Toyota has hinted that a Yaris-based hot hatch is just a couple of years away from landing in showrooms.
Speaking to Australian website Motoring on the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show, a Toyota executive revealed the hot hatch will be aimed squarely at the Volkswagen Polo GTI that’s sold in Europe and at the Ford Fiesta ST. Its launch will coincide with Toyota’s long-awaited return to WRC racing.
The Yaris will be equipped with a four-cylinder engine fitted with a big turbo that will spin the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. More precise technical details haven’t been revealed yet, but the Yaris will need to boast at least 200 horsepower in order to keep up with the ST and the GTI, which are rated at 197 and 189 ponies, respectively.
A re-tuned suspension system and bigger brakes on all four corners will also be part of the package. Of course, the mechanical modifications will be complemented by a full body kit inspired by the WRC-spec Yaris (pictured), large alloy wheels and a sportier cockpit with a bucket seats and a model-specific instrument cluster.
Look for Toyota’s Yaris on steroids to debut at a major auto show in either late 2016 or early 2017. It will go on sale in Japan and in Europe shortly after its debut, but it’s too early to tell if the pocket rocket has been earmarked for the United States market.
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