoo Racing has whipped the covers off the GR Yaris Morizo RR, a special edition of the Japanese marque’s compact hot hatch developed with Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo).
The Toyota GR Yaris, which we’ve driven at its South African launch in September 2021, is a venerable rally car for the road, as we noted in our initial driving impression on the Japanese marque’s compact hot hatch. It really is a grin-inducing little performance car, whether driven on the road or on a track. Towards the end of 2025, the GR Yaris, which was originally exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, also gained an eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) … and increases in power and torque, from 198 kW and 360 N.m to 210 kW and 400 N.m.
However, now, the Japanese automaker has revealed an even more hardcore version of its compact hot hatch. Named for Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo), meet the GR Yaris Morizo RR. Exclusive to the Japanese market, only 100 examples of the GR Yaris Morizo RR will be built.
The GR Yaris Morizo RR is powered by the same engine as its “standard” stablemate — a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit producing 210 kW and 400 N.m of twisting force. Peak power is available from 6 500 r/min, with the full complement of torque on tap between 3 250 r/min and 4 600 r/min. Toyota hasn’t revealed whether this model is quicker to the three-figure marker from a standstill than the “standard” model, though, as a reminder, the latter completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds, before topping out at 230 km/h.
However, although producing the same power and torque outputs, the GR Yaris Morizo RR features several model-specific elements to enhance the performance-focused driving experience. The latter includes a large roof-mounted rear wing (for improved downforce) and optimised suspension. The package also features a bespoke driving mode, developed with Morizo. Named for Morizo, this driver’s setting replaces “Gravel” mode.