Toyota’s New GR Hatchback Brings High-Performance Rally Pedigree to the Road

While there’s no denying that the GR Corolla Toyota sells in the United States is one rad hot hatch, Americans have to be feeling a bit of FOMO right now. The Japanese automaker has been on a roll with a string of sweet Yaris releases over the past few months.

First came an Aero Performance Package taking input from Toyota’s Super Taikyu Series competitor. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the GR Yaris got a new Morizo RR celebrating Chairman Akio Toyoda’s racing alter ego.

Toyota

And now the automaker is at it once again. In celebration of Sébastien Ogier’s ninth WRC title (behind the wheel of a rally-spec GR Yaris), Toyota has unveiled a new limited-run model that gains special touches and added performance pedigree.

A Yaris fit for a legendary driver

It’s called the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition. Though you might need to pause for a breath when reading its name out loud, you don’t have to be a diehard rally fan to appreciate what it brings to the table.

Toyota

That’s because, in tapping a pro to build a model according to his preferences, Toyota has tweaked the performance of its hot hatch for even more sideways fun. And if a world champion gives it the green light, it has to be good. 

For one, in being based on the Aero Performance Package, the GR Yaris Seb touts slippery wind-cheating bodywork like a ducted aluminum hood borrowed from the GRMN Yaris, as well as fender vents, a front splitter, an underfloor fuel tank cover and a variable rear wing.

Toyota

However, Toyota also worked with Ogier to design an exclusive 4WD mode — “SEB” — that replaces the “TRACK” mode found on the base model. In practice, it’s essentially designed to improve steering input by biasing torque distribution to the rear wheels, splitting it 40:60 front to back.

Moreover, like the Morizo RR, this special GR Yaris comes equipped with a dedicated “MORIZO” mode. Per Toyota, Sébastien Ogier has come to favor the option on account of its ability to maximize the drivetrain’s responsiveness during acceleration while simultaneously providing sufficient grip for solid cornering performance.

Toyota

With power coming from the same punchy turbocharged 1.6-liter triple as found in the base car, it makes some 257-horsepower. Thankfully, it comes fitted with a manual, as a rally car should.

Choice visual revisions throughout

As understated as the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition is from a visual standpoint, it’s not without its special touches.

For instance, Toyota has treated the outside of the car to an exclusive Black Gravite paint. It’s supposed to take inspiration from TGR’s motorsports liveries in 2025; regardless of any racing significance, it certainly looks slick in combination with a set of matte black wheels and blue brake calipers.

Toyota

That’s not all — elsewhere you’ll find subtler touches, too. The radiator grille comes fitted with a tricolor emblem inspired by the French flag, while the lower section of the doors and rear fenders wear a ghosted GR logo.

Even the interior features a few choice details. Along with tricolor stitching on its GR steering wheel, it also brings a redesigned switch layout and new leather-wrapped parking brake grip (for executing sweet handbrake turns, of course).

Toyota

Rounded out by some tasteful grey accents and a serialized number plate denoting its build number, it makes for yet another piece of tempting but forbidden fruit for buyers in the USA.

More to come

Toyota will be offering the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition in Europe and Japan, with 100 examples slated for each market. At this time, pricing has not yet been announced, but you can head to the dedicated Gazoo Racing website to learn more.

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