Two days in since it landed, assuming here all read the articles/specs and saw the vids from here forward: https://www.gr-zoo.com/threads/gr-yaris-mk2-my2024.3989/page-22#
Some first thoughts of mine on the mk2 (2024) updates, how I think it could compare to the mk1 (2020) a bit more in depth with my very subjective and very preliminary evaluation. And also my personal reflection as an road driving enthusiast with a oem+ modified mk1 which I adore as a driving tool, and how I see the 2024 car in comparison relative to my enjoyment of the car.
This is basically a mental exercise for myself that I share in case it helps others. My initial reaction is that, as it turns out, I have naturally developed my car during my 2,5 yr ownership and actually nice to see Toyota did the same from the beginning of the mk1 without anyone taking much notice. And it follows what many people have done. In other parts it surprises a bit. Still very nice that a manufacturer listens and keeps the concept alive, true to the enthusiast marketing for once. Anyhow let's dive in!
1 Spring rates
Higher spring rates and stiffer front arb signal to me some more focus on track driving (now rates are more or less on par with i.e. KW v4 clubsports) , which remains the mainstream way to judge a ’performance’ car and how many chose to enjoy this car – something that perhaps surprised Toyota that it was so popular as a track car.. No word on damper changes but they probably follow suit. I do wonder how bumpy b-road behavior will be, might be that the mk1 remains an as good or perhaps even better proposition there. Remains to be seen. All I can say I’m happy how the mk1 deals with real roads…
2 Roll stiffness
Front springrate has increased more then rear, and also front arb stiffened. This means roll stiffness in front is increased, meaning on cornering limit and on trailbraking, the rear should keep it wheels more on the ground then before (and front less). This could mean improved rear push out of high G corners which could counteract some increased understeer on neutral balance. Also when going really wild, donuts, in high grip, the mk1 can lift a rear inner wheel which takes away the Torsen working and losing all rear drive, this should counteract this. This is what I think they refer to as ’the car not doing as you want’ and how they solved that. Modified cars with equally higher spring rates front and rear in effect do the same, as the wheel rate at the rear is almost half the spring rate, meaning that an even increase in rates actually increases front roll stiffness more than the rear in absolute terms. Not a biggie for road driving, only noticeable when really pushing on and over the limit on high grip surfaces.
3 Stiffer front McPherson top mount and reinforced lower suspension arm
Less dynamic camber change, maybe some small increase in static camber too? Less understeer. Definitely sound like a good improvement especially for high load situations. Should also improve steering feel. Great. Maybe I want those arms on my mk1 if a straight swap.
4 Stiffer body with more spot welds and adhesive
GRMN vibes here, kudos for implementating it also for the ’base’ car. At the same time also necessary when increasing spring rates without worsening the handling. Mk2 should feel even more solid because of this but again the mk1 wasn’t really lacking either unless again pushing very hard.
5 Engine
In short, GR Corolla upgrades with better breathing head/exhaust valves and more robust valvetrain (springs). Better ECU programming incl injection is welcome. Remains to be seen in practice how big difference it is. For tuning it will allow for a bigger power bump without running into valvetrain issues, which is not the same as saying that tuning is univocally recommended but definitely a plus for those pushing for power on a stock engine. Stock for stock, a nice improvement but not a day and night one. For me, my car sits roughly where the mk2 sits now with hardware changes and without much change in boost, feels like the correct long term approach, on a mk2 I would probably still want to do similar upgrades I have resulting in a slightly bigger delta as I'd dear a bit more, maybe 40hp delta? But power is a bit overrated for actual driver enjoyment...
6 Gearbox
Well documented, the DAT reminds me a bit of a reliable, liveable, cheap, low maintenance but not as sharp or edgy sequential box. Love how close the lever is and the correct shift direction – may seem minor but for me a big deal and almost akin having an electronic parking brake or a manual one, day and night. Almost. For track driving should definitely try the DAT, will also get rid of lag on upshifts.
For road I personally still prefer manual for the involvement and the total unnecessary but of so fun three pedal dance. Manual gearbox not much changes it seems, but at least some small improvements and we also know under the skin improvements have already been made on the mk1. Pedals unchanged so still need to extend or move gas pedal for proper heel-toe...
7 Cooling
Additional radiator for coolant. I suspect there is a beefier water to oil cooler in there (like the GRC) so the oil temps benefit from the increase cooling capacity of the coolant. Also added complexity, coolant hoses run low and potentially right front damage could become more costly.
For me, my main issue remains not getting oil hot enough, so don’t need more cooling for road use. Which isn’t the same as heat soak, which I do a actively try to counteract in my mods. Mk2 will offer if correct understood IC water spray and a cold(er) air intake, kudos for that (at a cost but oem so you get some more back too come sale). Wonder if they ditched the intake box flap or if it still suffers of high IAT.
8 GPS based track mode with anti-lag etc
Would love the anti-lag on the road, have basically improved mycar driving skills by using LFB as an out of bend anti-lag… The max fan speed after track session to remove heat soak is a feature I’m already looking for a solution to implement on the mk1 https://www.gr-zoo.com/threads/how-to-activate-radiator-fan-earlier-to-combat-heat-soak.5177/ (anyone has ideas how to?). Great minds think alike 
9 New front aft power distribution
On the mk1 I always used track 50/50 as it imho was the most consistent for near or over limit driving, whether snow, gravel or asphalt. Sometimes I also used 60:40 normal on gravel. So the new gravel mode with slight front bias really makes sense to me. Mk1 sport mode was a bit less consistent with over and also understeer on limit (but fun on the road), the new mk2 track setting make sense to me as the variable distribution allows for the best distribution to make progress. If the rear is pushing understeer it could send more to front to activate the front diff, if oversteer it could again send more to front to straighten out, for off the line and out of curve traction it can send more to the rear. Or that is how I image it. Remains to be seen the actual calibration. We’ll see what the new consensus becomes, if the new variable track is the go to or if some will still prefer the ’old track now called gravel’ for track use. I’ve been perfectly happy on the mk1 with the 50:50 track, one go-to setting what’s not to like…
10 Driving modes
Usually not a fan as I like that one setting that does it for me, consistently, however have to love the possibility to set-up the car to ones preffered custom setting, it’s like built-in set-up tuning that can potentially save on what otherwise would be cost mods.
11 Ergonomic improvements
Always welcome, the 25mm lower seats give the choice without risking crash integrity. Steering relocated it says but not sure if reach was improved. Pedal box unchanged. Some are already very happy with lowering the seat on the mk1, and then the mk2 factory mod is perfect. For me I’ve learned on my previous car (VAG ea888g3), after complaining for years the seat was too high, that I sat even better rsising the seat resulting in better steering and pedal ergonomics – for a car than wasn’t from the outset designed to be a low seat ergonomics car like e.g. the GT/GR86. So for long-legged me, mk1 seat height is spot on and the mk2 probably brings no benefit whatsoever and I would probably still want a steering wheel spacer… for me. YMMV
12 JDM only RC optional forward handbrake
Great idea but imho looks awful. Very happy with my half bought/half DIY handbrake extension that sits just beside my extended wheel. Again similar thought train.
13 Aero improvements
The open mesh where the diffuser is makes sense, more so then the rear arch vents… hoping for a mk1 aftermarket version…
14 Visibility
Higher rear view mirror good, but from what I see it still can’t be all the way up as you lose line of sight through the low rear window (or is the sight line really higher without thw 3rd brake light?), and do love my digital rear view mirror as it’s still an massive upgrade on all accounts. Infotainment screen line of sight for me a non issue, maybe it is when lowering the seat and short drivers think it’s a wtcc car…
15 New interior
I can reach all controls on the mk1 but appreciate the race philosophy and the benefit for some. People saying they think it’s ugly and they have to look at it all the time, go buy an Audi - I look out of the windows most of the time No just kidding it's ok to not like the new dash - as long as you can see past it. Otherwise buy an Audi. Sorry again for that Anyway, more info with digital dash, again racecar, so what not to like but I do like my anolog dials... Potaeto/Potaato
16 Front bumper in sections and metal grille
Very good for cheaper repairs. What’s not to like
17 Looks
Subjective but I personally think it got a bit more track car look and less rally. Which alignes more or less with how I see these cars. Love the grey which blends well with the new front, wish it came on the mk1. My unwashed black one is effectively grey though
18 Final thoughts and considerations
New car is I suspect little more track use biased and definitely a better choice for those considering such high load use. For more rally/gravel and road use, the mk1 one might still be as or near as good depending on your use case – not really using much of the improvements, and at a slightly more accesible price point as can be reasonably assumed. For my use I don’t see a significant change in driver enjoyment if I changed, and I would need to carry over mods which is a hassle on top of the price hit (size tbc).
But if I were by buying new, I would go for the mk2 almost for sure, well again depending on price. The Mk2 has good improvements but in the big picture, they are incremental and the driver remains the centre on both and also the biggest variable…
I see some parallels to the Mitsu Evo lineup, later models are more or less equally sought after as earlier ones, choosing between more complex or more basic, all appreciated and with many upgrades that can be shared. There will probably be a price gap near future that remains fairly steady as the mk1 will remain attractive at a lower price and taps in first in affordability for those who fancy one. Also think the mk1 with choice mods towards the mk2 might gain in acceptance. Could also be the mk2 understeers even more and people think the mk1 is a sweeter drive. Or maybe mk2 damping is much better and it's just better overall. Time will tell.
I’ll be honest, part of me was wishing there was no mk2 but now it is here, I really like it is here and will keep the GR Yaris at large more actual. And while reduced exclusivity and a new model seemingly sucks for residuals, for me I was previously worried that if someone totals my mk1, it would not feel good to get a used one and have to start from almost scratch with mods, I would feel robbed. But now , I could start from something that has come some way forward – a grey one please in such case, wanted that colour from the start, and maybe take it in a slightly different direction as I grow with it.
Still feel very fortunate of having been able to enjoy the mk1 for three years+ before the mk2 shows up on the streets.
Welcome to share your opinion on the above, adding from your experience...
Some first thoughts of mine on the mk2 (2024) updates, how I think it could compare to the mk1 (2020) a bit more in depth with my very subjective and very preliminary evaluation. And also my personal reflection as an road driving enthusiast with a oem+ modified mk1 which I adore as a driving tool, and how I see the 2024 car in comparison relative to my enjoyment of the car.
This is basically a mental exercise for myself that I share in case it helps others. My initial reaction is that, as it turns out, I have naturally developed my car during my 2,5 yr ownership and actually nice to see Toyota did the same from the beginning of the mk1 without anyone taking much notice. And it follows what many people have done. In other parts it surprises a bit. Still very nice that a manufacturer listens and keeps the concept alive, true to the enthusiast marketing for once. Anyhow let's dive in!
1 Spring rates
Higher spring rates and stiffer front arb signal to me some more focus on track driving (now rates are more or less on par with i.e. KW v4 clubsports) , which remains the mainstream way to judge a ’performance’ car and how many chose to enjoy this car – something that perhaps surprised Toyota that it was so popular as a track car.. No word on damper changes but they probably follow suit. I do wonder how bumpy b-road behavior will be, might be that the mk1 remains an as good or perhaps even better proposition there. Remains to be seen. All I can say I’m happy how the mk1 deals with real roads…
2 Roll stiffness
Front springrate has increased more then rear, and also front arb stiffened. This means roll stiffness in front is increased, meaning on cornering limit and on trailbraking, the rear should keep it wheels more on the ground then before (and front less). This could mean improved rear push out of high G corners which could counteract some increased understeer on neutral balance. Also when going really wild, donuts, in high grip, the mk1 can lift a rear inner wheel which takes away the Torsen working and losing all rear drive, this should counteract this. This is what I think they refer to as ’the car not doing as you want’ and how they solved that. Modified cars with equally higher spring rates front and rear in effect do the same, as the wheel rate at the rear is almost half the spring rate, meaning that an even increase in rates actually increases front roll stiffness more than the rear in absolute terms. Not a biggie for road driving, only noticeable when really pushing on and over the limit on high grip surfaces.
3 Stiffer front McPherson top mount and reinforced lower suspension arm
Less dynamic camber change, maybe some small increase in static camber too? Less understeer. Definitely sound like a good improvement especially for high load situations. Should also improve steering feel. Great. Maybe I want those arms on my mk1 if a straight swap.
4 Stiffer body with more spot welds and adhesive
GRMN vibes here, kudos for implementating it also for the ’base’ car. At the same time also necessary when increasing spring rates without worsening the handling. Mk2 should feel even more solid because of this but again the mk1 wasn’t really lacking either unless again pushing very hard.
5 Engine
In short, GR Corolla upgrades with better breathing head/exhaust valves and more robust valvetrain (springs). Better ECU programming incl injection is welcome. Remains to be seen in practice how big difference it is. For tuning it will allow for a bigger power bump without running into valvetrain issues, which is not the same as saying that tuning is univocally recommended but definitely a plus for those pushing for power on a stock engine. Stock for stock, a nice improvement but not a day and night one. For me, my car sits roughly where the mk2 sits now with hardware changes and without much change in boost, feels like the correct long term approach, on a mk2 I would probably still want to do similar upgrades I have resulting in a slightly bigger delta as I'd dear a bit more, maybe 40hp delta? But power is a bit overrated for actual driver enjoyment...
6 Gearbox
Well documented, the DAT reminds me a bit of a reliable, liveable, cheap, low maintenance but not as sharp or edgy sequential box. Love how close the lever is and the correct shift direction – may seem minor but for me a big deal and almost akin having an electronic parking brake or a manual one, day and night. Almost. For track driving should definitely try the DAT, will also get rid of lag on upshifts.
For road I personally still prefer manual for the involvement and the total unnecessary but of so fun three pedal dance. Manual gearbox not much changes it seems, but at least some small improvements and we also know under the skin improvements have already been made on the mk1. Pedals unchanged so still need to extend or move gas pedal for proper heel-toe...
7 Cooling
Additional radiator for coolant. I suspect there is a beefier water to oil cooler in there (like the GRC) so the oil temps benefit from the increase cooling capacity of the coolant. Also added complexity, coolant hoses run low and potentially right front damage could become more costly.
For me, my main issue remains not getting oil hot enough, so don’t need more cooling for road use. Which isn’t the same as heat soak, which I do a actively try to counteract in my mods. Mk2 will offer if correct understood IC water spray and a cold(er) air intake, kudos for that (at a cost but oem so you get some more back too come sale). Wonder if they ditched the intake box flap or if it still suffers of high IAT.
8 GPS based track mode with anti-lag etc
Would love the anti-lag on the road, have basically improved my
9 New front aft power distribution
On the mk1 I always used track 50/50 as it imho was the most consistent for near or over limit driving, whether snow, gravel or asphalt. Sometimes I also used 60:40 normal on gravel. So the new gravel mode with slight front bias really makes sense to me. Mk1 sport mode was a bit less consistent with over and also understeer on limit (but fun on the road), the new mk2 track setting make sense to me as the variable distribution allows for the best distribution to make progress. If the rear is pushing understeer it could send more to front to activate the front diff, if oversteer it could again send more to front to straighten out, for off the line and out of curve traction it can send more to the rear. Or that is how I image it. Remains to be seen the actual calibration. We’ll see what the new consensus becomes, if the new variable track is the go to or if some will still prefer the ’old track now called gravel’ for track use. I’ve been perfectly happy on the mk1 with the 50:50 track, one go-to setting what’s not to like…
10 Driving modes
Usually not a fan as I like that one setting that does it for me, consistently, however have to love the possibility to set-up the car to ones preffered custom setting, it’s like built-in set-up tuning that can potentially save on what otherwise would be cost mods.
11 Ergonomic improvements
Always welcome, the 25mm lower seats give the choice without risking crash integrity. Steering relocated it says but not sure if reach was improved. Pedal box unchanged. Some are already very happy with lowering the seat on the mk1, and then the mk2 factory mod is perfect. For me I’ve learned on my previous car (VAG ea888g3), after complaining for years the seat was too high, that I sat even better rsising the seat resulting in better steering and pedal ergonomics – for a car than wasn’t from the outset designed to be a low seat ergonomics car like e.g. the GT/GR86. So for long-legged me, mk1 seat height is spot on and the mk2 probably brings no benefit whatsoever and I would probably still want a steering wheel spacer… for me. YMMV
12 JDM only RC optional forward handbrake
Great idea but imho looks awful. Very happy with my half bought/half DIY handbrake extension that sits just beside my extended wheel. Again similar thought train.
13 Aero improvements
The open mesh where the diffuser is makes sense, more so then the rear arch vents… hoping for a mk1 aftermarket version…
14 Visibility
Higher rear view mirror good, but from what I see it still can’t be all the way up as you lose line of sight through the low rear window (or is the sight line really higher without thw 3rd brake light?), and do love my digital rear view mirror as it’s still an massive upgrade on all accounts. Infotainment screen line of sight for me a non issue, maybe it is when lowering the seat and short drivers think it’s a wtcc car…
15 New interior
I can reach all controls on the mk1 but appreciate the race philosophy and the benefit for some. People saying they think it’s ugly and they have to look at it all the time, go buy an Audi - I look out of the windows most of the time
No just kidding it's ok to not like the new dash - as long as you can see past it. Otherwise buy an Audi. Sorry again for that Anyway, more info with digital dash, again racecar, so what not to like but I do like my anolog dials... Potaeto/Potaato16 Front bumper in sections and metal grille
Very good for cheaper repairs. What’s not to like
17 Looks
Subjective but I personally think it got a bit more track car look and less rally. Which alignes more or less with how I see these cars. Love the grey which blends well with the new front, wish it came on the mk1. My unwashed black one is effectively grey though
18 Final thoughts and considerations
New car is I suspect little more track use biased and definitely a better choice for those considering such high load use. For more rally/gravel and road use, the mk1 one might still be as or near as good depending on your use case – not really using much of the improvements, and at a slightly more accesible price point as can be reasonably assumed. For my use I don’t see a significant change in driver enjoyment if I changed, and I would need to carry over mods which is a hassle on top of the price hit (size tbc).
But if I were by buying new, I would go for the mk2 almost for sure, well again depending on price. The Mk2 has good improvements but in the big picture, they are incremental and the driver remains the centre on both and also the biggest variable…
I see some parallels to the Mitsu Evo lineup, later models are more or less equally sought after as earlier ones, choosing between more complex or more basic, all appreciated and with many upgrades that can be shared. There will probably be a price gap near future that remains fairly steady as the mk1 will remain attractive at a lower price and taps in first in affordability for those who fancy one. Also think the mk1 with choice mods towards the mk2 might gain in acceptance. Could also be the mk2 understeers even more and people think the mk1 is a sweeter drive. Or maybe mk2 damping is much better and it's just better overall. Time will tell.
I’ll be honest, part of me was wishing there was no mk2 but now it is here, I really like it is here and will keep the GR Yaris at large more actual. And while reduced exclusivity and a new model seemingly sucks for residuals, for me I was previously worried that if someone totals my mk1, it would not feel good to get a used one and have to start from almost scratch with mods, I would feel robbed. But now , I could start from something that has come some way forward – a grey one please in such case, wanted that colour from the start, and maybe take it in a slightly different direction as I grow with it.
Still feel very fortunate of having been able to enjoy the mk1 for three years+ before the mk2 shows up on the streets.
Welcome to share your opinion on the above, adding from your experience...
Last edited:
)
.
