A Ford customer reports testing and buying a new 2024 Bronco from a dealer lot.
Weeks later, he was informed that the price was wrong as it belonged to a lower trim.
After some back and forth, it appears that the dealer has ultimately backed down.
Everyone wants to leave the dealership feeling like they got a good deal, right? Well, one new Ford Bronco owner is probably going to remember their “good deal” for a while, although not necessarily for the reasons they expected. What should’ve been a smooth purchase turned into a bit of a fiasco, as the dealership allegedly sold the wrong SUV and tried to squeeze thousands more out of the buyer.
It all started a few weeks ago in North Carolina, when a Ford shopper was looking for an SUV that could handle beach trips. Naturally, the Bronco Outer Banks, named after the islands off the state’s coast, fit the bill perfectly. The buyer signed the papers, took the car home, and was probably already imagining their sand-filled adventures. But just two weeks later, the dream started to unravel.
According to a Reddit post by the frustrated Bronco buyer, their Ford salesman texted and asked for a photo of the VIN number. When they obliged, the salesman called and said they’d sold them the wrong SUV. Apparently, the Bronco they bought was worth $2,500 more than the one the dealer had intended to sell. The dealer’s solution? Pay up or come back and get the “correct” model.
The Wrong Bronco, But a Better One
“The car I took home was a higher package with better features than the one that they thought they sold me,” wrote the owner in a posting asking for legal help. “To me I thought that was BS. Why should I be responsible for their mistake? This is the car that I test drove. I didn’t test drive the ‘correct’ car. This went through 3 different people, and now suddenly they caught this mistake and are saying I either need to pay up for bring it in for the lesser value car.”
Sure enough, the paperwork had a different VIN on it. What would the customer do? One commenter on Reddit suggested two options. First, have the deal rewritten with the new VIN in place and no other changes. Second, just undo the deal entirely. In that second scenario, though, the dealer would end up having a Bronco that had 1,000+ miles (about 1,600 km) on it and had been to the beach a few times. Not exactly advertising material, then.
That said, it appears that the dealer chose option one, which seems like the right move here for everyone involved. “They reached back out and said they need a few days and for me to come in this week to adjust paperwork,” the buyer said. “Not another mention of owing money, so hopefully they will just eat the loss.”
Luckily, they did. In a follow-up post, the buyer confirmed that the dealership had honored the original deal and was updating all the paperwork accordingly. “Long story short they are honoring the originally agreed upon price and updating all paperwork,” wrote the now-happy owner.
Lessons Learned: Know When to Stand Your Ground
In this case, the customer got what they were promised, and all’s well that ends well. But it serves as a reminder of how easily things can go sideways when dealing with dealerships. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember: it’s always worth questioning what’s being presented to you, and don’t be afraid to stand firm when something feels off.
This 911 Turbo S is finished in Sepia Brown, a rare Paint to Sample option.
The highly equipped car has an MSRP of $279K and bidding hit $305K
Despite its high bid, the seller’s reserve price prevented the sale from closing.
Of all the colors available for cars, brown is hardly the first choice that comes to mind. But hey, not all browns are created equal. In fact, if you take a second look at this one, you might find yourself thinking, “Okay, that’s not half bad!”
Sure, when it comes to choosing a car color, most people default to silver, black, red, or white, which are the safe, predictable shades that are as thrilling as a trip to the dentist. But sometimes, a little risk pays off.
Despite that, the seller of this 2025 Sepia Brown 911 Turbo S managed to get a bid for $26,000 over MSRP. The German sports car was recently listed for auction through Bring a Trailer with just 142 miles (228 km) on the clock; and we do applaud the original owner for daring to think outside the box, as Sepia Brown is a Paint to Sample option, and, when viewed under the sun, does have quite a strong orange hue to it.
The Porsche also comes equipped with the Heritage Design Package, and its interior is dressed in black leather with the admittedly awesome Pepita cloth inserts on the seats and door panels. While a standard 911 Turbo S carries an MSRP of $214,140, this one clocks in at a hefty $279,020. That’s a price tag you can’t ignore, no matter how you slice it.
Bring a Trailer
Their choice was apparently vindicated as the car attracted plenty of bids, showing there’s strong demand for 911 Turbo S models that break away from the herd. The highest bid topped out at $305,500, but somehow fell short of the seller’s unspecified reserve.
In all likelihood, the seller may list the car up for auction again to try and yield a better result, or change tactics and try to sell it privately. If we were them, we’d probably have taken the $26,000 profit to the bank.
Then again, unless some unknown, very wealthy, distant relative remembers us in their will, we’ll never be able to splurge $300k on a car, so can’t really comprehend how those individuals think, right?
Audi’s new Q3 completely changes its stalk design by placing everything on one side.
While it may overcomplicate things, many automakers already use this approach.
Plenty of folks from all over the enthusiast community seem to love the move, too.
The 2026 Audi Q3 is finally here, and as expected, it brings a slew of updates. But if you’ve been paying attention, you might have already heard about the change that’s generating the most buzz, literally behind the steering wheel.
Audi’s stalk design has been reworked, and the right stalk now handles gear changes, flipping between park, drive, reverse, and neutral. This, of course, makes the left stalk even more complicated, as it now controls everything from the lights and turn signals to wipers and beyond.
It’s easy to see why some believe this over-engineered solution might turn into a headache. The last thing anyone wants is to accidentally switch off their headlights when they meant to signal a turn, and that could easily turn into a safety issue. Sure, Audi might have intended this to simplify things, but sometimes more features just means more chances to screw up.
It’s also bound to create frustration until you get used to it. Just ask all the Model, 3 Highlander drivers when Tesla swapped out stalks for steering wheel buttons and screen options.
Audi’s approach may be different, but it’s not exactly setting the stage for stress-free driving. Try activating the wipers when you only wanted to flick on the fog lights, and you’ll see exactly what we mean. That might sound a bit silly, but take a deeper look at the design itself.
A confusing stalk? Maybe not.
The stalk has a little nub on the end with five different functions on its own. It supports the turn signals (up/down), the high beams (forward/back), and the single-swipe wiper, along with the windshield washer fluid. Beyond that nub is a wheel that controls wiper speed. Beneath it is yet one more button for the rear wiper and wiper spray nozzle. To say there’s a lot going on there is quite an understatement.
Should we start bashing Audi’s interior designers over that single stalk, though? Maybe not, as there’s a lot of precedence for exactly this type of design change. For example, cross-town rival Mercedes has used almost this exact scheme for some time.
In fact, several automakers all over the world use, or at least have at one time utilized, the same general idea. That includes American brands like General Motors and Ford.
A design that divides, but is it really that bad?
Oddly enough, Audi’s stalk redesign seems to have won over some people on the internet. In a Reddit thread specifically about the new design, most commenters didn’t find it confusing at all. “It’s actually a good design,” said one person.
“This is better than the latest VW design,” said another. That’s poignant, too, because this new design incorporates a VW feature. In fact, the entire switcharoo is due to Audi moving the shifter from the center console to the right stalk, which is where VW has been putting it for years.
The latter had to deal with its own set of problems regarding steering wheel switchgear, as the haptic controls it implemented were so badly received it was eventually forced to ditch them. Its more premium sibling in the VW empire is off to a better start, but we won’t know for sure how buyers will respond when they get the car into their hands.
Toyota built the Origin to mark the production of its 100 millionth car.
The design draws inspiration from the 1955 Toyopet Crown sedan.
Beneath the retro bodywork sits a 3.0-liter 2JZ six-cylinder engine.
We all love a classic Toyota, but what if we told you that, in the early 2000s, the automaker released a special sedan that flew under the radar outside of Japan? That sedan is the Toyota Origin, a rare model with fewer than 1,100 units produced during its 12-month production run. Now, as the Origin celebrates its 25th anniversary, it might not be long before we start spotting a few of these elusive cars on US roads.
Produced between May 2000 and April 2001, the Origin might initially make you think you’ve stepped into a time machine. The design feels like something straight out of the 1950s or 1960s, and there’s a reason for that. When Toyota set out to build the Origin, they took heavy inspiration from the first-generation Crown, which debuted in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown sedan.
Now, you might be wondering, “Is that a typo? Is it really Toyopet?” No mistake here. The story goes that Toyota held a public naming competition in Japan for its first passenger car, and Toyopet came out on top.
Photos Toyota UK
The Toyopet Crown was a pivotal car in Toyota’s history and, by extension, Japan’s. It was not only Toyota’s first full-scale passenger car but also the first Japanese vehicle to be exported and sold in the mainland United States. However, the car didn’t quite win over American buyers. Between its underwhelming performance and hefty price tag of $1,999, which accounted for 67 percent of the average American’s annual wage in 1958, the Toyopet flopped hard.
If you’re trying to do the math (we definitely were), here’s the breakdown: that $1,999 from 1958 is roughly $22,468 today, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interestingly, that’s almost the exact price of Toyota’s most affordable model in the U.S. right now, the Corolla sedan, which starts at $22,325.
The Toyopet’s failure also led to the demise of its name in Western markets. As Toyota later explained, “To English-speaking ears, the Toyopet brand name was divisive, as it contained the words ‘toy’ and ‘pet’, both of which many felt had unsuitable connotations for a serious vehicle in a discerning market.”
Toyota quickly pulled it from the US market and shifted focus to the more successful Land Cruiser. Nonetheless, the Toyopet remains a sentimental part of Toyota’s history, which brings us to the Origin, a tribute to that significant first car.
The Toyota Origin: A Modern Classic
Toyota originally made the Origin to commemorate the 100 millionth vehicle it had built. The automaker did an impressive job of replicating the original Crown’s design 45 years later, though the Origin is noticeably larger, giving it a more modern feel without losing the vintage charm.
The front of the Origin is a sight to behold. It has simple round headlights and an intricate chrome-finished grille that makes the sedan seem much older than it actually is. The 1950s influence is particularly evident when viewing the Origin from the side. The front half is relatively standard for a three-box sedan, but the rest is quite unusual.
The rear end is where things get really interesting. The Origin features thick, curved C-pillars that blend into the roof, and the rear window has an unusual shape that adds to the unique look. The back doors? Oh, those are suicide doors, just like on the original, something you definitely don’t see every day on a modern sedan.
In terms of dimensions, the Origin stretches to 4,560 mm (179.5 in) in length, 1,745 mm (68.7 in) in width, and stands 1,455 mm (57.3 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm (109.4 in). It tips the scales at 1,560 kg (3,439 lb).
Underneath it all, the Origin shares its chassis with the Lexus IS of the time, powered by a 3.0-liter 2JE straight-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
Davey Japan
As for the interior, it’s a bit of a letdown. While the cabin features premium leather and real wood trim, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a mid-luxury Toyota of the early 2000s, nothing particularly memorable. In fact, you could easily mistake it for a 2000 Lexus ES.
Production was initially capped at 1,000 examples, though it’s understood that 1,073 were actually built.
Skoda’s upcoming Epiq crossover has been spotted testing in Europe.
The FWD EV shares its platform with the VW ID.2 and Cupra Raval.
Epiq is one of five new electric cars Skoda will launch before 2027.
While some brands’ commitment to the EV causes has wavered recently, Skoda is showing no sign of taking its foot off the electric gas pedal. The VW-owned Czech brand has five new EVs coming through in the next couple of years, including the little Epiq, which has been spied testing for the first time.
We’ve not heard much from the small electric crossover since Skoda revealed it in March of 2024, but a full production debut was always planned for this year and these images confirm we won’t have long to wait for the €25,000 ($29,000) EV to arrive in showrooms.
Designed to slot below the larger Karoq-sized Elroq, which was also revealed in 2024 but is already on sale, the Epiq uses a different version of VW’s MEB platform. While the Elroq is related to VW’s ID.3 and nominally rear-wheel drive, the Epiq is more closely aligned with the upcoming ID.2 and gets the newer front-wheel drive MEB architecture that’ll also be used on the Cupra Raval.
Visually, the Epiq fully embraces Skoda’s Modern Solid design language, borrowing heavily from the big 7S concept unveiled in 2022. At around 4.1 m (161.4 inches) long, it only occupies the same amount of road space as the little Fabia hatch, but Skoda says that the EV will provide an “epic amount of space” for passengers and a relatively huge 490-liter (17.3 cu-ft) trunk will ensure they’ll have plenty of space for their luggage.
Baldauf
The interior features a large tablet touchscreen, which is thankfully backed up by a row of hard buttons further down the console. Skoda hasn’t revealed much in the way of technical spec other than to say it would offer a 250-mile (400 km) driving range and bi-directional charging.
Even so, based on what we know about the new MEB Short platform, we think the Epiq will come with a choice of 38 kWh and 56 kWh batteries and higher-spec models are likely to feature a single 222 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) motor driving the front wheels that will allow it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 7 seconds.
It looks like a compelling package, one that could help Skoda claim another famous scalp. It was the fourth-best-selling brand in Europe last year, and its 767,000 tally put it only 8,000 cars away from third-placed BMW. That’s an incredible achievement for a company that was once the butt of jokes.
Arizona law enforcement just busted what it says is a multi-million dollar car theft ring.
In the process, it recovered 29 vehicles, cash, and several firearms and arrested three people.
It says that the suspects would rent out the cars on Turo to profit even more from their theft.
If you’ve rented a car in the Phoenix area recently, there’s a chance it was used in a crime. No, really. Local authorities have uncovered a theft ring that was renting out high-end vehicles on Turo, the popular car-sharing platform, as part of an elaborate scheme. In the end, three people with international connections are behind bars, and the cops have recovered 29 stolen cars worth nearly $2.5 million.
In what it called “Operation Escalading Switch” (cool name, huh?) the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force executed several search warrants on Tuesday. They stumbled upon more than two dozen cars, several of which had altered vehicle identification numbers. Authorities say many of the cars they found ended up on Turo, the rental website, within a week after being swiped.
Among the recovered vehicles? A Chevrolet Corvette, a Rolls-Royce Ghost, an Aston Martin DBX, and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. So, if you’ve rented one of those recently, congratulations, you might have been driving something that could’ve had a much more colorful past than you thought.
“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the dedication of our Vehicle Theft Task Force,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “We are committed to protecting Arizona’s communities, and this takedown sends a strong message to those engaged in organized crime.”
Officers also uncovered a stash of cash and firearms during the operation. In addition, they arrested Ali Ahmad, 29, Delia Rocha, 32, and Mario Rodriguez, 33, all from Glendale, AZ. With their ties to both Mexico and the Middle East, the trio was deemed a flight risk and promptly detained.
Photos Arizona DPS
Turo ended up being instrumental in busting these folks. In a statement to AZFamily, the company wrote: “We’re grateful to AZDPS, the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force, and Turo’s dedicated Trust and Safety investigators for working together to remove these criminals from Phoenix metro streets.”
It turns out that one of the culprits had insider access to the Arizona DMV.
“Unfortunately, this host’s insider access to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles enabled them to disguise stolen vehicles as legitimate rentals,” said Turo’s spokesperson. “We immediately collaborated with investigators to expose the full scheme. Moreover, criminal behavior is extremely rare on our platform, and we have zero tolerance for it.”
Based on that, it seems as though this sort of situation should be a relatively rare one. That said, it’s a good reminder that criminals are often working the system to the best of their abilities; but there’s no such thing as a perfect crime.
The lawsuit claimed certain Cruze models had diesel emissions defeat devices.
Most claims were dismissed over lack of evidence, but some are still up for trial.
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the case must return to a district court for review.
Dealing with the justice system is often a marathon, not a sprint, and 10 Chevrolet Cruze owners in the United States are getting a painful reminder of that. Nine years after they first sued Chevrolet, claiming the company had used emissions defeat devices in diesel models of the compact sedan, the lawsuit is making its way back to court.
This all began shortly after Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal rocked the automotive world, exposing levels of deception no one thought possible from one of the largest automakers on the planet. The plaintiffs in this case allege that, just like several VW models, the 2014-2015 diesel Cruzes were equipped with software that could disable or reduce emissions controls when the vehicle wasn’t being emissions-tested.
The Emissions Cheating Allegations
The lawsuit claims that, as a result, these specific Cruze models emitted significantly higher levels of NOx than what GM had advertised, and more importantly, higher than what the EPA’s standards allowed. In other words, they were polluting at levels that would have kept the vehicles from earning a Certificate of Conformity, the key approval needed to sell cars in the U.S. The plaintiffs argued that their cars should’ve been recalled.
Back To Court
However, over the years, most of the claims from the lawsuit were dismissed for lack of evidence. Additionally, a judge found that in the five years after the case was filed, none of the plaintiffs had attempted to have their vehicles repaired, despite previously claiming that the diesel cheating could cause them to lose money on “future attempted repairs.”
But, as they say, you can’t keep a good lawsuit down. Earlier this month, though, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that plaintiffs now have another chance to prove their claims to a lower district court. The plaintiffs believe that certain fraud claims are not preempted by federal emissions regulations and the Clean Air Act.
Given that the case has been pending for nine years, the judge said that new litigation will not be permitted, and the suit is being remanded to the district court simply to determine if the remaining claims are preempted.
The Roman proverb Dura Lex, Sed Lex (which translates to “the law may be tough, but it’s the law”) inadvertently springs to mind. At least those who feel they’ve been wronged can still hope to get some compensation – and that’s better than nothing, we suppose…
Toyota is considering a compact pickup that could rival the Ford Maverick and Santa Cruz.
Two designers envisioned what a RAV4-based pickup might look like in new renderings.
A unibody approach might make the compact pickup more affordable and SUV-like.
Toyota’s pushing for something new, and no, it’s not another hybrid crossover. Company officials have already confirmed that they’re exploring the idea of a smaller, more affordable pickup to sit under the midsize Tacoma. The 2023 fully electric EPU concept is the closest we’ve seen to an official preview of this compact pickup, but whether Toyota will actually move forward with it remains uncertain.
Enter the world of digital artistry, where independent designers like Digimods Design and Theophilus Chin have taken a swing at imagining what this compact pickup could look like. Their muse? The rugged 2026 RAV4 Adventure trim.
RAV4 Adventure Trim as the Starting Point
The Adventure trim is the standout here, with its blacked-out front inserts, boxy bumper, larger grille, extra intakes, and a more aggressive skid plate. It’s a look that’s definitely more suited for a pickup compared to the standard or GR-Sport variants of the RAV4. That said, both Digimods and Chin had differing ideas for how the rest of the body should be shaped.
Digimods took a more traditional route, combining the RAV4’s front end with the Tacoma’s ladder-frame chassis and a standard rear bed. He even gave it a touch of personality, adding the horizontally mounted taillights from the RAV4 to the tailgate, though that’s a bit of an unconventional move.
Chin, however, went in a different direction entirely. His rendering imagines a unibody truck with design elements directly pulled from the RAV4, but with a stretched wheelbase and a longer tail. To match, he opted for vertically stacked LED taillights, a plastic bumper with integrated steps, and a large tailgate adorned with RAV4 lettering. It’s more of a car-like take on a truck, but it has its charm.
The idea of a unibody compact truck might actually be the more realistic option. If Toyota decides to go this route, it could face off against rivals like the Ford Maverick, with its unibody construction, or the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Sure, a unibody won’t have the raw towing and cargo capacity of a traditional ladder-frame truck, but it might be enough for people with active lifestyles or small businesses that don’t need the full capabilities of a workhorse. Plus, you could still pair it with a beefed-up suspension to give it a bit more ruggedness.
Toyota’s RAV4 rides on the TNGA-K platform, which it shares with the larger Crown Signia, Highlander, and Grand Highlander SUVs. This platform supports hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline powertrains, and the most powerful RAV4 PHEV offers a respectable 320 horsepower (238 kW / 324 PS).
While that’s plenty of power for a compact truck, the truck’s bulk and less aerodynamic shape would likely reduce range, especially if Toyota were to incorporate electrification.
What’s the Alternative?
So, what if Toyota decides to go for something a bit more traditional? Some reports suggest that Toyota could give the compact truck the rugged treatment with a ladder-frame chassis, similar to what you’d find on the Hilux. This version would likely offer much better off-road performance, akin to the FJ Cruiser of yesteryear, which would certainly appeal to a different crowd than those eyeing a more SUV-like truck. If Toyota wants a true off-road contender, this might be the way to go.
Would you be more interested in a pickup version of the RAV4, or would you rather see Toyota bring back the FJ Cruiser spirit with something a bit more rugged and off-road capable?
When Toyota dropped the GR Yaris in 2020, it wasn’t just another hot hatch. It was a full-throttle wake-up call to the entire segment, reminding everyone that performance and passion can still exist in a small package. Think of it as the industry’s equivalent of someone shouting “Wake up!” at a sluggish meeting. The GR Yaris, with its rally-inspired roots, brought the heat in a way that hadn’t been seen since the 2015 Ford Focus RS.
With a highly-strung 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, a bespoke two-door shell, and a platform incorporating elements from the regular Yaris and the Corolla, the GR Yaris proved to be an instant hit. Now, it has been updated for the 2025 model year with more aggressive styling, an extra dose of power, and an overhauled interior.
What was arguably the best hot hatch on the market now promises to be even better. But does it really live up to that claim? That’s exactly what we’re here to find out.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2025 Toyota GR Yaris GTS
› Starting Price:
AU$66,008 (~$42,900)
› Dimensions:
3,995 mm (157.2 in.) L
1,805mm (71 in.) W
1,455 mm (57.2 in.) H
2,560 mm (100.7 in) Wheelbase
› Curb Weight:
1,280 kg (2,821 lbs) manual / 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) auto
› Powertrain:
1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
› Output:
296 hp (221 kW) / 296 lb-ft (401 Nm) combined
› 0-62 mph
5.0 seconds (manual), 4.7 seconds (auto)
› Transmission:
Six-speed manual / Eight-speed automatic
› Fuel Economy:
9.0 l/100 km as tested
› On Sale:
Now
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The Goodies
When first launched in Australia back in 2020, the GR Yaris was available in a standard guise and a limited-run version known as the ‘Rallye’, capped at just 250 units. This Rallye version came equipped with all the same upgrades found in the Circuit Pack offered in overseas markets, including stiffer suspension, lighter wheels, and most importantly, limited-slip differentials at both the front and rear axles.
Both cars proved hugely popular, but understandably, the Rallye was the better pick of the two. In updating the GR Yaris for 2025, Toyota has named the base version the GT, and the Rallye has morphed into the GTS, but importantly, production of it is no longer limited.
The GTS comes with a host of upgrades, including red brake calipers, two limited-slip differentials (LSDs), 18-inch forged BBS wheels, revised suspension, and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. It even features an intercooler spray system, just like an old Mitsubishi Evo.
The updates don’t stop there. The buzzing 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder has been upgraded to the same spec you’ll find in the larger GR Corolla. That means it now delivers 296 hp (221 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 296 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque between 3,250 rpm and 4,600 rpm, compared to the 268 hp (200 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of the old model.
However, perhaps the most significant single change is on the transmission front. For the first time, the GR Yaris is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new gearbox is offered alongside the same six-speed manual found in the previous model.
With these modifications comes a jump in price. In Australia, the GR Yaris is available from AU$60,798 (~$39,500) for the base GT model and $66,008 (~$42,900) for the GTS.
Everyone loves performance upgrades, but when the new GR Yaris was released, not everyone was sold on the new interior. It’s easy to see why. It’s generally quite unusual for a brand to make such significant changes to a car’s cabin during a mid-cycle facelift, but that’s exactly what Toyota has done, aiming to make the GR Yaris more driver-focused while addressing some of the original’s complaints.
The dashboard has been completely redesigned, and the central stack is now curved towards the driver, ensuring everything is within easy reach. Toyota has also repositioned the rearview mirror slightly higher, improving visibility.
At first glance, the new cabin is quite jarring, but I grew to appreciate its design after a few days. The analog gauge cluster of the old car has been replaced with a 12.3-inch digital display that offers some impressive, motorsport-inspired displays. However, there’s no ignoring the fact that aside from the screens, the cabin of the GR Yaris feels cheap.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The new dash, while functional, is made entirely from hard black plastic that feels more fitting of a AU$30,000 (~$19,000) car. The same hard plastic continues across the rest of the dashboard, the pillars, the transmission tunnel, and the door panels. Other than the seats, the steering wheel, and the shifter, there are no soft-touch surfaces in sight. Even the faux suede patches on the door panels sit over solid plastic. For a car that costs this much, Toyota should have made the surfaces feel a little nicer.
On the plus side, the seats have been lowered by 25 mm (1 inch) compared to the old car. However, the seating position is still a little too high for my liking. The seats themselves are good, but not exceptional, and certainly not as comfortable or as supportive as those found in the Honda Civic Type R.
The enlarged 8.0-inch infotainment screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but other than that, it is extremely bland. The software is devoid of virtually any interesting features or sporty displays, like those found in the Honda or one of Hyundai’s N models.
Of course, you’re probably not that interested in the cabin of the GR Yaris. What you really want to know is how it drives, right? Well, I’m happy to report it’s even better than before.
A Pocket Rocket With Sounds To Match
First up is the engine. Sure, it may only have three cylinders and a 1.6-liter displacement, but this little unit delivers a sound and character that outshines any comparable four-cylinder on the market. Heck, it even sounds more exciting than the inline-six in the Supra. No joke.
Under full throttle, the engine growls, accompanied by a lovely whoosh from the exhaust, making it sound like a proper rally car. There are also some lovely whistles from the turbocharger when you back off the accelerator. It may not have the pops and bangs of an i30 N or a Golf R, but it sounds more like an authentic performance car.
As before, acceleration is impressively strong. While testing the manual, we recorded a best time of 5.0 seconds in the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a GPS timer. This time dropped to 4.7 seconds with the eight-speed automatic version, which, unlike the manual, includes a launch control system. Make no mistake, this will leave any front-wheel drive competitor for dead off the line, although the auto version doesn’t launch quite as hard as a Golf R.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Automatic or Manual? Either Way, It’s a Blast
Speaking of the automatic, it’s actually a pretty great one. Much like it’s easy to dismiss the GR Yaris due to its small engine, it’s equally tempting to overlook the automatic transmission because it’s a traditional torque converter, not a dual-clutch like some rivals. But Toyota has worked its magic on the gearbox, and the result is impressive.
The eight-speed provides snappy changes as soon as you pull on the steering wheel-mounted paddles. It’s equally as responsive when left in automatic mode, too, and will quickly and easily find the right gear depending on how you’re driving. Admittedly, it doesn’t shift gears as quickly as the DCT or an i30 N or Golf R, but it is far, far smoother at low speeds.
There’s no jerkiness when cruising around in first gear, nor any hesitation when changing from 1st to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st, as is common with a dual-clutch. The auto should massively broaden the appeal of the GR Yaris. But, it’s worth pointing out the gear changes are not as quick as you’ll find from the ZF eight-speed auto in the GR Supra.
Of course, hardcore driving enthusiasts would be best to opt for the six-speed manual. It has a short, and surprisingly weighty throw, and is a joy to use. It also includes a superb automatic rev-matching function.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Handling and Fun Factor
Let’s not forget the all-wheel-drive system. Toyota has changed some of the configurable settings for the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. Previously, it had offered Normal, Track, and Sport settings, providing front-to-rear power splits of 60:40, 50:50, and 30:70, respectively. For 2025, Normal has been retained, but Sport has been changed to Gravel with a 53:47 split. Additionally, Track is now a variable system, intelligently adjusting between 60:40 and 30:70 as needed.
I preferred the old setup, as having a fixed 30:70 front-to-rear power bias allowed you to transform the feel of the car. The Gravel model is cool, but not as useful on a daily basis.
But, despite these adjustments, the GR Yaris still handles as phenomenally as ever. The noise of the Michelin tires may reverberate throughout the cabin at high speeds, but when combined with the Toyota’s beautifully engineered suspension system and the two limited-slip diffs, they provide incredible levels of grip. The light overall weight of the car adds to the thrilling driving experience, and there are few cars out there that are more enjoyable to drive up a mountain road.
Like the old car, the steering is excellent too. It’s not as communicative as a Civic Type R, but it’s well-weighted and offers Normal and Sport settings. Speaking of modes, there are Eco, Normal, Sport, and a Custom driving model. Unfortunately, the Custom mode only lets you tweak the engine response, steering, and air conditioning in the six-speed, while adding an option to tweak the aggressiveness of the transmission in the eight-speed. Most rivals offer more settings to play with.
As with the original GR Yaris, there’s also a proper rally-inspired handbrake that disconnects the rear axle and lets you perform smoky, all-wheel drive donuts.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The outright performance of this pint-sized hot hatch is extremely impressive, but, importantly, you don’t have to drive it at ten-tenths to enjoy it. That’s the most significant difference between the GR Yaris and the Civic Type R, for example. Whereas the Honda is relatively tame and uninspiring while puttering around town, the Toyota remains fun to drive at slow speeds, providing far more theater than its Japanese counterpart.
I was also impressed with the ride of the GR Yaris. While it only has fixed dampers, compared to the adjustable ones you’ll find in some rivals, they’ve been nicely tuned and soak up bumps well. It’s more than comfortable enough for daily use. But, adaptive shocks would be nice.
Verdict
There’s no denying that the new GR Yaris is extremely expensive for what amounts to a very small, and very impractical car. However, when you consider the bespoke architecture of the car, its complex four-wheel drive system, and all the sporty add-ons of the GTS model, the sky-high price becomes a little easier to understand.
We’re living in an amazing period of hot hatches at the moment, and the GR Yaris is the finest of them all. It’s blisteringly fast across a small B-road, comfortable enough to be used on a daily basis, looks the business, and provides thrills at all speeds. Had it been equipped with a slightly more premium cabin, it would be virtually faultless.
A performance variant of BMW’s upcoming iX5 electric SUV has been spied testing in Germany.
The SUV looks like an iX5 M70 that could battle the Lotus Eletre and Porsche Cayenne Electric.
BMW is sticking with the CLAR platform for the X5 rather than moving to Neue Klasse architecture.
Like it or not, BMW M’s best-selling vehicle is an EV, the i4 M50, which was recently upgraded to become the i4 M60. And there’s plenty more where that came from, including a fully electric M3 and the musclebound electric SUV you see here.
The big drilled brake discs and huge wheels make it clear we’re looking at a performance variant of the upcoming iX5, BMW’s first ever electric X5. And based on what we know of the brand’s current naming strategy, we think it’s likely an iX5 M70.
The 23-inch, five-spoke forged rims are wrapped in Michelin tires rated to over 150 mph (240 km/h), and we’ve no doubt the M70 will be capable of sailing past that speed – and then some in case BMW doesn’t restrict it. Odds-on it’s powered by the same dual-motor powertrain setup that’s already seeing action in the i7 M70, where it makes 650 hp (659 PS / 485 kW) and can send the sedan to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 3.7 seconds. Let’s hope BMW can use its latest battery technology to improve on the i7’s M70’s range, which the EPA says is just 268-285 miles (431-459 km).
Like the i7, the new iX5, which will also be available in combustion form, relies on an updated version of the existing CLAR architecture. That’s a major difference between the X5/iX5 and the X3/iX3; on the smaller SUV the combustion car is CLAR-based but the iX3 moves to BMW’s Neue Klasse platform.
But even if it’s not Neue Klasse under the skin, the X5 will still look the part, borrowing design cues from the iX3, which was previewed by last year’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept, including a visor-like front-end. These pictures show the project is still at a relatively early stage, so the lights aren’t representative and there are some riveted panels on the bodywork and heavy camouflage on the bumpers.
The iX5 and this M70 variant should arrive next year in time to battle Porsche’s first ever Cayenne Electric and give existing electric SUVs like the Lotus Eletre a hard time. But the good news for combustion fans is that both the BMW and Porsche will also be available in ICE forms, and even Lotus is working on a hybrid version of the Eletre in response to a slowdown in luxury EV uptake and steep tariffs.
