The Toyota GR Yaris is one of the most acclaimed hot hatches of recent times, but what if it got a facelift inspired by the latest Prius? That’s the question that independent designer Avante Design tried to answer with his latest rendering.
The GR Yaris is known for its rally-derived 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 257 to 268 horsepower, depending on the market. It also features a six-speed manual transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel drive system that can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
However, some fans have been wondering if Toyota would ever offer a hybrid version of the GR Yaris, given its expertise in electrification and its commitment to reducing emissions. While there is no official confirmation of such a plan, Avante Design imagined how the GR Yaris could look like if it borrowed some styling cues from the Prius, Toyota’s flagship hybrid model.
A sleeker and sharper look
The rendering shows a GR Yaris with a more streamlined and angular front end, featuring a large black grille that extends to the lower bumper, LED headlights with boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, and a prominent hood scoop. The side profile reveals new fender vents, side skirts, and black alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The rear end features a large roof spoiler, a diffuser with dual exhaust tips, and LED taillights connected by a black bar.
The overall result is a more futuristic and aggressive look for the GR Yaris, which could appeal to some buyers who prefer a sleeker and sharper appearance. However, others might find it too radical and prefer the original design, which has a more rally-inspired and muscular character.
A possible facelift in 2024
While this rendering is purely hypothetical, there are rumors that Toyota is planning to give the GR Yaris a facelift in 2024, which could include an increase in power to 300 horsepower and an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The updated model could also get a digital gauge cluster and some minor cosmetic changes.
However, these are still unconfirmed reports, and Toyota has not announced any official details about the future of the GR Yaris. For now, fans can enjoy the current model, which has received rave reviews from critics and customers alike for its thrilling performance and handling.
