Toyota GR Yaris power boost! Official upgrade sees wild hot hatch's torque figure climb to GRMN levels

One of the world's wildest hot hatches is about to get a little bit wilder, with Toyota in Japan revealing an "upgrade" to the GR Yaris that boosts the vehicle's already impressive torque outputs.

Detailed as an optional upgrade, the work includes the installing of "GR Yaris Performance Software 2.0", a rally-derived technology that promised more potent – but still smooth – acceleration from the off.

The upgrade sees the torque number climb from 370Nm to 390Nm, with the 20Nm increase representing a 5.5 per cent increase in power.

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The power figure, however, appears to remain unchanged, with the three-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine still producing a formidable 200kW.

It should also have a positive impact on the GR Yaris' sprint to 100km/h, currently billed at 5.2 seconds. How big a change is yet to be detailed, but any downward movement is good news for buyers.

The upgrade in Japan will set local buyers back 141,400 yen, which is around $1500 Australian dollars.

Toyota in Australia has been contacted for comment, but at this stage is yet to confirm the upgrade for Australian vehicles. That said, a software update is a very easy thing to export, so we can keep our fingers crossed.

Interestingly, the upgrade would put the GR Yaris smack in the middle of the outputs of its GR Corolla big brother.

That model will be offered in two engine outputs options – while sharing its power-plant with the GR Yaris – with the regular GR Corolla reporting 370Nm, and the two-seat version delivering 400Nm.

The bigger GR model also suggests Toyota is keen to offer Australian performance-car fans the most hardcore options available – which is good news for the GR Yaris upgrade.

"The introduction of GR Corolla to Australia demonstrates Toyota's commitment to continue delivering exciting new vehicles, with racing DNA at their core," says Toyota Australia's Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley.

"With its increased torque and lighter weight, the new two-seater GR Corolla, will enhance the GR brand even further by offering performance enthusiasts an even more focused version of our new hot hatch."