I got mine a few weeks ago…I still can’t believe how good it is. Every drive feels special. Although I worked for Porsche for 10 Years, where I had constant access to all of their products, the GR still amazes me. What a Gem- THANK YOU TOYOTA!
GR owner here. It really is that good. Used to own a Fiesta ST then a Focus RS which I swapped for the Yaris. It really is the best of both worlds. As light, agile and compact as a Fiesta yet staggering AWD traction and as quick as an RS upto legal speeds, and genuinely quicker than a lot more expensive and exotic machinery on your typical greasy British B road. It really is a very special machine. Oh and has a 10 year warranty that includes track use.
I also owned a few modern hot hatches, including a Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S, Volkswagen Golf R32, and MK3 Ford Focus RS. The Focus RS felt heavy and slow (except for launch control), and the Clubsport S had ridiculous wheel hop. The Toyota GR Yaris is the best of the bunch, and as you rightly mention, it also has track-day warranty.
I also own a GRY circuit and totally agree with everything you said. In Lincolnshire where I live we have a lot of bumpy B roads and in the dry there is very little that could keep up with the little Yaris. In the wet, it absolutely has no equal. All that said, what makes it different to any other car on sale is the way it makes you feel special knowing you are driving something that really shouldn’t exist in 2023 namely an ICE car built as a homologation special for the WRC. We are unlikely to see anything like this again.
I had a focus RS. I felt that it was way too fast in all weather. You wouldn't drive it faster in the dry than in the wet. It went around corners so fast with so little movement I found it quite boring. Other than that when you overtake another car it will try and pull you off the road and the ride was horrifying. I found myself having to slow down as it would just bounce down some roads that a basic golf TDI would not. It had to go.
Lucky enough to have daily use of a Clio 182 Trophy and GR Yaris. Very different cars, both excellent for different reasons. The 182 feels so raw and genuinely rapid. The GR feels effortlessly fast and so well sorted. You can get the Clio close to its limit pretty easily and is very rewarding car to drive, the Yaris is always asking for more and you start wondering where the limits are. The Clio Trophy is the car I will never sell and will absolutely adore forever! “ The best hot hatches in my eyes are FWD and should always be in my opinion, the 4WD cars are just a bonus and the Yaris is the best of them.
I live in San Diego, California and drive a 1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2. Yes, you read correctly. My daily driver is a R5 Turbo2. And it has been my dream car since I was 12 years old. So you can imagine, I am a huge fan of Renault's hot hatch back catalog which, as most of you will know, are all cars we here in the U.S. did not get. I have had to watch from afar, from across a rather large body of water, all of you have all of the fun. But with the introduction of the GR Yaris that all has changed. I am so intrigued by the GR that I have taken steps to change continents... to MOVE to Europe... just so I can own and drive a GR Yaris on the regular. And before anybody suggests I just buy a GR Corolla stateside... I have. It is on order. And I am sure, when it arrives, it will be great. But the shorter wheelbase and bespoke build of the GR Yaris is much more appealing then the more mainstream variation we are getting here. The Corolla is not tied to homologating a car for a racing series nor is it as compromised as the Yaris. And being compromised IS what makes the GR Yaris so intriguing! The great cars of history often have one thing in common. Imperfection. These imperfect cars are in many ways like people. They have personality. Some are sweet and kind while others are full of verve and spice. The GR Yaris is much like the R5 Turbo. They are sharp and uncompromising in their mission. A tool if you will. The only thing that would make the GR Yaris better is if it lost it's climate control, Apple Car Play, Nav and other unnecessary fluff and just focused on being the best hot hatch it can be. That is my only rather weak gripe I have about them and it is still not enough to stop me from getting on a plane and finding a realtor.
@@Themis187 Not for sale but if you want to see it do a search on TH-cam from "Nicole Johnson Renault" and you can watch the latest episode featuring my car...
@@carelvos4673 Not for sale but if you want to see it do a search on TH-cam from "Nicole Johnson Renault" and you can watch the latest episode featuring my car...
I’ll stick to my guns here and say that in the UK a hot hatch - any hot hatch - is the perfect car for 99% of things. Super cars are great but pretty useless in our weather on our small roads.
@@justinbennitt835 fully agree. They are waaaaay too big these days. Look at the size of a 205 gti or even a mk2 golf and they are smaller than a small car these days yet they were kind of a mid size car when released - yeah 205 is debatable but it had the 106 smaller than it
I love love love small hot hatchback cars, ever since I drove a boss's 205 GTI 1.9 in 1995. I worked at a Renault dealer in the late 90s and one of the owners always got himself stuff like Clio 182s and a lovely Mégane 16v. He had an Alpine A610 that was flipping amazing and we got a French Safrane V6 BiTurbo in once for a bit of work and it's was GORRRRRRRGEOUS 😍. I love Renault's.
The GR Yaris drives like a well sorted Delta Integrale Evo 2 that has been properly put together unlike the Lancia. It’s a truly fantastic little machine that sits proudly in my garage next to my Delta Integrale Evo 2
Wow! High praise indeed! I imagine the Intergrale to be one of the greatest cars ever, not just among rally reps or hatches. So for the GR Yaris to stand comparison to it is seriously impressive.
A bit late to the party commenting here but also an owner of a GR and an Integrale Evo I with a little fettling I have to say the Yaris is outstanding and fun and communicative and lairy. The Holy Grale however is a level above. The way it steers is almost telepathic, it is brimming with feel and capability. Also that Lampredi twin cam is brilliant unit with a characterful sound
I think the GR Yaris, whilst brilliant, was lucky because its a current car. Harder for the great French cars of 10-20 years ago to win because they're in that middle space of not being on sale but not classic yet. It probably deserves its win but personally I prefer the older more analogue cars. Do this poll again in 2030 and I bet the Yaris won't win.
The GR feels very analogue for a modern car. I have had mine for 7 month now and coming from a tuned Golf R to this has made me fall in love with driving again.
GR has to deal with Euro type 6, loads of airbags, etc, etc. And still it wins. I have one, all my driving mates have one. Very wet track day just gone ,monday at brands. 2 went. NOTHING kept up! It really is that good. Try and borrow one for a weekend. I was sold after first roundabout.
As an American who's owned two MK3 Focus ST's and currently owns a new Civic Si (not technically a Hatch, but definitely the same DNA) I absolutely love this type of car. We've always been somewhat limited in the states with our hot hatch options, but there are still those of us here who appreciate them.
Unfortunately, we cannot truly appreciate what we don't know... You will probably never have the chance in the USA to try and taste a Renault Sport car (now discontinued as the Motor Sport branch of the Renault group, replaced by Alpine) whatever the segment and the generation and not only the Clio 2 RS mk3 Trophy presented here, but if you had done it you would have necessarily fallen in love with it. ^^
My first 'hot hatch' was a 1973 BMW 2000 touring with Schrick cams, twin 40's and an LSD. It even had split folding rear seats but, more importantly, it was rear wheel drive. Some folk say the Golf was the first 'hot hatch' but I know different. I have a couple of Renault 5 Gordini turbo in the 90's and they were good fun, although torque steer wasn't so I tried the VW GTi 1.6 and a Pug 205 GTi instead. In the end I went back to rear drive and had Escort RS2000 and BMW 3 series for the next 20+ years. The best of those being the E30 M3 which I still miss today. Crazy values have killed those cars for average enthusiasts nowadays though. Now I have a white goods BMW diesel daily and a Clio 182 which cost less than a set of decent GR Yaris tyres! 😆
The Yaris is so much more than its performance, really in a league of its own in terms of individuality. The fact that its appeared in an age where ICE are becoming a thing of the past makes it even more unbelievable. The people voted, and they voted for the GR Yaris. Not only the best of the past 25 years, the height of hot hatch heaven but undoubtedly one of the all time greats of ANY period.
Always liked the handling from my 1st Elise 111S to the GR Yaris Circuit Pack, both of which I use as daily drivers. Was quite surprised and happy PistonHeads readers choose the Elise Best Overall and the GR Yaris Best Hot hatch. Cannot understand why collectors mothball them away in a garage, which so many do. Just show, you don't need to rob a bank to have the best of fun ;-)
Been lucky enough to test one. Awesome engineering, massively capable in the twisties, and would definitely shame much more expensive machinery on a British B road. It would leave old hot hatches for dust, but it has nowhere near the sense of occasion or raw driving experience that the old greats had.
Even if you get a regular 182-172 dude you’ll be very happy I’ve never looked back …. Don’t limit yourself to a limit yourself to a trophy cause you’ll be scared to drive it the way it should be driven
@@Hello-ww5bi Absolutely agree. I have a standard 182 (bar a ktec backbox and eibach lowering springs) and it's an absolute hoot to drive. Had it for over 5 years yet it never gets old.
Bravo Toyota indeed. Bravo Matt as well! Loved this one. I really wish we got the GR Yaris over here, hopefully the GR Corolla captures even 80% of its energy. I'm only beginning to realize the wealth of iconic superminis we missed out on!
Given how new the GR Yaris is, it’s fair to assume most people voting for it have never driven one and were going on road tests and spec sheets. Several journos have pointed out that to drive, the fun factor isn’t that accessible and if that’s the primary factor that makes a hot hatch special, the 182 Trophy should have won hands down. I would own another one in a heartbeat.
I own a GR Yaris, and would 100% agree with you. The journo needs to do some research too I can't really take what he says as gospel when he can't even explain what the torque splits are on the centre control, which completely change the character of the car
Well done Matt, well done PH, what a great video. Both great cars, but the GR Yaris in particular is something very special. A true homologation special (perhaps the last ever?). I wonder if Toyota regret making it, if we knew the investment and cost versus subsequent competition rules changes and what they charged for it. I hope not, because the positive effect on the brand when you produce a car like this is immeasurable and will also last forever, seeing as it will go down in history as a true classic.
Good win for the GR Yaris! As a GR owner myself and having driven the Clio 182 Trophy. I would actually put the Clio in front of the Yaris. That car has an agility and flows in a way that I haven't experienced since in a hot hatch.
Great video and If I was to guess which car put the bigger smile on your face it seems to me it was the Trophy. Both are great, great cars, and having driven both I am surprised the Clio 200RS series 3 Cup did not get in among them. I own an Alpine A110 & and a Cio 200RS Cup and they are both incredible but to me, the best hot hatch must be manual & normally aspirated (and I owned 2 Lancia Delta Integrale's)
I have driven a gr yaris and owned the FK8 TYPE R the yaris is a great little car but would still take the honda as although the yaris is great fun as an only car it's not practical back seats boot space and long distance comfort honda is the better car but as a second car the yaris would make perfect sense
FK8 drives better for me then GR. Maybe Gen2 will be super close. Why Type R is better: steering, seating position, gearbox, suspension, space inside. Equal: engine sound (each is different but not super inspiring ) , brakes. GR advantage: traction
I’d love to have the GR Yaris, and it’s a real shame they never sold it in Canada, yet the GR Corolla is available here..but good luck getting your hands on one!
i absolutely agree with the yaris GR being in the podium, but there's no way that the clio sport trophy ph2 is not the best hot hatch in history, still to this day is faster in track than a ton of hot hatches, great video mate
I've got a 04 182, paid £2500 in 2020, probably put around 2k into it including mods and maintenance, and wouldn't swap it for anything sub 10k. Absolutely epic little car.
@@tomm9716 Took mine to the ring last month. Was absolutely faultess and completely held it's own compared to much more expensive cars! All for sub 5k. Love it
@@coxbright OEM Cup dampers, Eibach springs, remap, faty induction, stock cat derestriction, new OEM suspension bushes all around, braided brake lines, snappy recovered steering wheel and Michelin pilot sport 3s all around. IMO messing further with the suspension would just ruin it on the road. Only thing I would like is a PMS exhaust at some point
Such a good car, just a note for any potential owners. If you go for a test drive and like it wait until you've had an hour or so on your favourite twisty B road you'll be blown away. It's small enough to be at home on these B roads plus you sit higher and get better visibility.
The Yaris is a mini GTR and history will remember it as that. However I think the Clio will still be top dog down the line and it's more to do with the weight and powerband being more akin to the original definition of a hot hatch. I'm not saying the Yaris isn't one and without sounding like a right boring bastard, it's a hyper hatch. I have a silly typhoon induction on my Clio and when it comes on at 5k it's just a joy. I love turbo noises but heart over head and the Clio get my vote. I'm also poor and don't have 30k 😂
Fair comment and I agree. Integrales, Escort Cosworths, WRX STIs and EVO's were rally reps, not hot hatchbacks. But cars like the 4wd golfs have blurred the line and changed the definition (which perhaps they are allowed to do seeing as they invented the whole thing in the first place) so you have to include the GR Yaris today. But you're right, there is still a difference between a 4wd turbo rocket and a fwd lift off oversteer hooligan. Both types can be great though.
Best hot hatch today, only wish Toyota brought the GR Corolla here in Europe for us with families....the Yaris is a tight fit unfortunatelly, and cannot work as a daily for some of us.
@@johnteahan2333 yes, I love the fact the yaris is a homologation special, hard core rally racer, but just cant live with it on a daily basis and cannot justify owning a 3rd "weekend fun car" in the family, while the kids are still small. Many of us need a 1st or 2nd daily driven fun car, and the corolla would be perfect. Short of that we are left with a VW corp mqb platfprm car with a dsg if we want 4wd ( formentor, golf r, s3...)...no manual choices.
As a person of some age (55), who daily drives a Renault 5 Turbo 2 here in the states I have to disagree with you. Granted, we Americans did not get the outstanding wave of hot hatches that Europe got over the past decades but I know enough to know that the GR Yaris should rightly be considered for the crown. It's combination of power (but not to much power), transitional AWD, reasonable curb weight and correct wheelbase is going to make it a hard act to beat by the likes of the an ITR, Peugeot 205, Focus RS's... All great cars but not on the same playing field as this bespoke, homologated racer. The GR Yaris is a hero car the same way an R5 Turbo or 205 T-16 is. It is simply epic and I am so envious of those that live where they are sold.
Mate,I owned 2000 s hot hatched ,evos ad the like..the traction this thing offers o crazy. Sure I like the odd Evo or two,but even my friends who still own em are amazed at this little rocket .and it isn't even remapped or anything lol . And yes,all of my older hatches /evos/ 90s/2000s rocket were modified..go drive a standard one and realize tech has moved on in leaps and bounds ..
The GR Yaris is undeniably a great car, but it's worth considering whether we should lump all hot hatches into the same category. There's quite a range, from affordable options like used to be the Renault Clio to more expensive models like the Yaris. Each hot hatch brings something unique to the table. Personally, I find that the Ford Fiesta ST mk8 has a distinct personality that sets it apart from other performance-focused models like the Type R or GR. The Fiesta ST manages to deliver a thrilling and fun experience, for little amount of money, like the Clio, which is what many of us seek in the true GTI segment. But while the Clio RS was undoubtedly an extraordinary car, I believe that nostalgia sometimes clouds our judgment. Technological advancements have greatly improved hot hatches over the past decade, and we now produce even better ones, which is why I believe that there are better cars than the Clio RS, such as the Fiesta ST, or even the Mini Cooper R56 GP 2, that would have been worthy contenders for that spot.
I’m not a Renault or die fan boy but, I do like a lot of their hot hatches over the last 30+ years. The Clio Trophy is one of their very best. All that said, when the GR Yaris came around I just had to have one. Like my other favourites, it just puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Hard to argue with the GR being the best / most iconic hot hatch. There's more powerful, more luxurious hot hatches but as a petrol head I'd rather have the GR. Its special!
@Darren Prior I've recently parted with another very impressive hot hatch the mk3 megane RS, mainly track prepared but my god it takes something special to keep up with it on track. Would love a GR but my track time is on hold as I have my first child, got a 3.0 Audi S4 B9 now 🤷😂
Most iconic hot hatch? Were you born yesterday? MK 1 Golf GTI, 205 GTI, R5 (maxi or not), Saxo VTS and the list could continue with more iconic hot hatches.
@mistreku shut up and get out the 80s 😂 the GR will go down along side with the Lancia and all the greats, you being patriotic to the past is admirable but you've got to give credit where credit is due. The tech in this car is unique and will go down of one of the best hatches of its generation and you know it will
@@Mo55y90 yea, maybe it will go down as an iconic hot hatch, at moment it's a show case of technology, but iconic? not yet. ask anywhere for an "iconic" hot hatch, and see how many ppl will mention the yaris.
My partner has Williams Clio and a Clio trophy and the gr Yaris they are all fantastic cars in their own right I've had my Williams for well over 20 years
I would’ve loved to have seen a track battle with these two. I’ve had a good play with a gr and clio sport on the roads around caffeine and machine and the gr couldn’t get away
If it’s out of the two, definitely the Clio, back to basics hot hatch whereas the GR has all the trickery gimmicks. It also looks weird and not well proportioned. Renault know how to make a great hot hatch for many decades and I am not even a Renault fan.
@@VidNibs I think the Clio looks simple and stylish, the GR is like a city car trying hard with its arches and pointy bits. I know I am in the minority but just my opinion on it.
The GR Yaris isn’t on sale here in the US, and I couldn’t afford one anyway, but at least I have a Tomica diecast version! On the other hand, if I could have any hatch from any era, it would be a Peugeot 205 T16.
Question is, does more grip equal more fun. My Williams has strong front grip but a Mobile rear! My Bet the Clio would've been more fun if you let it Dance where the Yaris has almost invincible grip and you'd have to be going silly speeds to slide it!!
Clio Williams is the greatest hot hatch ever made!! Driven a GRY..doesn't come close to as much fun for the points you make. So much more a drivers car...the Yaris is on rails qnd does everything for you...boring!!!!!
Its just cheaper and easier to get a standard 172/182 and put some bilstiens on or something. Even the cup suspension is fine really. Find some turinis and you're golden
@@ClintWestmetal88 I nearly bought one myself, but couldn't justify price over a standard 182. Was a daily driver after all. Fancy dampers make a huge difference?
3:21, I think I read some where that the car was actually developed for rally but the regulations changed making all the engineering effort put into the car useless. So they decided to just modify it to a road car to try and recoup the development costs. Maybe that's why it's astonishingly good for a mere Toyota, a modern homologation car.
So the latest bespoke hot hatch is the best ? Wow that's a surprise . But well done the old Renault for coming a close second, I think that says at all . Well done Clio !!!!
Was this awarded or voted for? I cant imagine anybody voting for the yaris over the clio apart from journos with a vested intetest in keeping a manufacturer happy...
Does anyone know how a 172 cup stacks up against thr 182 trophy? Every one seems to bang on about the trophy but there silly money now. I have the opportunity to buy a 172 cup at a fair price and I'm weighing up wether I should or not.
GR Yaris was done right by Toyota, who squeezed almost as much performance as they could straight out of the box. But there’s other hot hatches I’d buy for a fraction of the cost of a GR Yaris, that have heaps of tunability & worthy of upgrading with the myriad of aftermarket parts. I’m more than happy owning a stage 1 Audi S1 as a road car, & a Stage 2.5 S1 track car. Both cars bought & built for less than the cost of one GR Yaris here in Australia, and the track prepared S1 is more than a match for any GR Yaris, and the Audi now has more of the modifications that Toyota put in place on the Yaris from the factory. Audi really missed a big opportunity developing an RS version of the A1 which would have been so easy to do considering how much they had to under-tune the S1 from factory so it didn’t outshine the S3.
Dont get me wrong, the yaris is a cool car and I want one, but everyone talks about how impressive 261 hp from a 1618 CC three cylinder, meanwhile BRP have been selling seadoos with a 300 HP 1630 CC supercharged three cylinder since 2016.
It's the bespoke structure that blew me away. Other car manufacturers should take note instead of masking their humble platforms with electronics. However, the Clio is far more a true hot hatch due to its simplicity.
“Masking their humble platforms with electronics” This is why the GRY is so special. Turn off all is electronics and you are left with a platform with mechanical grip that has no equal (as an example the chassis of my GRY apparently has 10x the number of chassis weld points than a regular Yaris). It’s an amazing car and can’t see me selling it any time soon.
@@VidNibs No, I ain't fella, that would be like comparing apples with pears. That old Clio is a pure " hot hatch " in spirit with it's simplicity and purity, warts and all.
@@chawenhalo0089 Think I see where you are coming from but not sure why the Clio is a better hot hatch because it’s simpler. Taking that line of thought to its logical conclusion would the hot hatch purists not say the Mk1 Golf was the Daddy here? Not a segment of the market I follow TBH so happy to be guided.
@@sultanoftippoo3857 Oh no, I'd much rather have the GR in this day and age, it's a far more competent car, 200% with you in that one. But because I'm an old git I can tell you from experience that there a few better things than a "shopping trolley" with a good hearty naturally aspirated engine for fun on British B roads! You have into account these things were cheap as chips, so you didn't mind if you bent it. I'd cry if I damaged a GRY!
I got mine a few weeks ago…I still can’t believe how good it is. Every drive feels special. Although I worked for Porsche for 10 Years, where I had constant access to all of their products, the GR still amazes me. What a Gem- THANK YOU TOYOTA!
It is I have 1:35 GR now and loving it , ex 997 911 GT3 owner
GR owner here. It really is that good. Used to own a Fiesta ST then a Focus RS which I swapped for the Yaris. It really is the best of both worlds. As light, agile and compact as a Fiesta yet staggering AWD traction and as quick as an RS upto legal speeds, and genuinely quicker than a lot more expensive and exotic machinery on your typical greasy British B road. It really is a very special machine. Oh and has a 10 year warranty that includes track use.
I also owned a few modern hot hatches, including a Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S, Volkswagen Golf R32, and MK3 Ford Focus RS. The Focus RS felt heavy and slow (except for launch control), and the Clubsport S had ridiculous wheel hop. The Toyota GR Yaris is the best of the bunch, and as you rightly mention, it also has track-day warranty.
I also own a GRY circuit and totally agree with everything you said. In Lincolnshire where I live we have a lot of bumpy B roads and in the dry there is very little that could keep up with the little Yaris. In the wet, it absolutely has no equal.
All that said, what makes it different to any other car on sale is the way it makes you feel special knowing you are driving something that really shouldn’t exist in 2023 namely an ICE car built as a homologation special for the WRC. We are unlikely to see anything like this again.
I had a focus RS. I felt that it was way too fast in all weather. You wouldn't drive it faster in the dry than in the wet.
It went around corners so fast with so little movement I found it quite boring.
Other than that when you overtake another car it will try and pull you off the road and the ride was horrifying. I found myself having to slow down as it would just bounce down some roads that a basic golf TDI would not. It had to go.
It’s up to 10 year warranty, I fully expect Toyota to drop it in the future
@@Andy-2022 why would they? They’ve recently upped it from 5 years in line with the rest of their range.
Lucky enough to have daily use of a Clio 182 Trophy and GR Yaris. Very different cars, both excellent for different reasons. The 182 feels so raw and genuinely rapid. The GR feels effortlessly fast and so well sorted.
You can get the Clio close to its limit pretty easily and is very rewarding car to drive, the Yaris is always asking for more and you start wondering where the limits are.
The Clio Trophy is the car I will never sell and will absolutely adore forever! “
The best hot hatches in my eyes are FWD and should always be in my opinion, the 4WD cars are just a bonus and the Yaris is the best of them.
Agree, the Yaris is a hatch and it is hot, but it's more like mentioned Impreza and Evo's which aren't usually consider hot hatches...
You are forgetting the best of both worlds... a RWD hot hatch. My 83' Renault R5 Turbo 2 fit the bill nicely.
I have a Williams and was wondering if the Yaris was a different beast to the Clio Hot hatches. I would put the Yaris in the Integrale bracket!!
If you've got that sort of money available why didn't you buy a R26R. It's a no brainer.
@@robaustin245 it’s on the list for the future! Plus, I’ve had the trophy for 7 years, it wasn’t an expensive purchase at the time
I live in San Diego, California and drive a 1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2. Yes, you read correctly. My daily driver is a R5 Turbo2. And it has been my dream car since I was 12 years old. So you can imagine, I am a huge fan of Renault's hot hatch back catalog which, as most of you will know, are all cars we here in the U.S. did not get. I have had to watch from afar, from across a rather large body of water, all of you have all of the fun. But with the introduction of the GR Yaris that all has changed. I am so intrigued by the GR that I have taken steps to change continents... to MOVE to Europe... just so I can own and drive a GR Yaris on the regular. And before anybody suggests I just buy a GR Corolla stateside... I have. It is on order. And I am sure, when it arrives, it will be great. But the shorter wheelbase and bespoke build of the GR Yaris is much more appealing then the more mainstream variation we are getting here. The Corolla is not tied to homologating a car for a racing series nor is it as compromised as the Yaris. And being compromised IS what makes the GR Yaris so intriguing! The great cars of history often have one thing in common. Imperfection. These imperfect cars are in many ways like people. They have personality. Some are sweet and kind while others are full of verve and spice. The GR Yaris is much like the R5 Turbo. They are sharp and uncompromising in their mission. A tool if you will. The only thing that would make the GR Yaris better is if it lost it's climate control, Apple Car Play, Nav and other unnecessary fluff and just focused on being the best hot hatch it can be. That is my only rather weak gripe I have about them and it is still not enough to stop me from getting on a plane and finding a realtor.
Renault 5 turbo is for sale ?:)please
@@Themis187 Not for sale but if you want to see it do a search on TH-cam from "Nicole Johnson Renault" and you can watch the latest episode featuring my car...
I would like too know if the R5 is for sale?
@@carelvos4673 Not for sale but if you want to see it do a search on TH-cam from "Nicole Johnson Renault" and you can watch the latest episode featuring my car...
do you know a car like renault clio 3 rs f1 r27 ? amazing car
I’ll stick to my guns here and say that in the UK a hot hatch - any hot hatch - is the perfect car for 99% of things. Super cars are great but pretty useless in our weather on our small roads.
@@justinbennitt835 fully agree. They are waaaaay too big these days. Look at the size of a 205 gti or even a mk2 golf and they are smaller than a small car these days yet they were kind of a mid size car when released - yeah 205 is debatable but it had the 106 smaller than it
I love love love small hot hatchback cars, ever since I drove a boss's 205 GTI 1.9 in 1995. I worked at a Renault dealer in the late 90s and one of the owners always got himself stuff like Clio 182s and a lovely Mégane 16v. He had an Alpine A610 that was flipping amazing and we got a French Safrane V6 BiTurbo in once for a bit of work and it's was GORRRRRRRGEOUS 😍. I love Renault's.
The GR Yaris drives like a well sorted Delta Integrale Evo 2 that has been properly put together unlike the Lancia. It’s a truly fantastic little machine that sits proudly in my garage next to my Delta Integrale Evo 2
Wow! High praise indeed! I imagine the Intergrale to be one of the greatest cars ever, not just among rally reps or hatches. So for the GR Yaris to stand comparison to it is seriously impressive.
No way. GRY has nothing like the communication of an Integrale.
surely the integrale is the more visceral
@@iamspyvspy3077 do you get drive them both back to back regularly?
A bit late to the party commenting here but also an owner of a GR and an Integrale Evo I with a little fettling I have to say the Yaris is outstanding and fun and communicative and lairy. The Holy Grale however is a level above. The way it steers is almost telepathic, it is brimming with feel and capability. Also that Lampredi twin cam is brilliant unit with a characterful sound
I think the GR Yaris, whilst brilliant, was lucky because its a current car. Harder for the great French cars of 10-20 years ago to win because they're in that middle space of not being on sale but not classic yet. It probably deserves its win but personally I prefer the older more analogue cars. Do this poll again in 2030 and I bet the Yaris won't win.
The GR feels very analogue for a modern car. I have had mine for 7 month now and coming from a tuned Golf R to this has made me fall in love with driving again.
GR has to deal with Euro type 6, loads of airbags, etc, etc. And still it wins. I have one, all my driving mates have one. Very wet track day just gone ,monday at brands. 2 went. NOTHING kept up! It really is that good. Try and borrow one for a weekend. I was sold after first roundabout.
You can feel the GR is a bespoke platform when you drive it. It feels special in every aspect!
As an American who's owned two MK3 Focus ST's and currently owns a new Civic Si (not technically a Hatch, but definitely the same DNA) I absolutely love this type of car. We've always been somewhat limited in the states with our hot hatch options, but there are still those of us here who appreciate them.
America doesn't even get the smaller hatches like the Yaris nevermind half of the bigger hatchbacks. Feel sorry for u guys
Unfortunately, we cannot truly appreciate what we don't know... You will probably never have the chance in the USA to try and taste a Renault Sport car (now discontinued as the Motor Sport branch of the Renault group, replaced by Alpine) whatever the segment and the generation and not only the Clio 2 RS mk3 Trophy presented here, but if you had done it you would have necessarily fallen in love with it. ^^
My first 'hot hatch' was a 1973 BMW 2000 touring with Schrick cams, twin 40's and an LSD. It even had split folding rear seats but, more importantly, it was rear wheel drive. Some folk say the Golf was the first 'hot hatch' but I know different. I have a couple of Renault 5 Gordini turbo in the 90's and they were good fun, although torque steer wasn't so I tried the VW GTi 1.6 and a Pug 205 GTi instead. In the end I went back to rear drive and had Escort RS2000 and BMW 3 series for the next 20+ years. The best of those being the E30 M3 which I still miss today. Crazy values have killed those cars for average enthusiasts nowadays though. Now I have a white goods BMW diesel daily and a Clio 182 which cost less than a set of decent GR Yaris tyres! 😆
The Yaris is so much more than its performance, really in a league of its own in terms of individuality. The fact that its appeared in an age where ICE are becoming a thing of the past makes it even more unbelievable. The people voted, and they voted for the GR Yaris. Not only the best of the past 25 years, the height of hot hatch heaven but undoubtedly one of the all time greats of ANY period.
Always liked the handling from my 1st Elise 111S to the GR Yaris Circuit Pack, both of which I use as daily drivers.
Was quite surprised and happy PistonHeads readers choose the Elise Best Overall and the GR Yaris Best Hot hatch.
Cannot understand why collectors mothball them away in a garage, which so many do. Just show, you don't need to rob a bank to have the best of fun ;-)
@@ronniet906 at the price point, 30k, there is no new car that even comes close to it. An Elise & Yaris is a really solid 2 car garage choice
Luckily you’re no baised at all..
Been lucky enough to test one. Awesome engineering, massively capable in the twisties, and would definitely shame much more expensive machinery on a British B road.
It would leave old hot hatches for dust, but it has nowhere near the sense of occasion or raw driving experience that the old greats had.
Amen.
Great result, the right result, I’m 49 and had loads of cars. The GR is the one I love and will be keeping.
I've always wanted a Clio 182 Trophy, even if it's not a Trophy I'd like a fast Clio of some type one day. Great things.
Great cars those 172-182. The rs200 is a bit to big and heavy in my eyes
Even if you get a regular 182-172 dude you’ll be very happy I’ve never looked back …. Don’t limit yourself to a limit yourself to a trophy cause you’ll be scared to drive it the way it should be driven
@@Hello-ww5bi Absolutely agree. I have a standard 182 (bar a ktec backbox and eibach lowering springs) and it's an absolute hoot to drive. Had it for over 5 years yet it never gets old.
Having missed the
- Lancia Stratos
- Audi
- Lancia Delta
- Evo6
I now own a GR Yaris. - BEST DECISION EVER that was. *smile
Bravo Toyota indeed. Bravo Matt as well! Loved this one. I really wish we got the GR Yaris over here, hopefully the GR Corolla captures even 80% of its energy. I'm only beginning to realize the wealth of iconic superminis we missed out on!
Brilliant video, precise and clear but also captured the essence of these brilliant machines. Bravo!
Given how new the GR Yaris is, it’s fair to assume most people voting for it have never driven one and were going on road tests and spec sheets. Several journos have pointed out that to drive, the fun factor isn’t that accessible and if that’s the primary factor that makes a hot hatch special, the 182 Trophy should have won hands down. I would own another one in a heartbeat.
No bias here whatsoever 😂
I drove it, twice "not accessible" is the biggest BS ever. It's actually perfect for B road fun
You sound a bit sore about it.
I own a GR Yaris, and would 100% agree with you.
The journo needs to do some research too I can't really take what he says as gospel when he can't even explain what the torque splits are on the centre control, which completely change the character of the car
Trophy is a 182 with additional upgraded coilovers and paint,Toyota produced a unique bespoke car by comparison.
Well done Matt, well done PH, what a great video. Both great cars, but the GR Yaris in particular is something very special. A true homologation special (perhaps the last ever?). I wonder if Toyota regret making it, if we knew the investment and cost versus subsequent competition rules changes and what they charged for it. I hope not, because the positive effect on the brand when you produce a car like this is immeasurable and will also last forever, seeing as it will go down in history as a true classic.
Enjoyed that video! I’m a 172 cup owner and I love that car too
Howdy from another 172cup owner... I think the values will soon climb again
So love the GR Yaris? Sell your shitbox
Had a 981 Cayman GT4 and a GR Yaris in the garage. Still have the GR Yaris.
Japan really always comes up with the special soulful goods.
Good win for the GR Yaris! As a GR owner myself and having driven the Clio 182 Trophy. I would actually put the Clio in front of the Yaris. That car has an agility and flows in a way that I haven't experienced since in a hot hatch.
That's how i felt about the Clio Williams..really must have a go in a Trophy one day!
Great video and If I was to guess which car put the bigger smile on your face it seems to me it was the Trophy. Both are great, great cars, and having driven both I am surprised the Clio 200RS series 3 Cup did not get in among them. I own an Alpine A110 & and a Cio 200RS Cup and they are both incredible but to me, the best hot hatch must be manual & normally aspirated (and I owned 2 Lancia Delta Integrale's)
I have driven a gr yaris and owned the FK8 TYPE R the yaris is a great little car but would still take the honda as although the yaris is great fun as an only car it's not practical back seats boot space and long distance comfort honda is the better car but as a second car the yaris would make perfect sense
FK8 drives better for me then GR. Maybe Gen2 will be super close. Why Type R is better: steering, seating position, gearbox, suspension, space inside. Equal: engine sound (each is different but not super inspiring ) , brakes. GR advantage: traction
I’d love to have the GR Yaris, and it’s a real shame they never sold it in Canada, yet the GR Corolla is available here..but good luck getting your hands on one!
GR Yaris. The last, bespoke, great JDM car? It will go down in history.
I hope not, but maybe :(
i absolutely agree with the yaris GR being in the podium, but there's no way that the clio sport trophy ph2 is not the best hot hatch in history, still to this day is faster in track than a ton of hot hatches, great video mate
You can’t really compare them as the Yaris is a WRC homologation rally car, the Renault is a hot hatch. My GR Yaris has done 33000 miles. Amazing
Mine is 2 years old now and it still feels special!! I get bored with a car normally after a while. Not this one.🏎️💥
Kalle Rovanpera and the GR Yaris will be legends.
I've had one 3 years from new and it is certainly a keeper. A very special car out of the box!! 🤩
Having driven both and owning a trophy, I guess this tells you where my vote is… Trophy’s just feel unique and legendary
I've got a 04 182, paid £2500 in 2020, probably put around 2k into it including mods and maintenance, and wouldn't swap it for anything sub 10k. Absolutely epic little car.
Paid £1300 for mine in 2017, still love it and will never sell it
@@tomm9716 Took mine to the ring last month. Was absolutely faultess and completely held it's own compared to much more expensive cars! All for sub 5k. Love it
@@JMcKaySV Would love to do that! I'm going to Anglesey for my first ever track day in it in two weeks, can't wait.
What mod did you do?
@@coxbright OEM Cup dampers, Eibach springs, remap, faty induction, stock cat derestriction, new OEM suspension bushes all around, braided brake lines, snappy recovered steering wheel and Michelin pilot sport 3s all around. IMO messing further with the suspension would just ruin it on the road. Only thing I would like is a PMS exhaust at some point
What a brilliantly articulate presenter
Gr owner, awesome car straight out the box,also a i30N drive N owner, the yaris still ticks the boxes as the preferred choice to drive.
Great presenting, great writing, great shots. Great video.
Such a good car, just a note for any potential owners. If you go for a test drive and like it wait until you've had an hour or so on your favourite twisty B road you'll be blown away. It's small enough to be at home on these B roads plus you sit higher and get better visibility.
I’m a bit surprised no one has mentioned the focus rs. I own a GR yaris but I still have awesome memories of the rs
Yep,it gets better the more you drive it ..coming from an Evo .almost 6000 miles on it now
The Yaris is a mini GTR and history will remember it as that. However I think the Clio will still be top dog down the line and it's more to do with the weight and powerband being more akin to the original definition of a hot hatch. I'm not saying the Yaris isn't one and without sounding like a right boring bastard, it's a hyper hatch. I have a silly typhoon induction on my Clio and when it comes on at 5k it's just a joy. I love turbo noises but heart over head and the Clio get my vote.
I'm also poor and don't have 30k 😂
good luck getting one with 30k 🤷🏻😀
Fair comment and I agree. Integrales, Escort Cosworths, WRX STIs and EVO's were rally reps, not hot hatchbacks. But cars like the 4wd golfs have blurred the line and changed the definition (which perhaps they are allowed to do seeing as they invented the whole thing in the first place) so you have to include the GR Yaris today. But you're right, there is still a difference between a 4wd turbo rocket and a fwd lift off oversteer hooligan. Both types can be great though.
Best hot hatch today, only wish Toyota brought the GR Corolla here in Europe for us with families....the Yaris is a tight fit unfortunatelly, and cannot work as a daily for some of us.
Same, I need back doors and more space
@@johnteahan2333 yes, I love the fact the yaris is a homologation special, hard core rally racer, but just cant live with it on a daily basis and cannot justify owning a 3rd "weekend fun car" in the family, while the kids are still small. Many of us need a 1st or 2nd daily driven fun car, and the corolla would be perfect. Short of that we are left with a VW corp mqb platfprm car with a dsg if we want 4wd ( formentor, golf r, s3...)...no manual choices.
You can tell most of the people who voted, are of the younger generation, as this doesn't even come close to the hot hatches of the early 2000's
As a person of some age (55), who daily drives a Renault 5 Turbo 2 here in the states I have to disagree with you. Granted, we Americans did not get the outstanding wave of hot hatches that Europe got over the past decades but I know enough to know that the GR Yaris should rightly be considered for the crown. It's combination of power (but not to much power), transitional AWD, reasonable curb weight and correct wheelbase is going to make it a hard act to beat by the likes of the an ITR, Peugeot 205, Focus RS's... All great cars but not on the same playing field as this bespoke, homologated racer. The GR Yaris is a hero car the same way an R5 Turbo or 205 T-16 is. It is simply epic and I am so envious of those that live where they are sold.
Mate,I owned 2000 s hot hatched ,evos ad the like..the traction this thing offers o crazy. Sure I like the odd Evo or two,but even my friends who still own em are amazed at this little rocket .and it isn't even remapped or anything lol .
And yes,all of my older hatches /evos/ 90s/2000s rocket were modified..go drive a standard one and realize tech has moved on in leaps and bounds ..
Very well done Toyota, their only in house made sports car is one of the greatest cars ever! ❤️🙌🏻
The GR Yaris is undeniably a great car, but it's worth considering whether we should lump all hot hatches into the same category. There's quite a range, from affordable options like used to be the Renault Clio to more expensive models like the Yaris. Each hot hatch brings something unique to the table. Personally, I find that the Ford Fiesta ST mk8 has a distinct personality that sets it apart from other performance-focused models like the Type R or GR. The Fiesta ST manages to deliver a thrilling and fun experience, for little amount of money, like the Clio, which is what many of us seek in the true GTI segment. But while the Clio RS was undoubtedly an extraordinary car, I believe that nostalgia sometimes clouds our judgment. Technological advancements have greatly improved hot hatches over the past decade, and we now produce even better ones, which is why I believe that there are better cars than the Clio RS, such as the Fiesta ST, or even the Mini Cooper R56 GP 2, that would have been worthy contenders for that spot.
Great car but with 4wd can it be considered a true hot hatch
It's a hatchback and it's hot so yes - FWD, RWD or AWD however it puts its power to the tarmac is irrelevant
I’m not a Renault or die fan boy but, I do like a lot of their hot hatches over the last 30+ years. The Clio Trophy is one of their very best. All that said, when the GR Yaris came around I just had to have one. Like my other favourites, it just puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Hard to argue with the GR being the best / most iconic hot hatch. There's more powerful, more luxurious hot hatches but as a petrol head I'd rather have the GR. Its special!
Agree. I own one. Never going to part with it. It's an astonishingly good car.
@Darren Prior I've recently parted with another very impressive hot hatch the mk3 megane RS, mainly track prepared but my god it takes something special to keep up with it on track. Would love a GR but my track time is on hold as I have my first child, got a 3.0 Audi S4 B9 now 🤷😂
Most iconic hot hatch? Were you born yesterday? MK 1 Golf GTI, 205 GTI, R5 (maxi or not), Saxo VTS and the list could continue with more iconic hot hatches.
@mistreku shut up and get out the 80s 😂 the GR will go down along side with the Lancia and all the greats, you being patriotic to the past is admirable but you've got to give credit where credit is due. The tech in this car is unique and will go down of one of the best hatches of its generation and you know it will
@@Mo55y90 yea, maybe it will go down as an iconic hot hatch, at moment it's a show case of technology, but iconic? not yet. ask anywhere for an "iconic" hot hatch, and see how many ppl will mention the yaris.
My partner has Williams Clio and a Clio trophy and the gr Yaris they are all fantastic cars in their own right I've had my Williams for well over 20 years
There is one problem with this car.....
It's so good I'll never be able to bring myself to sell it ❤😅
Have it , love it!! Fantastic all year fun to drive car!!
I would’ve loved to have seen a track battle with these two. I’ve had a good play with a gr and clio sport on the roads around caffeine and machine and the gr couldn’t get away
7-8s inbetween them on short tracks (1,5min round) - no competition
I'll take the Clio any day, no matter how great the Yaris is, the Clio just has that emotional bond I can't describe
Picking up my Rally in 2 days, can’t wait 🎉
If it’s out of the two, definitely the Clio, back to basics hot hatch whereas the GR has all the trickery gimmicks. It also looks weird and not well proportioned. Renault know how to make a great hot hatch for many decades and I am not even a Renault fan.
@@VidNibs I think the Clio looks simple and stylish, the GR is like a city car trying hard with its arches and pointy bits. I know I am in the minority but just my opinion on it.
I daily a 172 cup and I'm soon receiving my GR... so I'm glad I've got it so right 😁
The GR Yaris isn’t on sale here in the US, and I couldn’t afford one anyway, but at least I have a Tomica diecast version! On the other hand, if I could have any hatch from any era, it would be a Peugeot 205 T16.
Iconic car that 205, but the road version was a bit of a dog....
Excellent work young man...escort rs cosworth vs gr yaris would make a lovely test
I think the last of Clio RS 200 Cup Mark 3 was a better car
Correct
Yes I agree I love my GR Yaris.
BTW, intergra type R is the best ever imho
Incredible video.
Awesome way how to start a day. Esp knowing that GR sits in the garage
honda integra type r is the best hot hatch ever!!! just my opinion
I absolutely adore the 1*2 they were fantastic tintops. Had one on ITBs. That said, the Yaris GR is in a completely different league….
I bet that sounded as fun as the car itself 😍
I’m waiting for mine YAGR. Anyways all hot hatches and performance cars are great, depends on your preferences. Peace 🙏.
Question is, does more grip equal more fun. My Williams has strong front grip but a Mobile rear!
My Bet the Clio would've been more fun if you let it Dance where the Yaris has almost invincible grip and you'd have to be going silly speeds to slide it!!
Clio Williams is the greatest hot hatch ever made!! Driven a GRY..doesn't come close to as much fun for the points you make. So much more a drivers car...the Yaris is on rails qnd does everything for you...boring!!!!!
What about the EK9 Honda civic type r for the last 25 years?
For a car of this class don’t look anywhere else. Perfect example of engineering excellence over marketing hype
Awesome channel
Some would argue that the Lancia Delta integralle to be the best hot hatch.
Love it guys
Poor standard 182 gets no love.
The fancy Sachs dampers are cool but a pain to service. Plus a Trophy is like 3x the price.
Trophy' at £20k sure don't look like a bargain - Give me a Clio RS200 and 10k to "improve" it over a Trophy anyday
Its just cheaper and easier to get a standard 172/182 and put some bilstiens on or something. Even the cup suspension is fine really. Find some turinis and you're golden
Now it is, I bought my Trophy for 5 grand in 2014 on 78k miles. I got in at the right time!
@@ClintWestmetal88 I nearly bought one myself, but couldn't justify price over a standard 182. Was a daily driver after all.
Fancy dampers make a huge difference?
@@jackiechan8840 It is noticeable for sure. They are utterly unfazed by poor tarmac down your favourite B-road.
I would love a 182 so badly . To bad they are almost never for sale in Netherlands 😞
Sorry did you not know where the wipers and screen wash were.
3:21, I think I read some where that the car was actually developed for rally but the regulations changed making all the engineering effort put into the car useless. So they decided to just modify it to a road car to try and recoup the development costs. Maybe that's why it's astonishingly good for a mere Toyota, a modern homologation car.
So the latest bespoke hot hatch is the best ? Wow that's a surprise . But well done the old Renault for coming a close second, I think that says at all . Well done Clio !!!!
Was this awarded or voted for? I cant imagine anybody voting for the yaris over the clio apart from journos with a vested intetest in keeping a manufacturer happy...
Voted for by thousands of PHers. It was mighty close, but the GR Yaris came out on top.
@@PistonHeadsTV Interesting, I guess only a few hundred people have driven the Trophy, vs 25,000 people who've experienced the Yaris.
Should have used the ep3 too
Does anyone know how a 172 cup stacks up against thr 182 trophy?
Every one seems to bang on about the trophy but there silly money now. I have the opportunity to buy a 172 cup at a fair price and I'm weighing up wether I should or not.
From what I understand it's mainly in handling. I imagine a good suspension package would get you pretty close
I know its older then 25 years, but the best hatch must be delta integrale. History plus different concept, in my book for sure number 1
Great video but the Toyota GR YARIS IS SOLD OUT AND THE TOYOTA GR86 SOLD OUT TOO
Yaris inspires more fear than a tank, the Clio in comparison looks like a ''creature'' of Figoni et Falaschi.
Who would expect that the most hardcore and only hot hatch would be the Toyota Yaris!
i like thr peugeot rcz as well
Great Car - I always love to drive it👍🤟
GR Yaris was done right by Toyota, who squeezed almost as much performance as they could straight out of the box. But there’s other hot hatches I’d buy for a fraction of the cost of a GR Yaris, that have heaps of tunability & worthy of upgrading with the myriad of aftermarket parts. I’m more than happy owning a stage 1 Audi S1 as a road car, & a Stage 2.5 S1 track car. Both cars bought & built for less than the cost of one GR Yaris here in Australia, and the track prepared S1 is more than a match for any GR Yaris, and the Audi now has more of the modifications that Toyota put in place on the Yaris from the factory. Audi really missed a big opportunity developing an RS version of the A1 which would have been so easy to do considering how much they had to under-tune the S1 from factory so it didn’t outshine the S3.
Gutted I didn't buy one when they were on interest free finance... Pretty much free money, looking at the current second hand prices!
Dont get me wrong, the yaris is a cool car and I want one, but everyone talks about how impressive 261 hp from a 1618 CC three cylinder, meanwhile BRP have been selling seadoos with a 300 HP 1630 CC supercharged three cylinder since 2016.
Both Cars absolutely perfect
Sold my Clio RS 182 in 2009 because I was going back to studies... Man the regret... Now own a Megane 4 GT 205 by RS, it's nice but not the same...
It's the bespoke structure that blew me away. Other car manufacturers should take note instead of masking their humble platforms with electronics. However, the Clio is far more a true hot hatch due to its simplicity.
“Masking their humble platforms with electronics”
This is why the GRY is so special. Turn off all is electronics and you are left with a platform with mechanical grip that has no equal (as an example the chassis of my GRY apparently has 10x the number of chassis weld points than a regular Yaris).
It’s an amazing car and can’t see me selling it any time soon.
@@VidNibs No, I ain't fella, that would be like comparing apples with pears. That old Clio is a pure " hot hatch " in spirit with it's simplicity and purity, warts and all.
@@sultanoftippoo3857 read again fella...
@@chawenhalo0089 Think I see where you are coming from but not sure why the Clio is a better hot hatch because it’s simpler. Taking that line of thought to its logical conclusion would the hot hatch purists not say the Mk1 Golf was the Daddy here? Not a segment of the market I follow TBH so happy to be guided.
@@sultanoftippoo3857 Oh no, I'd much rather have the GR in this day and age, it's a far more competent car, 200% with you in that one. But because I'm an old git I can tell you from experience that there a few better things than a "shopping trolley" with a good hearty naturally aspirated engine for fun on British B roads! You have into account these things were cheap as chips, so you didn't mind if you bent it. I'd cry if I damaged a GRY!
Wish they would bring gr Corolla.. a manual golf r and the veloster n.... here..
Why do so many have low mileage and two ( + ) owners ?
What is the problem, still really need to test drive one.
Drove this and the i30n sedan and ended up buying the i30 . Just sounded better and quicker, better value
Happy times
Well done Toyota for building it, the escort cosworth of its day, last of a breed ??
what a car!
Erm, Civic Type R? Or about about an RS Megane. The GR is very good but I’m not sure it’s great.
I think much of the obsession is that it's a homologation car. Putting that aside, it's a great hot hatch, but definitely not the best.