Although it could actually really feel onerous infrequently to keep away from bringing up the GR Yaris, right here it in reality is pertinent. Now not simply the recent hatch of 2020, for many of us Toyota’s turbocharged tyke used to be the automobile of 2020. And it intended numerous others from that yr had been roughly forgotten about, misplaced within the GR hype. 

For an collection of causes, the second one part of 2020 used to be a ordinary time. The place little used to be anticipated of a Toyota sizzling hatch (and one thing sensible resulted), the 3rd technology of Mini GP used to be eagerly expected by way of lovers – however it wasn’t rather the overall price ticket. The powertrain wasn’t thrilling sufficient, the chassis no longer composed sufficient, and the need to pressure one no longer compelling sufficient for a £35k Mini JCW. It might had been disappointing at the most productive of occasions, however the GP used to be made to seem particularly sub-par in opposition to the Yaris. Mini by no means let a GP out for a GR dual check, which says so much. 

This isn’t simply any Mini John Cooper Works GP, then again. It’s won greater than £25,000 of extra amendment over and above the intensive adjustments – taking out the rear seats, widening the tracks, redoing the suspension – offered on the manufacturing facility. There’s no longer a lot of this GP that’s been left untouched, from seats to brakes and engine to wheels, with the promise of a in reality memorable Mini GP in some way that the usual automotive wasn’t. 

The preliminary critiques recommended the automobile used to be absolute best fitted to easy surfaces, and if the appearance listed here are anything else to move by way of – see the cage and the extinguisher, for starters – then this GP has been constructed as a observe automotive. Expensively constructed, too, with changes together with Tarox discs and pads, Corbeau seats, and a Drexler LSD. Simply the diff by myself is the most productive a part of £3k, so it’s simple to peer how that £25,000 used to be spent. 

The two.0-litre turbo engine is now striking out greater than 380hp and 384lb toes, with the additional advantage of an Eventuri carbon consumption and Cobra exhaust to strengthen the nature. There’s no point out of any adjustments to the automated gearbox, which used to be incessantly cited as a vulnerable hyperlink within the package deal, however there’s no less than now lots else to be distracted by way of. And also you comprehend it’s by no means been over-revved. 

With that kind of energy, plus the brake improve, AST coilovers, Eibach anti-roll bars and Yokohama A052 tyres, this GP must be epic observe day amusing, a Problem automotive that may be pushed house once more. Slightly what it could be like at the public highway isn’t precisely transparent, however who wouldn’t be willing to determine? If the common one struggled to are living as much as the popularity of its predecessors, this changed automotive certainly guarantees to redress the steadiness. 

There’s no longer even an enormous top class to pay, both. £40k makes it the most costly GP on PH, despite the fact that best £7,000 greater than an untouched one with similar miles. And best about £2.5k greater than it could have first value with the GP Traveling Pack. You’re no longer having to spend up to any individual else did, mainly. In order that cash can cross against the 2024 observe day season…

Engine: 1,998cc, turbocharged 4-cyl
Transmission: 8-speed auto, front-wheel pressure
Energy (hp): 306@5,000-6,250rpm (usual)
Torque (lb toes): 332@1,750-4,500rpm (usual)
0-62mph: 5.2sec 
Best velocity: 165mph
MPG: 38.7 (NEDC mixed)
CO2: 167g/km
12 months registered: 2020
Recorded mileage: 14,000
Worth new: £37,345 (with GP Traveling Pack)
Yours for: £39,995