Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Pack vs. Ford Fiesta ST Edition | PistonHeads

There wasn't a hot hatch more eagerly anticipated in 2020 than the Toyota GR Yaris. It's lived up to those expectations, too: it looks great, drives brilliantly and - given the performance potential on offer - good value as well.
But that's all been in isolation, so it's time for some competition. And no hot hatch rival comes more formidable than the Fiesta ST, especially in Edition spec with coilover suspension. The Ford is cheaper and much less powerful, undoubtedly, though it's forged quite the reputation over recent years for hot hatch entertainment like no other. So, is the Yaris its equal? Over to Dan...
Read the Fiesta ST Edition review here: www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-d...
Read the Yaris Circuit Pack review here: www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-d...
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[@PistonHeadsTV]

If you enjoyed this video, subscribe to our channel so that you don't miss out on our latest content. You can watch our review of the GR Yaris Convenience Pack here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foXFqqdvh812hLc

[@manzj7449]

Did you try the Yaris in Sport mode on that road?

[@jryalls]

The fact that the circuit pack is £4,000 more than the standard car but the wheels alone are £1,600 each makes it great value for money.

[@Ssh52]

@Paul Blackman But that's not fair because if you put it that way, £30,000 isn't great for a Civic, Focus, Megane or i30 either...

[@kristisrb]

​@Paul Blackman No one in the history of a car has missed a point more than you. Although that would be true for quite a lot of cars today, crossovers and SUVs mostly. It has to be said: this is NOT a Yaris. Since you are a marketing expert, I'm sure you would know exactly why. It shares almost no parts with the standart car. Most similarities are in the interior. Everything else, the WHOLE body, the suspension, the engine, all of this is completely unique to the GR. If you would actually take time to learn something instead of shouting in the comments, you would quickly learn how expensive that is to do and how it is even doable so cheaply. Manufacturer does lose money on selling cars like that. That is why even ordinary of the line hot hatches with some small changes (TrophyR, TCR GTI) rocket in price.

[@dragbag1616]

@Paul Blackman The point people are trying to drive home here is that the GRMN yaris is actually NOT a hot hatch, at least not in the classic sense. This is a homologation special. Account for inflation, this is good homologation value. What sets a homologation special apart from a classic hot hatch? Semi-bespoke chassis, bespoke monocoque, actual track ready brakes, race spec engine block (HKS is pushing 470 hp out of it ALREADY, from 1.6L, and the stock block can take it!) and a proper AWD system. Where a hot hatch starts from a mundane city or family car as base, this base is 50+% fresh performance engineering. That essentially is what you're paying for.

[@kristisrb]

@Paul Blackman I'm not trying to be rude, but look, I will repeat this again, you do not get the point. It's okay, this is not your car, you don't have to buy it. Timed tests and they are absolutely meaningless. Such a small difference you would not feel and, with all due respect for Steve, it's within the drivers error margin. I hate timing on the tracks. In the real world, it means nothing because the driving style differs too much and tests like that push the manufacturers to make ridiculously overly grippy cars with too much power that have no feel.

[@MT-xy7fw]

@@kristisrb Spot on.

[@tomplester9442]

Great review. Nice to see someone review these cars who is a keen driver and knows what they are talking about. Also great to see a review on the road in real world situations, rather than on a track.

[@philipc239]

Professional car revieewers: like it more playful Mass majority of drivers on the road: the rear steps out suddenly resulting a massive crash and burn

[@u04pww2]

Precisely what I was thinking when I heard that line.

[@jimmyjt16]

Most car reviewers talk aload bollocks. They just repeat what one another says and don't say how the car feels and drives like from their own point of view. They drive them on closed, which the general public can never do. NEVER buy a car based on a "professional" car review. Test it for yourself.

[@williamdeasy7507]

@@jimmyjt16 but i bet if they say what you think then be correct but not if you don't

[@baco4848]

Truth

[@tandemawd]

I swear Toyota can't win.

[@kristianhobson867]

This is by far the best review of the GR Yaris I’ve seen! Brilliant little car. I own a MK8 fiesta ST and have spent about £450 on an induction kit and a Revo stage 1 remap. The car has gone from 197bhp 290 nm torque to now producing 249bhp and 361nm torque! This has definitely delt with the problem you brought up in the video! Subscribed

[@skudaaron1986]

This guy has stepped up since his first Evo Magazine review. Way better. I watched it it the end. Great review and well done.

[@zonda1968]

I’m sure that if you put the GR in the sports setting with 70/30 rear You would have just as much fun or even more then the Ford!

[@p_mishev]

Definitely more!

[@marccastle8249]

You kinda miss the point though.

[@zonda1968]

@@marccastle8249 I've seen that car going around corners sideways. I guess it's the driver.

[@dragbag1616]

I'm sorry, but if you think the only thing fun about cars is powerslides, then you haven't truly experienced them.

[@bakersmileyface]

70:30 rear? Why?

[@Zsword92]

Chris Martin has a real knack for car reviews!

[@AlexRoebuck]

Great video, Dan. Learned more from this than any of the other GR Yaris reviews on KZbin.

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

You could've learned a lot more if they actually mentioned driving modes, which literally gives you like three different Yaris which handled completely differently, including Sport Mode which lets you slide out big time, he simply never used it, keeping it in Race Mode which is 50:50 balanced rather than the 30:70 rear bias

[@achillescarchatter6052]

Had to re post this comment from my main channel, "Joe Achilles" comments have been made invisible for some reason; Another brilliant video Dan and Co 👌🏼Personally love the Yaris, but this makes a VERY good case for the Fiesta, especially when you can pick up a 12 month old delivery millage ST for half the money of a base GR.... Happy New Year and look forward to more content in 2021!

[@chirpywiggins5796]

Yep I got a 2019 ST2 with performance pack for 16.5k months old and 8,000 miles and it’s awesome fun as well as economical. 200bhp is enough power to have fun on British roads anyway 👊

[@triumphantbike]

Fab - I'm so glad the Yaris exists: We need more petrol head obsessed car CEO's to produce crazy things for us to enjoy. But as a Fiesta ST fanboy (I adore my 2016 model) - I whooped for joy when I saw Prossers big grin 2 seconds into the ST part of the video. How can a Fiesta be this much fun!

[@triumphantbike]

@Paul Blackman If I had a million quid - I would resto mod a Lotus Elan with tiny tyres!

[@MDubPolePosition]

Well, wasn't expecting that..Nice one Dan and PH. Great vid 👍🏻

[@bozzy-101]

The rear view mirror on the GR Yaris is double hinged and can adjust out of your eyeline if it's in the way.

[@JamesDyer90]

Wow! I really should have read the owners manual hey.

[@nicenow25]

I hate when they don't mention that they direct customers away from the car not giving it its fair share

[@scotthammond4371]

@@JamesDyer90 are you enjoying the car?

[@portland573]

Yup, if that's not enough for you, there are already a couple of adaptors on the market to shift it even more.

[@davidkelly2542]

What a fantastic review. This is exactly how these cars will be used. No silly launch control and willy waving. Captured the detail and feeling of both cars. Well executed 👍

[@Freddanrocco]

I had the ST200 with some good tires on it and now I have the GR Yaris Circuit Pack. They are really not comparable. The Fiesta is fun in the way that it feels faster than it is and the lift off oversteer is great. The Yaris is as playful. You just need to go 30% faster. Unbelievable in the wet!

[@Lemming1970]

Had an ST3 for over a year now, Love it. One of the most fun cars I've driven.

[@DethThrasher1]

surprised at the lack of driving mode talk and going through the different modes

[@twoeyedbob]

All this talk of not enough rear bias and not a single mention of the button that does exactly that 🤷‍♂️ Very odd

[@MDubPolePosition]

Agreed. Same thought went through my mind also. Seems an odd omission, even if it was to say that settings don't feel like they make a big difference... which ofcourse would cause uproar especially when every other GR Yaris video features them quite prominently and how much of a difference they make...

[@jeron6108]

@@twoeyedbob Sport certainly makes it feel more rear bias, but it's still not going to get it skidding around on the road unless it's wet and you're being a tit.

[@FootToPedal]

Great video! I love everything about this new GR Yaris, a proper piece of kit for sure. That Fiesta looks great with a wheel cocked mid-corner too!

[@kickasssince90s43]

A time has come after 2 or 3 decades that Toyota has made a more "fun" and track oriented car than ford or any other brand at the segment of Yaris. Great review btw

[@v9photoworks700]

Great review but why not change the drive mode on the Yaris to get it a bit more playful?

[@myou6675]

Love the recent content, really improving.

[@AbrahamArthemius]

You can always go with the sport mode to give the back wheels more power and a bit more slide-y

[@-DC-]

No real comparison between these two car's the Toyota is in a different league Engineering Wise, bit of a missed opportunity this this review.

[@khamid1]

Because he subjectively preferred a different car? The Yaris is a good car, great when you consider we haven't had a decent light 4WD turbo since the early 2000s. However, on the road it is too planted, too precise, too stable...yes those are all subjective opinions commonly uttered by many who comment of its driving feel. The Yaris is a great car that exceeds the challenge of the road and needs a closed and a controlled area (circut) to truly enjoy its potential and be playful (fun). This is why the reviewer is saying for him, the fiesta is better as it doesn't need a circuit to do that.

[@hoomee7605]

Doubt the fiesta is better. Who here really likes a loose rear-end on real roads? I have a fiesta ST. And i have ordered a GR Yaris now. Reason: i drive like a mad man on the road. I want a car that works wt me.. not using trick electronics to make it spin around its pivot. It doesnt allow me to drive it at 99.9% of the limit. Wt the ST in real roads i go 85% cause i cant tell wat the rearend is up to. When i may need to suddenly steer opposite to counter a break at the rear. With pavements, bikers, cyclist, trucka and cars in close proximity,.. ST is not the final say in perfection that a well balance car gives.

[@chirpywiggins5796]

@@hoomee7605 If you drive like a mad man on the road you want to take a look at yourself ! Regardless of your love for cars !

[@paulhope3401]

@@hoomee7605 Well I'm the complete opposite, I love a very adjustable car with a playful rear end on the limit.. A real drivers car.. for me that is so much more enjoyable than something that is glued to the road.

[@paulnorman8274]

@@hoomee7605 "Who here really likes a loose rear-end on real roads?" Anyone who drives fast on dry roads which may unexpectedly turn out to be wet, leafy and otherwise slippery past a blind apex....... Last thing you want then, is an excessively planted rear pushing your suddenly low/no traction front clear off the road, with nothing you can do about it........ Not saying anyone should drive like that on unknown roads, but street racing under such conditions is part of what the sport of drifting emerged from.

[@chirpywiggins5796]

I had a 2015 Mini JCW which was rapid and good on back roads but traded for a new ST with the Performance pack and I can tell you that despite losing 30hp in the process the Fiesta kicks its ass on a back road for handling and fun !!

[@MiggyMndza]

Have you actually messed with the GR Yaris' drive modes? You can set the power distribution to 50-50 or 60-40 or even 70-30 afaik. I think you kinda missed the chance to really have "fun" with the GR Yaris.

[@fruitcake4t]

do you have to have the stereo switched on to hear the exhaust sound?

[@swanblake]

Loved this comparison. This was exactly what I wanted to know. Great work Dan!

[@macmen5020]

Thanks for the Video....looking forward to upgrade my ST180 to the GR Yaris...In my opinion, you don't get more fun for less money than the Fiesta ST can give to you

[@ianmitchell9102]

Things have come a long way since the xr2 and mr2 mk1...... but by the sound of it the funs still there 👍🏻

[@shahulhusman]

We won't get the yarisGR in the US sadly.. How is the GR VS the outgoing Focus RS?

[@Blade_Runner_]

The yaris gr is a real hot hatch car, even if the Interieur isn't perfect, but the effort in the development that creates such a good car should be honored.That makes it outstanding in compareisson to other manufactures. Great review, without stupid music, I like that!!👍

[@IDF4TW3501]

Great video and the Fiesta looks a good car, even though I've got a GR Yaris arriving next year. I'm also on board with what was said about the GR Yaris models, that's why I'm not wasting money getting the Circuit Pack.

[@PcarvoGta]

Error, the circuit pack will be priced more.

[@maayaa77]

MK8 vs MK2 mm refined fiesta vs new entry and high class engineering. It’s a hard one, but my MK7 ST is a love weapon 😂

[@ferrarikangaroo9271]

Fantastic review... fun is what it all comes down to for me. So I'd have the Fiesta too. That said, I still want a GR4 in white with the Castrol livery :)

[@zerblatt3365]

Did you have the Yaris in the 30/70% front rear setting?

[@jamesbg]

Solid review. Get your name on the videos Dan, you're doing great work.

[@Philbyyyy]

Did you put the GR in sport mode mate?

[@rotteneggconcept]

I think the question is , Which car can you still have fun making better tweaking the performance, brakes and chassis and which car is meant to be bought and taken to Cars and Coffees and shown off?

[@bongodave13]

I'm in the US, and this video makes me cry. :( 2 awesome cars we can't have!

[@mountjoy23]

True, but they would be wasted on 99% of the roads.

[@tinhinnh]

we did have the FiST but its discontinued

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@mountjoy23 Incorrect.

[@mountjoy23]

@@thepassionofthegoose5472 you’re probably right, it’s more like 99.5%

[@noremac0575]

@@mountjoy23 How would the fiesta, a car that feels fast going 60 km, be wasted on most roads?

[@DreamCarGarage1]

When exactly did we move away from an Evo or WRX type plantedness to the road as a benchmark of true handling to this obsession the auto journalists have of defining a car as having 'good handling' if the back wheels can easily lose traction and slide the rear end out. Apart from people on car shows, no regular person in real life is seriously looking for that quality from a car. The more wheels firmly planted to the road the better in my book.

[@hoomee7605]

Totally agree. If you are going to drive a car like a madman on normal roads,.. the ST isnt the best choice.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

The WRX type of plantedness is also what led to the inherent understeer. The early Evo’s rotated quite a bit so I’m not sure what your referring to.

[@leeg131313]

trying to convince me that a 27k fiesta is good value is mental car prices have got ridiculous now

[@harrybeasley6608]

Awesome review. Well played Piston Heads.

[@palethorpe01]

Collecting my ST Edition tomorrow, simply cannot wait. I adore the GR Yaris, but the fact of the matter is you cannot purchase the GR Yaris on an Hire Contract policy and only on PCP which for several reasons wasn't for me.

[@rickrickboom5423]

The one in the video, or the orange one? Got a mk8 st at the moment. Would love to trade it in for an Edition

[@palethorpe01]

@@rickrickboom5423 the Blue one is called the Edition (only 300 in the UK), and the Orange is called the Performance Edition (600 in the UK). I have now collected my Edition.

[@rickrickboom5423]

@@palethorpe01 oh. Had no idea it was out. I've had Ford calling me this week, wanting me to trade in my car. Was hoping for an Edition.

[@invisiblekid99]

You need to have another chat with Toyota. It might have changed of course, but I was offered HCP

[@not2bright8]

I have. 2019 Fiesta ST 1.6T - hands down one of the funnest cars I’ve ever owned. And I’ve had a lot of toys.

[@richslaney]

So why didn’t you put the Yaris in Sport Mode to make it 30:70 Front/rear balance to make it more fun and rotatey under power?

[@mosca3289]

Cool review.

[@BrianFraser]

You didn't mention the drive modes when you were trying take it more playful?

[@wass006]

Really good road test just didn't mention the drive modes

[@dimos15]

Is the closing song stimming?

[@james25999]

Thanks for posting an honest and balanced review and not jumping on the GR band wagon. I was left a bit cold after my test drive of the GR. I haven’t driven the Fiesta ST but have owned other lightweight FWD hot hatches (R53 Mini GP works). The GR Yaris just didn’t feel that exciting or engaging at normal (ish) road speeds. The fake engine noise was really irritating, seating position is far too high (I’m 185cm) and the pedal box didn’t work for me. It’s fantastic that Toyota followed through with the concept (although this was part of the homologation requirement). I won’t be buying a Fiesta ST either but I’ve cancelled my Yaris GR order and will be looking on the used market for something genuinely exciting that makes a proper noise.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Cancelled your GR order 🙈 hope you dont regret it

[@james25999]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 you either click with a car or you don’t. It will be interesting to see what happens to the used prices once the hype dies down. For reference Boxster/ Cayman production is 29,000 units (25,000 for the GR) and those cars aren’t going up in value (apart from maybe the 981 GTS/GT4 variants)

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@james25999 Boxster / Cayman are just Sports cars, nothing new and nothing that we wont see again - The GR is a unique car, something we wont see again. 1750 set for the UK perhaps more in time who knows. If you didn't like it then you were right to cancel, plenty of choice out there so hope you found something that ticked all the boxes 👌

[@nathanwabre]

But what if I want the Torsen self locking diffs but the softer suspensions? ...

[@VarioFelce]

I've drove it (Circuit Pack) and I can say great review, I wish it was more playful too. I understand the cool aspect of a wrc car for the road, but a tuned Fiesta will do for me on the street. I just want the thrills without driving like a maniac on a pubblic road

[@Pedro-ku1wt]

All said. I have a Mountune Fiesta ST. Little piece of brilliance, much much cheaper than the Yaris. I also don't drive like a maniac, you have a track for that, but I do enjoy some lift-off oversteer and boy is it fun and so easy to do. I just need these ford performance coilovers to have the perfect b-road car.

[@micha3743]

I don't own either of them, but I did test drive Fiesta (2 years ago) and Yaris (last week of Nov). I am glad I am not the only one wishing the Yaris to be more playful... tbh I even passed my reservation of the car. Not sure if this was a good idea, lol. Anyway, what I was going to say: finally I have a professional expertise in form of this video to start discussion with all the Yaris fans, as I was really questioning myself.

[@masrali4696]

To have any sort of "thrills" on the road would mean to drive contrary to what the law allows. A Fiesta St with its very base model chassis loves to understeer; try understeer in front of a police officer no matter what the speed and see what reaction you get.

[@VarioFelce]

@@masrali4696 the explanation is in the video above

[@noremac0575]

@@masrali4696 Do you own one? In 4 years I've never had a ticket and I have lots of fun, never drive like an idiot.

[@marct273]

How do you think the new i20n will fare against both cars? I think it will be even better again, similar bhp to the Fiesta but I think the chassis will be better and the engine will feel stronger. Obviously well down on power to the Yaris.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Finally an objective review - well done Dan as I’m over the hype yet agree whilst its a great car the ST Fiesta is a great piece of kit for the £

[@m.j4037]

Another Yaris GR road comparison test with the Focus RS, Type R and the 300HP Mini Clubman JCW would be much appreciated:)

[@simonmiller5118]

A shame you drove the Convenience Pack in the dry and the other two in the wet? Also you don't mention or seemingly evaluate the 3 different driving modes the Yaris has? I drove my ST down to the Toyota dealership then jumped straight into the ConPak GR and was frankly blown away by the difference, especially in engine performance, braking and the ability of the suspension to put the power down while soaking up the really ugly bumps we have on most roads here in Australia. The GR Yaris also has a stiffer body (which was immediately obvious) better overall steering and is a better car to live with on a day to day basis. It also feels larger and more comfortable inside. Also has that excellent Heads Up Display and radar cruise. Regardless of what you think of the GR's looks, no one could deny it has more road presence than the ST with its massive grille, super wide stance with those flared arches, drooping rear roof line and those crazy big brakes. Also consider the "exotic" additions you get with the GR such as aluminium bonnet, hatch and doors, carbon roof, ball bearing turbo, double wishbone rear suspension with ball bearings etc etc. And don't forget you are getting a rally sorted AWD system as well as an extra 53kW and 80Nm. Then factor in the Toyota reliability, lower fixed servicing prices and after sales service and you have, IMHO enough reasons to spend the extra on the GR. I did.

[@twoeyedbob]

Spot on Also the fact there was only 300 examples of the coil over fiesta st being made So a car no one can buy 🤷‍♂️

[@stevemcqueen7103]

@@twoeyedbob Also the Fiesta ST Performance Edition has the coil overs, still you can get an ST3 with the Limited slip diff and decent standard suspension. Adjustable suspension is really only useful if your on track a lot and know what your doing to get it setup, so for most people it's a "nice to have" but won't affect them unless it goes wrong from wear and tear, which they'll have x4 times the price to fix it. Even so most track people would replace suspension to their own preference of brand or whatever fits and functions best. Not bashing the Yaris as its an outstanding car for what they've created, it dually deserves its respect.

[@masrali4696]

Most automotive journalist have a certain amount of bias, personally I see no competition between these two cars as one is just too good. Owned my ST for three years and test drove the Yaris it's night and day difference, the yaris is better in every respect and even feels special from the get go.

[@cyberdyers]

Can you do a 180 degree spin with a fiesta ST?

[@christiangreen6]

You haven't done a video on that SL. Be interesting to hear the story.

[@tonyw2960]

Just ordered mine looking at December for delivery 😲

[@supercooled]

Didn’t you work for drivetribe or was it autotrader?

[@sodazman]

I've driven both cars extensively and the review mirrors my own experience. The GR Yaris has tremendous grip but the chassis leans towards stability and safety. You can make it do crazy things on a track but that's not its natural attitude on the roads - regardless of the driving modes. The Fiesta slides around you, can do 3 wheeled hops in tight corners like an old Evo, and is more responsive and adjustable at road legal speeds, making it more fun and entertaining.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Road legal sounds like a pretty boring way to live life - the GR wipes the floor with the Suped up Fiesta

[@sodazman]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 If you want to keep your license and still drive on the road.

[@albertt7784]

I'd rather the Yaris any day, sliding around in a fwd car is no where near as fun as drifting a rwd car.

[@VarioFelce]

@@albertt7784 it's not rwd, buy a gt86 and it's the most fun of all

[@tinhinnh]

Sure its more “fun” if youre the only one on the road

[@TheMoonigans]

As a 50+ driver I could never bring myself to buy the Fiesta but I have a GRY arriving in a week or so. The GRY is such an iconic car and one that we are unlikely to see again and I suspect the fact it’s a true homologation special is the reason its so popular with enthusiasts of all ages.

[@billybob1773]

I'm a 50+ driver and just willingly chose to buy a Fiesta ST, does that put me into some sort of category?

[@MrFister84]

@@billybob1773 Yes... slower.

[@billybob1773]

@@MrFister84 Good answer! but I think you missed my point.

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@MrFister84 I've driven a GRY and imo it was soulless. Faster car than a FST but as much fun...i doubt it. For me a true hot hatch will always be a lightweight FWD. The gry is a rally rep, different type of car..

[@mainman2999]

@@MrFister84 no, into the "more fun more of the time category"

[@sinxil1]

Where is the road that tested in the video?

[@superthierry1]

As the Yaris was initially designed for the Rally circuit the 4wd and super grip would be needed. Are the Subarus Evos Celica Gt4s playfull...these cars are built to stick to the road. So really depends what you’re preference is.

[@superthierry1]

@@tracktimevideos5164 it is a 3 cylinder engine lol so going sideways wasn’t really the preferred way of driving. The 4wd is switchable on the Yaris.

[@matthewtaylor7197]

If he wanted the back to come out put it in a different mode 30 :70 split mode if he wants rear to move.

[@johnclucas1523]

It's not all that playful in 30:70

[@masrali4696]

Yes but that wouldn't help our economy, remember the yaris is built in Japan so take the video with a pinch of salt

[@claudiumxg1]

It a fake awd, has a 4wd on demand Jtek like any haldex, is as dumb as a gen 1 haldex, there is no 30/70... IS ADVERTISING ...there is no center diff just 1% longer final drive at rear... coupling has to slip all the time...

[@invisiblekid99]

@@claudiumxg1 oh dear

[@gaycha6589]

@@claudiumxg1 durrrrr

[@shaunwalton8058]

I'd like to see the Yaris against a 2005 WIDETRACK STI with the prodrive pack to see if there is a big difference.

[@slideways8022]

Do you drive a 2005 Widetrack STI by any chance?

[@McDaniels777]

Exactly what I think, love the power of the yaris gr but the driving experience of the fiesta st is on another level, the st is a brilliant package for having fun. BTW the sound of the fiesta is worlds ahead of the gr...outside I mean.

[@Bert3HD]

You need to do another review of the Yaris using the other modes, then you'll get the "Playful feeling" that's needed to make a car better...

[@UziGR6642]

How do you know, you never compared it to the yaris hybrid 2020.

[@Bossman.official]

Absolutely love the GR Yaris but since I can only afford the fiesta st, I'll have to go with that. Both of them are fantastic pieces of kit though.

[@noremac0575]

You wont feel like it's a compromise, trust me.

[@stevesas632]

Won't go wrong with the ST, it's a better road car than the GR , better looking, cheaper to buy, win win.

[@chirpywiggins5796]

I came from a more powerful Mini JCW to the new ST with performance pack, it’s a better handling car than the mini and you can use the power to its full potential on a B road! It’s sensational to drive !!

[@all-flat-engines]

Toyota if you’re reading this or my multiple emails please bring this car to Canada

[@alexbaker7243]

And the states. Please. We don't want a bigger, heavier watered down Corolla.

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

and the U.S. as well!

[@MrFister84]

Canada hey?

[@Ssh52]

You guys (not specifically you) over there kinda did it to yourselves 😂 Keep buying big unnecessary trucks and crossovers instead of hatchbacks, which is why I believe Ford stopped selling their Focus and Fiesta in North America and some other places.

[@itsJulianLam]

The GR Yaris manufacturing plant at Motomachi Japan is already struggling to meet the demand and back orders in its existing European and Austral Asia markets, without having to introduce it into a huge new market like the US and Canada. I recently ordered one and am not expected to take delivery until November 2021. Perhaps Toyota should copy what Chevrolet are doing with the C8 Corvette and introduce a double shift in the production plant in order to build more of them faster.

[@blacky0121]

If you like the yaris people give it a thumbs-up 👍

[@mx83toy]

Cool review..we all get the yarris is an animal in the correct hands on the track, but love the point about the st being just as good if your not driving with a death wish... I bought the gr4 and im a toyota fanboi but id love to have a play in the st :) truthfully is i wasnt such a fan and drawn to the whole limited edition thing id be all over that little ford!

[@dc656]

I think you are in track mode with that yaris. If you want more fun put it in to sports mode and make it 70/30 rear wheel bias rather than 50/50 power split.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Standard ST as much fun? Second-hand ones?

[@guenthersteiner8163]

Yes

[@bat33.12]

For those wanting a GR Yaris if you pay your deposit today 27/2/21 you can expect delivery some time in May 2022 they are sold out that far ahead.

[@hood182ie]

Why didn’t you discuss the Yaris driving modes? Surely the 30/70 power split to the rear would have made it more ‘playful’ ??

[@gixxr88]

I test drove this car briefly, and the hype is real, this is a really fun car (which is very hard to find in this time of the believe it or not) that also has proper performance credentials. We are very lucky something like this has come along, can only mean the competition will have to step up their game and hopefully a new era of hot hatches.

[@Bryan-jj3if]

which car are you talking about? Please specify next time.

[@gixxr88]

@@Bryan-jj3if Toyota Lancruiser mate

[@gordonb8052]

Why not have the Yaris GR vs the Focus RS? AWD to AWD instead of inferior fwd to awd... or is the "circuit pack FWD?

[@thomaswills2301]

Well the Yaris and the Fiesta are both more in a similar bracket as far as the car itself goes. The Focus is larger and would fall into the same bracket as a Corolla but currently Toyota doesn't have a competing model.

[@bahmanhatami2573]

You didn't even mentioned "Modes" on the Yaris!!! Seriously? did you ever knew about existing of them? I am really disappointed 😥

[@mpaham]

They are just modes for the 4wd. Sport(30/70), normal(60/40) and track50/50). Doesn't affect anything else.

[@bahmanhatami2573]

@@mpaham Yeah we all know how those modes work. but seems he doesn't. So probably he is driving in normal (60/40 as you said). So if he had changed mode to 30/70, it would have big effect on the characteristics of the car. it will change kind of FWD to a RWD biosed car. This won't change anything else! but the whole character of the car!

[@mpaham]

@@bahmanhatami2573 yes it will make it rwd biased but it doesn't stiffen the suspension or the steering. It doesn't make the car more responsive. But like you said these options should have been mentioned

[@nicenow25]

Some of these journalists are biased. So yu can't always go by what the say. Unfortunately/fortunately we have to try for ourselves whilst we take what they say with just a smidgen more than a pinch of salt.

[@kristisrb]

​@@bahmanhatami2573 He did not mentioned them but Dan is perfectly aware of the modes and he was hammering it in the most rear biased setting (sport). He was discussing them a few times on Drivenation before even driving the circuit pack car. You are correct that it the modes change the character of the car but it does not become a different car. It changes the behaviour at certain situations but in no way it completely transforms this thing a fwd hatch or a rwd drift car. Think of it more like an adjustment for appropriate traction for the conditions. Regardless, it will always stay and behave as a 4WD car.

[@mattb4353]

A great Review. The Ford looks like fun, but it has to be the Toyota for me.

[@locky1227]

I have just been informed ( July 20th 2021) by my local Toyota dealer that there are NO MORE ORDERS FOR 2021 - 2022 so if l decide to order one it’s going to be 2023 !!! Haven’t test driven one yet (£1,000 returnable deposit) but when they get their crashed demonstrator back lm in line - it will have to blow me away for me to wait 1.5 YEARS MINIMUM 😢

[@markrhoden68]

So do buyer's want playful ST or nailed down GR

[@gumpy4960]

Hot hatches are meant to be fun for not much money, so based on that I’d have the fiesta st, less money and apparently more fun. If I wanted a fast awd rally car I’d buy a Impreza wrx sti prodrive.

[@THE8END0fDARKNESS999]

It's amazing that the perks of small cars like the Yaris caught on in the WRC, but people still think the Impreza is more a road rally car than any other xD

[@Toyota4Life]

When aftermarket tunes this Yaris it will obliterate any Subaru because of its size and powertrain

[@andyhunt457]

@@Toyota4Life How much more can a 3cyl handle reliably,not much more I suspect.

[@Toyota4Life]

@@andyhunt457 it’s Toyota so I trust it. I don’t trust the Overrated unreliable Subaru

[@Toyota4Life]

@@tracktimevideos5164 dude. This is not up for debate your Subaru is old and outdated technology the Yaris has a smaller footprint and lighter weight giving the same power it will obliterate the Subaru there was no question about this the HKS Yaris GR even at 400 hp has set a lab record for the fastest car in Japan Destroying the GTR in every Subaru that has been around it before with only 400 hp this is not for up for the Debate Toyota has out rally the Subaru. This Toyota has even made car of the year so please no one wants to hear about your outdated unreliable Subaru.

[@veeza7001]

Great review would take the yaris gr amazing car, rally car for road. Perhaps Ford could make a Fiesta RS

[@chirpywiggins5796]

I’ve put the Mountune M235 on my mk 8 ST and it’s made the car how I would imagine a Fiesta RS to be !

[@sgr995]

One of the best reviews of the Yaris Gr

[@VarioFelce]

seems like many others reviews praise the car just because is an homologation special in this boring modern age of cars, he on the other hand try hard the car on real roads

[@williamdeasy7507]

Hes face says it all yars gr4 is great but fiesta st is fantastic i I like these honast reviews

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I would totally have considered the Yaris if it was available in North America but, the Fiesta ST is way more than enough fun for me to drive. I wish I had your roads though!

[@adamkhan5274]

Thanks for an actually relevant review Dan. Seeing other channels comparing it with the mk8 GTI ffs 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@richardprydden2851]

no mention of the yaris diff settings , in sport you get 30% Fr and 70%rear im sure if would of stepped out then and lift off oversteer is not always a good thing lol

[@guenthersteiner8163]

30 front 70 rear doesn’t change anything when you lift-off oversteer. Lift-off oversteer is affected by weight transfer and suspension tuning, not on-throttle power distribution

[@richardprydden2851]

@@guenthersteiner8163 i never meant to say it did , i meant it would step out on exit . just stating that lift off oversteering isnt a good thing , its a better car for not having any

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@richardprydden2851 I disagree, lift-off oversteer is part of what makes hot hatches fun

[@benjamincottle8500]

All about that Talbot Sunbeam reference 👌🏻 a tune on that ST (it’s a hot Ford!) and you’d be laughing

[@gttv3384]

ST a super little car and great fun to drive but to be honest it's still a fiesta. The GR is a relatively low volume hand built full Japanese Homologation that's got serious engineering going on with HUGE potential for much more. I have to wait ten months for mine and I wasn't even looking for a hot hatch but when a little car can flow through B roads like it does I had to have it. This is a car that we probably won't ever see again unfortunately; I care for the earth as it's our home but will definitely miss these combustion cars with character.

[@crownvigilante]

I would buy the GR over the st any time...lucky you :-)

[@ImMikoFreako]

I take yaris over st nearly every day of the week. Apart from shopping day.

[@noremac0575]

You realize the fiesta is the underdog in this review.....Its not supposed to be the superior car. And he still had more fun in it.

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

Engage "Sport Mode"mF-30% : 70%-R drive will let the rear slide out plenty, Racing Mode only gives you 50:50 balanced grip drive., then there's the regular mode IIRC is like 60% to the front wheels and only 40% to the rear. Simply use Sport mode of you want to Hoon around rather than be either fast or save fuel respectively..

[@zsombokiorinc]

You can literally adjust the height of the rear mirror.

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

Both brilliant cars

[@husseinosman8017]

Brilliant v Fun is the same as Apples and Oranges. Just say which you'd rather own! Surely the Yaris...

[@JamesYoung61]

I suspect that fun isn't as fast as planted, and the GRY was designed to be fast rather than fun, Archie Hamilton has a video up of his mate driving his GRY at a Brands Hatch track day in slippery conditions and they are chewing through everything, it isn't for everyone but I wonder if 25,000 will be enough to fill demand.

[@itsJulianLam]

The answer is no, which is why Toyota are building more than 25,000 GR Yaris to meet the demand worldwide.

[@zambination11]

1:16 The rear view mirror..Well its simple.. Just adjust the height of the rear view mirror by moving it up and down......

[@bunnydragon9425]

I'm in the US, but picked up a FiST for around $15k. It just can't be beat at that price.

[@WanderingExistence]

I love my 16' FiST with a tune