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Holden Commodore vs Toyota GR Yaris

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Holden Commodore
Holden Commodore

$9,999 - $34,990

2018 price

Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Yaris

$37,990 - $64,989

2021 price

Summary

2018 Holden Commodore
2021 Toyota GR Yaris
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.6L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.6L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

4
Dislikes
  • Relatively unassuming looks
  • V6 not as refined as the 2.0 turbo
  • VXR doesn't match the romance of old V8 SS

  • Untested on Australian roads
  • Expensive for a tiny car
  • Practicality not a strong suit
2018 Holden Commodore Summary

For many Australians, calling the new ZB a Commodore is tantamount to being forced to call your Mum’s new boyfriend ‘Dad.’ 

It's not built here, available in rear-wheel drive, there's no sign of a V8 or a sedan body, so why should we accept it as a worthy heir to the badge worn by Holden’s proudest model since 1978? 

One big reason is that it was always going to be the next Commodore, even before Holden decided to stop building cars in Australia. Yes, it was even set to be built here. 

Once the VE/VF Commodore’s Zeta platform was axed during General Motors’ post-GFC rationalisation, the next best thing was to align with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia designed primarily for Europe. 

Holden was actually involved with the new Insignia’s development from the beginning, which has led to some key details for the Commodore version and Australia, and a whole lot of input from our world-renowned Aussie engineering team. 

So it’s a whole lot more Commodore than you may realise. Whether it lives up to its reputation is another matter. 

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2021 Toyota GR Yaris Summary

I don't know why we're so surprised, really. When the world's biggest car maker decides to do something, it probably shouldn't shock us when it does that thing well. 

But it's more the size of the gap between the Toyota of yesterday and the snarling, snapping GR Yaris Rallye that's burbling away in front of me that shocks, with this boiling-hot hatch lightyears away from the Camrys and Corollas of old.

We know the GR Yaris, of course. We've reviewed it both overseas and locally, and we've roundly loved it every time we've jumped behind the wheel. 

But this Rallye ups the ante even further, adding critical race-bred equipment like 18-inch BSB lightweight forged alloy wheels, shod with Michelin 4S tyres, retuned, stiffer suspension, and most important, front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.

This is the ultimate "track-ready" Yaris, says Toyota. So that's exactly where we took it. 

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Commodore 2021 Toyota GR Yaris

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