Do PH customers want Toyota GR Yaris with 8AT?

GR Yaris with 8AT debuts at GIIAS 2024

The “Evolved” Toyota GR Yaris made its world premiere back in January’s Tokyo Auto Salon. And now that we’re well into the second half of the year, Toyota’s updated homologation special has made its way to Southeast Asia.

Launched at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) is the new GR Yaris. With a new look in front and a stiffer chassis, the all-wheel-drive hatchback also gets an updated interior, a bump up in power and torque, and more importantly, a new 8-speed automatic transmission for those who want a little extra convenience for everyday driving.

Speaking of which, the new 8-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission was developed through motorsports, delivering the fastest possible downshifts and right gear selection based on brake and throttle input.

The 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged three-banger now cranks out 305 PS and 400 Nm of torque thanks to a beefed-up valvetrain, new exhaust valve material, higher pressure direct injection, and new pistons with wear-resistant rings.

Along with this, the look has been slightly revised with a new front bumper and an opening at the lower section of the rear lower garnish allows air from under the floor to escape which helps reduce drag and improve stability/maneuverability. The rear stop lamp is no longer integrated with the spoiler which allows users to customize it further.

Inside, the Indonesia-spec GR Yaris also sports the new blocky cockpit that initially received rather mixed responses in terms of design, but Toyota pushed through with the revised cockpit to improve driving posture and a wider field of vision for the driver.

Toyota Indonesia is making the new GR Yaris available through indent order as the all-wheel-drive hatchback is made in the Motomachi plant in Japan.

In the Philippines, the GR Yaris was launched in the country with only a 6-speed manual transmission option. While it was received well by enthusiasts, there’s indeed clamor for something that has the rally-bred performance with the convenience of two-pedal driving.

With the 8-speed auto now in Indonesia, then perhaps Toyota Motor Philippines already has the GR Yaris 8AT on its radar.