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Volkswagen Golf vs Toyota GR Yaris

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

$33,970 - $89,990

2023 price

Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Yaris

$37,990 - $64,989

2021 price

Summary

2023 Volkswagen Golf
2021 Toyota GR Yaris
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.6L
Fuel Type
-

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.0L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

4
Dislikes
  • Too much road noise
  • Annoying touchscreen
  • Pricey

  • Untested on Australian roads
  • Expensive for a tiny car
  • Practicality not a strong suit
2023 Volkswagen Golf Summary

In a world where hatchbacks are being cancelled left, right and centre, it was super refreshing to get into the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatch recently.

I’d driven other Mk 8 Golf models including the R flagship wagon, but this was my go in the car I’d long considered to be the best Golf for the money.

But with prices continuously cruising north - this car is now a $54,990 prospect before on-road costs - does it still make dollars and sense? And what’s it like to live with in the daily grind?

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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

2023 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Toyota GR Yaris

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