2025 Toyota GR Yaris eight-speed automatic now in Malaysia – 300 PS/400 Nm 1.6L turbo AWD; RM325,600

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the Malaysian arrival of the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris with the eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), alongside the local market announcement of the GR Supra Track Edition two-seater sports car.

Priced at RM325,600, the 8AT-equipped GR Yaris goes on sale alongside the six-speed manual version of the rally-bred hot hatch that was launched locally at RM315,600, making the automatic version RM10,000 pricier than its three-pedal stablemate.

Packing the manufacturer’s G16E-GTS inline-three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, this brings identical outputs of 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque as produced by its six-speed manual twin, sent to all four wheels through the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system that offers a selection of drive modes, including Gravel (53:47 front to rear torque split) and Track (continuously variable between 60:40 and 30:70).

Thus eqiupped, the 8AT GR Yaris does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds, and a top speed of 230 km/h. The UMW Toyota website quotes an identical acceleration time for both automatic and manual transmission-equipped versions of the GR Yaris. The automatic version is quoted with a kerb weight of 1,325 kg, or 20 kg more than the 6MT; exterior dimensions, as well as fuel capacity (50 litres) are identical.

Software for the GR Yaris’ automatic transmission has been optimised for “engaged driving”, says Toyota, and the transmission software monitors driver inputs upon the throttle and brake pedals. This setup anticipates the optimal gear shift points to attain gearshifts “similar to that of professional drivers,” says Toyota. Specific to the 8AT is an automatic transmission fluid cooler.

Being a facelift, bodyshell revisions for the GR Yaris apply to both transmission versions of the car. There are now three bolts fastening each shock absorber to the body (up from one bolt each) to minimise alignment deviation during cornering, spot welds have increased by 13% and the application of structural adhesive has increased by 24% to increase body rigidity, leading to better handling and ride comfort.

Bodywork changes as applied to the GR Yaris facelift include the front bumper redesign with split construction for its centre and side grille structures to enable parts replacement at a lower cost (as these are susceptible to damage through track and rally use), as well as for easier development of third-party components.

Similarly at the rear, the reverse and fog lamps have been integrated into the tail lamp assembly, relocated from the lower bumper section to reduce the risk of damage. The high-mount third brake light has also been relocated from the rear spoiler to lower on the tailgate for easier sight by following drivers, as well as to facilitate changing or customising the spoiler.

Also common to both manual and automatic transmission variants of the 2025 GR Yaris is its cabin architecture. Driver-oriented revisions see the driver’s seat lowered by 25 mm relative to the pre-facelift, and the steering wheel has been adjusted accordingly.

The 8AT shift lever’s manual shift orientation is pull to upshift, push to downshift to suit “competition driving”, though more universally, this is also naturally suited to the forces experienced when accelerating or slowing down. Also on are steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Continuing the driver-first philosophy for improved visibility is the instrument panel upper edge that is 50 mm lower, repositioned rear-view mirror and a control panel angled 15 degrees towards to the driver.

Driving assistance features on the 2025 GR Yaris includes the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS3) suite, packing the Pre-Collision Brake Assist for motorcycles and Pre-Collision Brake for oncoming vehicles. Dynamic radar cruise control is now linked to turn signals, and functions together with Deceleration Assist to support preventing overtaking in hazardous situations, while curve speed reduction applies when DRCC is active.

Last but not least, the automatic version of the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris is covered by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Priced at RM325,600, the 2025 GR Yaris automatic is offered in the full complement of four exterior colours – Platinum White Mica, Emotional Red II, Precious Metal and Precious Black.

GALLERY: Toyota GR Yaris facelift in Malaysia

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