Yaris Hatchback

Make
Toyota
Segment
Hatchback

Although it won't be sold in North America, we're still enamored by the plucky Toyota GR Yaris. Its small size, powerful turbocharged engine, and six-speed manual gearbox have proven to be a capable blend whether on public roads or on the track. Toyota has now gone a step further and has introduced the GR Yaris Morizo Selection. This particular GR Yaris has a special trick up its sleeve - based on data gathered from driving it, the Morizo Selection uses clever software to enable updates to the driving experience. For the customer, the benefit is increased personalization and a driving experience that can be improved with time.

These updates were inspired by Toyota's collaboration with Rookie Racing. Toyota President Akia Toyoda has raced the GR Yaris in the Super Taikyu Series, a Japanese endurance race series.

This racing series enabled the analysis of performance data and the quick implementation of updates to give drivers enhanced control. It's this level of performance personalization that Toyota aims to extend to customers with the GR Yaris Morizo Selection. The 'Morizo' name, by the way, stems from Toyoda's racing alter ego. Toyota says that after customers take possession of this Yaris, updates to "driving, turning, and stopping" can be implemented.

There is a catch, though. The GR Yaris Morizo Selection will only be offered to customers via a subscription service in Japan called Kinto. With a three-year Kinto contract, fees begin at 54,340 yen per month ($496/month at current rates). To set apart this customizable GR Yaris, the Morizo Selection comes with a Morizo windshield emblem and a color scheme from Rookie Racing for elements like the coil springs and seat stitching. Three colors - Platinum White Pearl Mica, Precious Black Pearl, and Emotional Red II - will be offered. More information will follow in spring 2022 when detailed service offerings are announced.