Our spy photographers have snapped a performance Toyota Yaris undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. Here's what we know so far.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The current-generation Toyota Yaris GRMN really blew our socks off. Not only did it comfortably see off its rivals in a straight line, but it delivered some outstanding driving thrills. Guess you can say that we became rather smitten with the pint-sized performer. However, this Yaris was based on the Euro-spec model, which the SA market lost in favour of the cheaper Asian-built model.

Spotted recently at the Nurburgring was a Gazoo Racing-branded Toyota Yaris prototype, which we're told is the 2020 Toyota Yaris GR Sport. While it's not going to be as hardcore as the GRMN which we suspect will come later, this GR Sport will have sporty suspension making it quite fun to drive. We wouldn't put it past Toyota to offer a slight performance upgrade either, as the segment is expected to growin the next year or two. This all-new Toyota Yaris GR Sport will form part of the all-new Toyota Yaris range for Europe. While it's too early to tell, we predict that this all-new Yaris will be built on the TNG-A platform, giving it decent levels of ride quality and comfort. We hope the SA market will revert back to the European-spec Yaris as our impressions of the current-gen were a tad underwhelming.

Watch the Toyota Yaris GRMN smash its rivals on the drag strip

Hyundai is busy preparing an all-new i20 as well as an N performance version and seeing as Renault has just launched an all-new Clio RS, we're expecting an RS-branded model revealed before the year is out. Locally, the Suzuki Swift Sport is about to launch and Opel has its Corsa GSI to keep things interesting. It's great to see this segment still alive as it offers some fun and value for money.

We'll keep you posted on the 2020 Toyota Yaris and Toyota Yaris GR Sport. Watch this space!

Further Reading

Hyundai plans i20 N: Will it Look Like This?

Spy Shots: Hyundai i20

Toyota Yaris (2018) Specs & Price

Toyota Yaris GRMN (2018) Local Drive