Aero Performance Package now on GR Yaris

FOLLOWING a recent “motorsport inspired” aero upgrade to the GR Corolla, the Toyota has announced the same treatment for its pint-size GR Yaris GTS three-door hot hatch.

The optional aero kit creates a more aggressive appearance and smoother air flow across and under the body and is priced at a $4500 premium over the standard GR Yaris GTS at $64,990 excluding on-road costs.

Already upgraded early in the year with a model realignment (and price rise), interior changes, more power and torque to 221kW/400Nm, available close ratio eight-speed auto transmission and a raft of other changes particularly to the high spec GTS model, the January 2025 upgrade also saw the adoption of intrusive Toyota Safety Sense ADAS that may not appeal to core GR Yaris buyers.

On the market since late 2020, the potent, pulse-raising GR Yaris hot hatch “has been made even more dynamic and engaging with the addition of the new GTS Aero Performance Package”, according to Toyota.

Leveraging its domination in the World Rally Championship and other theatres of motorsport, the GTS Aero Performance Package variant includes a new bonnet-mounted cooling duct and grille to discharge heat from the engine compartment.

It helps keep the high output turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine cool and was developed from the experience of racing in the Japanese Rally Championship.

“Super Taikyu driver Kazuya Oshima provided input to the development of a new lip spoiler which helps suppress vehicle lift and enhance handling, while aerodynamically enhancing fender ducts have been installed between the front wheels and doors,” said Toyota.

The new front guard ducts are said to help to expel accumulated rearward air from the wheelhouse to improve steering feel under heavy braking and enhance stability when cornering.

Critically, improved airflow underneath the vehicle is provided with a new floor undercover, while the experience in the Super Taikyu series informed the development of the new ducts on each side of the rear bumper which further enhance airflow under the vehicle.

But performance car spotters will be quick to identify the model’s most prominent visual signifier, the large, manually adjustable rear spoiler which Toyota says can help provide greater high-speed handling and braking stability depending on the set angle.

The aero enhancement option was inevitable on GR Yaris as it builds on the standard dynamic features already offered including a Torsen limited-slip differential, 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and a high-performance suspension tune.

No changes have been made to the G16E-series engine or the adjustable full-time all-wheel-drive system and its selectable drive modes.

Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the new GR Yaris variant would make Toyota’s smallest hot hatch even more exciting.

“The experience that Toyota Gazoo Racing gains from motorsport feeds into the development of Toyota GR performance cars, and the GR Yaris GTS Aero Performance Package variant is a perfect example of that,” he said.

“Not only does it add genuine visual flair, the Aero Performance Package brings real aerodynamic benefits to maximise the incredible dynamism and handling of the GR Yaris.”

The GR Yaris GTS Aero Performance Package variant is available now in a choice of five exterior paint colours, consisting of Glacier White, Frosted White, Tarmac Black, Feverish Red and Liquid Mercury.

2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.