Yaris Hatchback

Make
Toyota
Segment
Hatchback

Since the Toyota GR Yaris went on sale, aftermarket tuners have been busy tinkering with the tiny hot hatchback to unleash its full potential. Recently, Japanese tuner HKS transformed the GR Yaris into a 475-hp pocket rocket, enabling it to set faster lap times than a Nissan GT-R Nismo. Now, Toyota's venerable hot hatch has been given the tuning treatment by Japanese race team and Toyota tuning company TOM'S.

Originally, TOM'S was planning to present the project at the 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon. Since the event was canceled and replaced with an online-only show, TOM'S decided to host its own Salon event to give its creation more spotlight.

Presented by Toyota factory WRC driver Takamoto Katsuta, the modified hatchback looks more aggressive than the standard GR Yaris thanks to the company's new body kit.

The standard bumper are retained, but TOM'S has added a new front splitter and canards, while the rear features an aggressive diffuser incorporating a large tailpipe replacing the standard factory dual-exhaust system. Other visual modifications include a prominent rear wing and new side skirt extensions, while lowered suspension brings the hot hatch lower to the ground. The modified GR Yaris rides on Rays G025 alloy wheels with beefier brakes. The modifications continue inside, where TOM'S has fitted Recaro bucket seats and carbon fiber trim.

Finished in black, TOM'S creation gives the GR Yaris a sportier appearance without going too over the top. More upgrades are planned too, as Katsuata there will be some "small changes."

No modifications have been made under the hood yet, but the GR Yaris is already a potent pocket rocket in stock form, producing 268 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, this enables the GR Yaris to hit 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds. It all sounds like the ultimate hot hatch recipe, but Toyota has no plans to unleash the GR Yaris in America, sadly.