Toyota GR Yaris gets torque boost in Japan, no news for Australia

Toyota GR Yaris owners in Japan have been treated to a torque boost, as part of a new software update.

The update, known as ‘GR Yaris Performance Software 2.0’, brings a further 20Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

As such, peak torque has increased from 370Nm to 390Nm (in the 3200rpm-4000rpm range), on par with the Japan-only Morizo Edition and limited-run Yaris GRMN, while peak power remains at 200kW.

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The performance upgrade will set buyers back 141,400 yen (AU$1500); however, a spokesperson for Toyota Australia confirmed there are no current plans to offer the torque boost locally.

It will be provided through the company’s Kinto Factory program in Japan, which offers software tunes, vehicle customisation and basic interior “renovations” – in addition to retrofitting components such as parking sensors, power outlets and power sliding doors.

Toyota has yet to confirm if the update will improve the standard GR Yaris’s claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds.

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The availability of the Toyota GR Yaris in Australia remains cloudy, with orders currently paused due to high demand from local buyers.

It will be joined by the GR Corolla in the fourth quarter of 2022 – including the special-edition two-seater – which features a 220kW/370Nm version of the 1.6-litre three-pot.

In addition, Toyota Australia will launch the two-door GR86 in September, while an updated GR Supra with a manual option is expected to arrive before the end of 2022.